Total Antioxidant Potential, Total Phenolic Profile and Cytotoxic Activity Against Brain Cancer: Melocan and Galdirik§.

Research background: Brain cancer is known to be one of the most difficult types of cancer to cure. It has a serious impact on the lives of diagnosed people due to the insufficient treatment options and their side effects. The search for new alternative treatments is therefore ongoing. Melocan (Smilax excelsa L.) and galdirik (Trachystemon orientalis) are of great importance in both traditional culinary culture and traditional medicine around the Black Sea; however, the knowledge about their antioxidant and cytotoxic effects remains fairly limited. Experimental approach: The aim of this study is to determine the antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of Smilax excelsa and Trachystemon orientalis on the C6 glioblastoma cell line. The plants of Smilax excelsa and Trachystemon orientalis were dried and extracted and then their total phenolic content (TPC) and phenolic profiles were studied. In addition, their total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) were determined using an assay kit. We also analysed the total antioxidant activity (TAA) using the DPPH radical scavenging assay and the cytotoxic effect on the glioma cells using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay. Results and conclusions: According to the results, the water extracts of Smilax excelsa and Trachystemon orientalis had higher TPC (expressed in gallic acid equivalents on dry mass basis: 1158.17 and 262 mg/100 g, respectively) than the ethanol extracts. TAA expressed in Trolox equivalents on dry mass basis was 192.86 and 131.92 mg/100 g for Smilax excelsa and Trachystemon orientalis, respectively. The MTT assay showed that Trachystemon orientalis had a greater cytotoxic effect. In conclusion, the findings of the current study are promising for the development of new drugs. Novelty and scientific contribution: This is the first study that aims to evaluate the potential cytotoxic activity of two local Turkish plants, Smilax excelsa and Trachystemon orientalis, against C6 glioblastoma cells. The results confirm that both plants could be used as good therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer in the future.

Biochemical and histopathologic assessment of effects of acitretin on epiphyseal growth plate in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Acitretin is a commonly used retinoid in dermatology. Although there are generally known side effects, the effects on the epiphyseal plaque and bone metabolism are not clear in the literature. AIM: To histopathologically investigate the effects on the epiphyseal plate and assess variations in bone metabolism caused by acitretin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three groups were formed with 10 rats in each group. The 1st group (n = 10, 5 male, 5 female) were administered 10 mg/kg/day oral acitretin solution and the 2nd group (n = 10, 5 male, 5 female) were administered 3 mg/kg/day oral acitretin solution. The control group were given normal standard feed and water. Rats were sacrificed at the end of 4 weeks. The proximal tibias were excised and histopathologically and immunohistochemically assessed. Biochemical assessment was also carried out. RESULTS: Staining with haematoxylin-eosin found reductions in the epiphyseal plate in the 1st and 2nd group compared to the control group, though this situation was not statistically significant. Immunohistochemical studies did not encounter Type II collagen in the epiphyseal bone, proliferative zone and hypertrophic zone in the control group, low dose acitretin solution group and high dose acitretin solution group. Type II collagen was not observed in osteoids and osteoblasts. Type I collagen was not observed in the hypertrophic zone and proliferative zone of any group. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that though acitretin caused degeneration of the epiphyseal plate, it did not cause clear thinning and we identified no significant variations in bone metabolism markers.

Expression of Laminin Receptor 1 in Normal, Hyperplastic, and Malignant Endometrium.

Laminin receptor 1 may have a role in the progression from endometrial hyperplasia with or without atypia to endometrial cancer. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the pattern, percentage, and intensity of laminin receptor 1 expression in normal, hyperplastic, and neoplastic endometrium. Paraffin blocks of 131 specimens with the diagnoses of normal endometrium (n=25), endometrial hyperplasia with atypia (n=21) or without atypia (n=55), and endometrial cancer (n=30) were immunostained with laminin receptor 1 antibody, and its expression percentage, pattern, and intensity in the epithelial cytoplasm, basement membrane, and endometrial stroma of these tissues were assessed. When compared with hyperplasia with or without atypia and endometrial cancer, the percentage of nonstaining with laminin receptor 1 in the epithelial basement membrane was higher (96%), and the percentage of <50% staining with laminin receptor 1 was lower (4%) in the normal endometrium (P=0.001). While a progressive increment in staining percentage and density of epithelial cytoplasm and basement membrane was noted through an orderly progression from normal endometrium to endometrial hyperplasia without atypia, endometrial hyperplasia with atypia, and cancer of endometrium (P<0.001), such a relationship was not found for the staining percentage and density of endometrial stroma (P>0.05). Disease progression-related gradual increment in laminin receptor 1 expression in the epithelial basement membranes of hyperplastic endometrium with or without atypia and cancer of endometrium reveals that it may play a substantial role in the transition from premalignant to the malignant state of endometrial lesions.

Ezrin Inhibition Up-regulates Stress Response Gene Expression.

Ezrin is a member of the ERM (ezrin/radixin/moesin) family of proteins that links cortical cytoskeleton to the plasma membrane. High expression of ezrin correlates with poor prognosis and metastasis in osteosarcoma. In this study, to uncover specific cellular responses evoked by ezrin inhibition that can be used as a specific pharmacodynamic marker(s), we profiled global gene expression in osteosarcoma cells after treatment with small molecule ezrin inhibitors, NSC305787 and NSC668394. We identified and validated several up-regulated integrated stress response genes including PTGS2, ATF3, DDIT3, DDIT4, TRIB3, and ATF4 as novel ezrin-regulated transcripts. Analysis of transcriptional response in skin and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from NSC305787-treated mice compared with a control group revealed that, among those genes, the stress gene DDIT4/REDD1 may be used as a surrogate pharmacodynamic marker of ezrin inhibitor compound activity. In addition, we validated the anti-metastatic effects of NSC305787 in reducing the incidence of lung metastasis in a genetically engineered mouse model of osteosarcoma and evaluated the pharmacokinetics of NSC305787 and NSC668394 in mice. In conclusion, our findings suggest that cytoplasