Impact of body weight-based dosing of palonosetron and ondansetron on postoperative nausea and vomiting following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a randomized, double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a frequent adverse effect following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Palonosetron with a standard dosing (75 µg) schedule has been questioned due to its low efficiency in obese patients. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of the body weight-based dosing of palonosetron in managing PONV following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. METHODS: A single-center, prospective, double-blinded randomized study was conducted between August 2021 and December 2021. Patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were prospectively recruited in the study. One hundred patients were randomly divided into palonosetron (Group P) and ondansetron (Group O). The demographic and clinical variables were recorded. The primary outcome of the study was the incidence of PONV between the two groups during the hospitalization. The secondary outcomes were the number of rescue anti-emetic and analgesic medications and the Functional Living Index-Emesis scores. RESULTS: There were 50 patients in each group (Group P and Group O). There were significant differences in the scores of POVN, nausea, and vomiting favoring Group P. In Group P, the rate of patients using rescue anti-emetics was significantly lower. The incidence of complete response and proportion of patients with higher Functional Living Index-Emesis scores were significantly higher in patients using palonosetron. CONCLUSIONS: The use of palonosetron significantly reduced the incidence of PONV following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. There was a significant improvement in the scores of Functional Living Index-Emesis in patients using palonosetron.

Retrospective analysis of metabolic effects of laparoscopic gastric plication and single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S).

AIM: The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who underwent laparoscopic gastric plication (LGP) or single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADIS) and analyze the postoperative first-year results of these two operations. METHODS: Forty-three patients who have undergone LGP and 36 patients who had undergone SADI-S were included in this study. Baseline and postoperative first-year data of patients with T2DM who have undergone LGP or SADI-S in our clinic between January 1, 2013, and June 30, 2016, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: It is understood that both operations maintained a remarkable improvement in blood glucose parameters alongside total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The complete diabetes remission rate was significantly higher in the SADI-S group than in the LGP group (69.4% vs. 42.1%, p=0.018). LGP group achieved better results than SADI-S on weight loss in terms of the percentage excess weight loss (EWL%) (p<0.001) and the percentage total weight loss (TWL%) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In our study, both operations facilitated diabetes remission, and complete remission or improvement was obtained in most of the cases. In addition, statistically significant weight loss was observed in both procedures. Therefore, both bariatric techniques can be chosen for obese diabetic patients considering their priorities and needs. KEY WORDS: Diabetes Remission, Laparoscopic Gastric Plication, SADI-S.

Don't neglect the rare adverse event with intravenous immunoglobulin: Hemolytic anemia.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) associated hemolytic anemia is an under-recognized complication of IVIG therapy. The incidence of this adverse event is not clear. Patients at high risk for IVIG-associated hemolytic anemia include non-O blood group recipients and those undergoing high-dose administration for inflammatory or autoimmune disorders. Here, two different cases of IVIG-associated hemolytic anemia are demonstrated. The first patient, a 66 year-old male with Guillain-Barré syndrome, had a severe attack for which erythrocyte replacement was required. Mild hemolysis was detected during IVIG administration in the second patient, a 57 year-old female with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Following IVIG termination, the hemolysis diminished gradually. Although it is rare and often manageable, clinicians should be aware of and monitor patients for hemolytic anemia following IVIG therapy.

Effect of glutamine use on the formation of intestinal neomucosa on peritoneal surface in rats.

BACKGROUND: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a clinical condition with high mortality and morbidity, which leads to the lack of absorption of fluids or nutrients necessary for the body due to the decrease in the length of the small bowel (SB). Glutamine is an amino acid essential for the nutrition and proliferation of intestinal mucosa cells. The main aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of glutamine on intestinal neomucosa formation in rats which developed SBS. METHODS: Sixteen Wistar Hannover rats were randomly divided into two groups of eight rats. Saline was applied to the rats in Group 1 (control) following the enteroperitoneal anastomosis between mucosal surface of the ileum and the parietal peritoneum surface (adherent to abdominal wall) while glutamine was applied to the rats in Group 2 following the same anastomosis. Fourteen days later, the rats were euthanatized and blood samples were taken. Simultaneously, en bloc resection of the anastomosis part was performed and histopathological examination was carried out to observe neomucosa formation. The effects of glutamine on anastomosis were determined by microscopic and biochemical evaluations. RESULTS: Biochemical analyses were performed by measuring serum oxidant (malondialdehyde [MDA] and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG]) and antioxidant (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]) parameters. Based on the biochemical evaluation results of the antioxidant values of the control and glutamine groups, it was found that while the serum antioxidant level (SOD and GPx activity) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the glutamine-administered rats compared to the control group, the oxidative damage (MDA and 8-OHdG) was lower (p<0.05). In terms of the histological evaluations made for the neomucosa formation, the number of neomucosa formation was higher in the glutamine group, but the difference was not significant (p=0.315). CONCLUSION: The use of glutamine in patients with SBS may increase surface absorption by increasing neomucosa formation. However, additional studies of large statistical power are needed.

Curcumin Enhanced the Neomucosa Formation by Mediating the Antioxidation Mechanism in Rats.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to examine the possible effects of curcumin on the formation of neomucosa in parietal peritoneum which was applied as a patch for terminal ileal defect in rats. Methods: Sixteen male Wistar Hannover rats were split into two groups. The control group was injected with saline and curcumin (2 mL/kg/day, by gavage) was given to the experimental group. In both groups, amounts of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA), the activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were determined in serum. The development of neomucosa formation was examined morphologically. Results: Serum antioxidant levels and glutathione peroxidase activity in rats given curcumin were significantly higher than those of the control group (p<0.05). The levels of oxidative markers (MDA and 8-OHdG) in rats given curcumin were significantly lower than those of the control group (p<0.05). In the histopathological examination, 62.5% of rats in the curcumin group showed formation of neomucosa while 37.5% of control rats showed neomucosa. Conclusion: The use of curcumin in rats with terminal ileal defect enhanced the formation of neomucosa by decreasing the oxidation level and increasing the antioxidation level. Curcumin may be used in the patients with short bowel syndrome to increase the absorption surface area.

Cordycepin prevents the esophageal stricture formation in the alkali-burn rat model by exerting anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of cordycepin, an adenosine analogue, on prevention of esophageal damage and stricture formation due to esophageal caustic burns in rat model comparing with prednisolone. METHODS: Caustic esophageal burn was introduced by 37.5% of NaOH to distal esophagus. Thirty-two Wistar albino rats were divided in four groups: sham rats undergone laparotomy, treated with 0.9% NaCl; control rats injured with NaOH without cordycepin treatment; cordycepin group injured with NaOH, treated with 20 mg/kg cordycepin; prednisolone group injured with NaOH, treated with 1 mg/kg prednisolone for 28 days. Efficacy was assessed by histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of esophageal tissues. RESULTS: Cordycepin treatment significantly decreased inflammation, granulation tissue and fibrous tissue formation and prevented formation of esophageal strictures shown by histopathological damage score and stenosis indexes compared to control group (p < 0.01). These effects are relatively more substantial than prednisolone, probably based on attenuation of elevation of proinflammatory cytokines hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1?), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-?), proliferative and fibrotic factor fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that cordycepin has a complex multifactorial healing process in alkali-burned tissue, more successful than prednisolone in preventing the formation of esophageal strictures and may be used as a therapeutic agent in the acute phase of esophageal alkali-burn.

Cordycepin prevents the esophageal stricture formation in the alkali-burn rat model by exerting anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the efficacy of cordycepin, an adenosine analogue, on prevention of esophageal damage and stricture formation due to esophageal caustic burns in rat model comparing with prednisolone. Methods Caustic esophageal burn was introduced by 37.5% of NaOH to distal esophagus. Thirty-two Wistar albino rats were divided in four groups: sham rats undergone laparotomy, treated with 0.9% NaCl; control rats injured with NaOH without cordycepin treatment; cordycepin group injured with NaOH, treated with 20 mg/kg cordycepin; prednisolone group injured with NaOH, treated with 1 mg/kg prednisolone for 28 days. Efficacy was assessed by histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of esophageal tissues. Results Cordycepin treatment significantly decreased inflammation, granulation tissue and fibrous tissue formation and prevented formation of esophageal strictures shown by histopathological damage score and stenosis indexes compared to control group (p < 0.01). These effects are relatively more substantial than prednisolone, probably based on attenuation of elevation of proinflammatory cytokines hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1?), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-?), proliferative and fibrotic factor fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) (p < 0.05). Conclusions The findings suggest that cordycepin has a complex multifactorial healing process in alkali-burned tissue, more successful than prednisolone in preventing the formation of esophageal strictures and may be used as a therapeutic agent in the acute phase of esophageal alkali-burn.

A comparison of the quantitative evaluation of in situ parathyroid gland perfusion by indocyanine green fluorescence angiography and by visual examination in thyroid surgery

ABSTRACT Objective The most vital complications of thyroidectomy are recurrent nerve damage and hypocalcaemia. We aimed to compare the tissue perfusion scores (PS) of IG fluorescence angiography (IGFA) and visual examination by the surgeon after total thyroidectomy. Subjects and methods Forty-three patients were accepted into the study. Localisation of the parathyroid gland (PG) was determined by the naked eye and scored in terms of tissue perfusion. The averages of fluorescent light intensities for each IGFA were calculated, the perfusions were scored and compared with the PS given by the surgeon. Biochemical parameters were noted. Results 37.2% of patients had autotransplanted PGs, according to their visual scores. The means of IGFA-PS for PGs scored as 0, 1 or 2 on visual inspection were 48.58 ± 4.49 [30-70], 89.65 ± 8.93 [36-144] and 158.76 ± 8.93 [70-253], respectively, which correlated with the visual PSs in a statistically significant manner (P < 0.0001). The predictive cut-off value for IGFA-PS was determined to be 70, given a visual PS of 0 (95% CI [0.72-0.85]), and this was interpreted to be a candidate cut-off point for the autotransplantation of PGs. Conclusion IGFA scoring may be considered as an operative predictor, providing objective criteria to evaluate the tissue and blood perfusion of PGs after thyroidectomy. IGFA scoring may be considered to have value in minimising postoperative permanent hypoparathyroidism in patients.

A comparison of the quantitative evaluation of in situ parathyroid gland perfusion by indocyanine green fluorescence angiography and by visual examination in thyroid surgery.

Objective The most vital complications of thyroidectomy are recurrent nerve damage and hypocalcaemia. We aimed to compare the tissue perfusion scores (PS) of IG fluorescence angiography (IGFA) and visual examination by the surgeon after total thyroidectomy. Subjects and methods Forty-three patients were accepted into the study. Localisation of the parathyroid gland (PG) was determined by the naked eye and scored in terms of tissue perfusion. The averages of fluorescent light intensities for each IGFA were calculated, the perfusions were scored and compared with the PS given by the surgeon. Biochemical parameters were noted. Results 37.2% of patients had autotransplanted PGs, according to their visual scores. The means of IGFA-PS for PGs scored as 0, 1 or 2 on visual inspection were 48.58 ± 4.49 [30-70], 89.65 ± 8.93 [36-144] and 158.76 ± 8.93 [70-253], respectively, which correlated with the visual PSs in a statistically significant manner (P < 0.0001). The predictive cut-off value for IGFA-PS was determined to be 70, given a visual PS of 0 (95% CI [0.72-0.85]), and this was interpreted to be a candidate cut-off point for the autotransplantation of PGs. Conclusion IGFA scoring may be considered as an operative predictor, providing objective criteria to evaluate the tissue and blood perfusion of PGs after thyroidectomy. IGFA scoring may be considered to have value in minimising postoperative permanent hypoparathyroidism in patients.

Two Different Clinical Approaches with Mortality Assessment of Four Cases: Complete and Incomplete Type of Abdominal Cocoon Syndrome.

Abdominal cocoon syndrome (ACS), also called sclerosing encapsulated peritonitis, is a condition characterized by encapsulation of all or some of small bowel loops by a thick fibrous membrane. Etiologic cause is not fully known. It is among the rare causes of intestinal obstruction in adults. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult, and high suspicion is required. Diagnosis is generally made during laparotomy performed due to mechanical obstruction. In treatment of the condition, large scale surgical resections should be avoided. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate all clinical and radiological characteristics and surgical treatment of ACS in light of the literature through four patients operated in our clinic.

Potent therapeutic effects of ruscogenin on gastric ulcer established by acetic acid.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the potent therapeutic effects of Ruscogenin, main steroid sapogenin of traditional Chinese plant called 'Ophiopogon japonicas', on chronic ulcer model established with acetic acid in rats. METHODS: 24 rats were attenuated to the sham (2 ml/kg/day isotonic solution), control (untreated ulcer) and treatment (3 ml/kg/day ruscogenin) groups. After treatment for 2 weeks, gastric tissues were collected and prepared for light microscopic (H&E), immunohistochemical (Collagen I, III and IV) and biochemical analysis [Epidermal growth factor (EGF), Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 and 8 (IL-6 and IL-8), Lipid Peroxidase (LPO), Myeloperoxidase (MPO), Glutathione (GSH) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px)] and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: Macroscopic scoring showed that the ulceration area of ruscogenin-treated group decreased compared with control group. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed ruscogenin ameliorated and restored the levels of Collagen I and IV to the levels of sham group. Tissue levels of EGF and PGE2 enhanced significantly in untreated ulcer group while were higher in treated ulcer group than the control group. TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, LPO, MPO levels increased significantly in control group whereas decreased in treated rats after ruscogenin treatment. However, levels of GSH and GSH-Px increased significantly in treatment group. TEM showed chief cells and parietal cells of ulcer group having degenerated organelles while ruscogenin group had normal ultrastructure of cells. CONCLUSION: There are potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of ruscogenin on gastric ulcer and may be successfully used as a safe and therapeutic agent in treatment of peptic ulcer.

Effects of bariatric surgery on knee osteoarthritis, knee pain and quality of life in female patients.

OBJECTIVES: Bariatric surgery is an effective intervention for severe obesity and associated comorbidities. We compared symptoms, joint space and life quality of morbidly obese patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis before and after bariatric surgery. METHODS: 34 patients with knee osteoarthritis were evaluated with standing anteroposterior and lateral radiography, medial and lateral joint distances of the knees, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) before and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 48.53±6.91 years. Mean body mass index was 46.97±6.04 kg/m2 and 34.41±5.62 kg/m2 before and after surgery, respectively. SF-36 subscales were significantly higher after surgery (p<0.05), while mean VAS values and WOMAC scores were significantly lower postoperatively (p<0.001). Right knee medial and left knee lateral joint distance measurements were significantly higher postoperatively (p<0.05). BMI change, in linear regression analysis had no significant effect on VAS, WOMAC, SF-36 and knee lateral and medial joint distance measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Although bariatric surgery might improve pain, life quality and functionality of knee osteoarthritis in early period, improvement is not directly related to weight loss amount.

Examination of protective and therapeutic effects of ruscogenin on cerulein-induced experimental acute pancreatitis in rats.

PURPOSE: To determine the potential protective and therapeutic effects and action mechanism of ruscogenin on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) model in rats. METHODS: Overall, 32 rats were attenuated to the sham (2-mL/kg/day isotonic solution for 4 weeks), control (20-µg/kg cerulein-induced AP for 12 hours), prophylaxis groups (cerulein-induced AP following 3-mL/kg/day ruscogenin for 4 weeks) and treatment (3-mL/kg/day ruscogenin following cerulein-induced AP for 12 hours). Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1/neuronal NOS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). After sacrification, pancreas tissues were collected and prepared for light microscopic (hematoxylin and eosin), immunohistochemical (nuclear factor kappa B) and biochemical analysis (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], interleukin-6 and 1ß [IL-6 and IL-1ß], CRP, high-sensitivity CRP [hs-CRP] amylase, lipase, and ICAM-1). Ultrastructural analysis was performed by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: The protective and therapeutic actions of ruscogenin were accomplished by improvements in histopathology, by decreasing blood cytokine levels of CRP, hs-CRP levels, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, ICAM-1, by reducing the pancreatic enzymes amylase and lipase in blood, and by suppressing the expression of nuclear factor kappa B, ICAM-1, and NOS-1, but not MDA in pancreatic tissues. Ruscogenin also improved cerulein-induced ultrastructural degenerations in endocrine and exocrine cells, especially in treatment group. CONCLUSION: The present findings have demonstrated the beneficial protective and therapeutical effects of ruscogenin, nominating it as a highly promising supplementary agent to be considered in the treatment of AP, and even as a protective agent against the damages induced by disease.

Psychological well-being and marital satisfaction in response to weight loss after bariatric surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare the marital satisfaction (MS) and psychological well-being (PWB) of men and women before and after bariatric surgery for obesity. METHODS: The subjects of this prospective observational study were obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery. MS and PWB were assessed before, and 6 months after the surgery, using specific scales for MS and PWB. RESULTS: The correlation matrix showed that age was not correlated with any of the scores from the PWB scales, and only with the total MS scores of men (P < 0.05). The pre-surgical BMI-post-surgical BMI (ΔBMI) was correlated negatively and significantly with the post-surgical total MS, especially for women, but it was not correlated with the sexual satisfaction of either gender. The score of positive interpersonal relationships was negatively correlated with the ΔBMI, especially for women (P < 0.05), whereas personal improvement was positively correlated for men (P < 0.05). There was also a significant correlation between ΔBMI and purpose in life for both genders. Post-surgical ΔBMIs were not associated with the other two indicators of PWB, namely, autonomy and environmental mastery for both genders. CONCLUSIONS: For women, weight loss after bariatric surgery seemed to improve PWB and MS when assessed 6 months post-operatively; however, the psychiatric assessment of patients before and after the surgery is crucial.

Role of diclofenac sodium and paracetamol on colonic anastomosis: An experimental rodent model.

BACKGROUND: Despite many advances in surgery and technology, colonic anastomosis remains a challenge after colonic resection. The purpose of this study is to compare the safety of using diclofenac sodium and paracetamol for analgesia in colonic anastomosis on rats. METHODS: Wistar-Hannover rats were randomly allocated to four groups: Group 1, sham-operated group; Group 2, control group; Group 3, diclofenac sodium group; Group 4, paracetamol group. After laparotomy, the left colon was transected and a single-layer anastomosis was made with 5/0 vicryl in Groups 2, 3, and 4. Only laparotomy was performed in Group 1. After anastomosis, we administered saline to Group 2, diclofenac sodium to Group 3, and paracetamol to Group 4 for 7 days. Then, all animals were decapitated. The anastomotic region was resected, and bursting pressure was measured. Then, the specimen was sent to the laboratory for histological examination and hydroxyproline analysis. RESULTS: Bursting pressure and hydroxyproline level were significantly higher in the paracetamol group (p<0.05). When we looked at the fibrosis levels of these groups, it was also higher in paracetamol group. CONCLUSION: Bursting pressure, hydroxyproline levels, and fibrosis levels indicate that the perioperative use of paracetamol for analgesia when undergoing colonic anastomosis is safer than diclofenac sodium.

Isolated thyroid metastasis from renal cell carcinoma.

Metastatic neoplasms of the thyroid are uncommon when compared to primary tumors of the gland. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a highly aggressive tumor of the urinary system. It can spread all over the body. Isolated solitary metastases of RCC to the thyroid are very rarely observed. A 64-year-old woman with a history of left radical nephrectomy for RCC, was referred to our clinic with palpable thyroid nodule. Ultrasound confirmed the nodule on the left lobe. Histopathological examination of the thyroidectomy specimen revealed that there were two solitary metastasis of RCC. No other distant metastasis were detected. Metastatic tumors of the thyroid gland are very rare. When patients with thyroid nodule are referred to our clinic with the history of other malignancies, we must consider metastasis. Thyroidectomy is recommended in the case of isolated thyroid metastasis of RCC.

Relation of binge eating disorder with impulsiveness in obese individuals.

AIM: To investigate the levels of impulsiveness, and the relationship between the binge eating disorder (BED) and the levels of impulsiveness in obese individuals. METHODS: Two hundred and forty-one obese patients who were included in the study and candidate for bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) were clinically interviewed to identify the BED group, and patients were divided into two groups: Those with BED and those without BED. The comorbidity rate of groups was determined by using structured clinical interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I). A sociodemographic data form including the story of previous psychiatric treatment, structured clinical interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I), Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 were applied to both of the groups. RESULTS: In regard to 241 obese individuals included in the study, total score and score of attention subscale for BED (+) group were significantly high (P < 0.05). In addition, suicide attempt, story of psychiatric consultation, and score for BDI were again significantly high in the BED (+) group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In assessment of obese individuals, assessment of associated psychopathology such as impulsive characteristics and suicide attempt in addition to disrupted eating behaviors will allow to have a more extensive view.

Comparison of the Effects of Glutamine, Curcumin, and Nesfatin-1 on the Gastric Serosal Surface Neomucosa Formation: An Experimental Rodent Model.

Introduction. Short bowel syndrome can crop up if more than 50% of small intestine is resected or when less than 100 cm of small bowel is left. Glutamine is the main food source of enterocytes. Curcumin has protective effects on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion damage. Nesfatin-1 is a satiety molecule. It has protective effects on gastric mucosa. The primary purpose of this study is to compare effects of glutamine, curcumin, and nesfatin-1 on the gastric serosal surface neomucosa formation on rats. Materials and Methods. 24 Wistar-Hannover rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and treated with saline, glutamine, curcumin, and nesfatin-1 after ileogastric anastomosis. After 14 days all rats were euthanized, and blood was collected. En bloc resection of anastomotic part was performed for histopathological examination. Results. PDGF, TGF-ß, and VEGF levels and neomucosa formation were higher in glutamine group (p = 0.003, p = 0.003, and p = 0.025). Glutamine promotes the intestinal neomucosa formation on the gastric serosal surface and augments growth factors essential for neomucosa formation on rats. Conclusion. Glutamine may be used in short bowel syndrome for increasing the absorption surface area. But that needs to be determined by adequately powered clinical trials.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the stomach.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the stomach accounts for less than 1% of all gastric malignancies. Less than 100 cases were reported in the literature. Therefore, knowledge about management and prognosis of the disease is limited. Surgical approach is the basic form of treatment. In this study we confirmed a case of primary gastric squamous cell carcinoma with the aim of contribution to the literature, which is seen rare, and the diagnosis was confirmed pathologically.

Nesfatin-1 alleviates extrahepatic cholestatic damage of liver in rats.

Obstructive jaundice (OJ) can be defined as cessation of bile flow into the small intestine due to benign or malignant changes. Nesfatin-1, recently discovered anorexigenic peptide derived from nucleobindin-2 in hypothalamic nuclei, was shown to have anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects. This study is aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of nesfatin-1 on OJ in rats. Twenty-four adult male Wistar-Hannover rats were randomly assigned to three groups: sham (n = 8), control (n = 8), and nesfatin (n = 8). After bile duct ligation, the study groups were treated with saline or nesfatin-1, for 10 days. Afterward, blood and liver tissue samples were obtained for biochemical analyses, measurement of cytokines, determination of the oxidative DNA damage, DNA fragmentation, and histopathologic analyses. Alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were decreased after the nesfatin treatment; however, these drops were statistically non-significant compared to control group (p = 0.345, p = 0.114). Malondialdehyde levels decreased significantly in nesfatin group compared to control group (p = 0.032). Decreases in interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels from the liver tissue samples were not statistically significant in nesfatin group compared to control group. The level of oxidative DNA damage was lower in nesfatin group, however this result was not statistically significant (p = 0.75). DNA fragmentation results of all groups were similar. Histopathological examination revealed that there was less neutrophil infiltration, edema, bile duct proliferation, hepatocyte necrosis, basement membrane damage, and parenchymal necrosis in nesfatin compared to control group. The nesfatin-1 treatment could alleviate cholestatic liver damage caused by OJ due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.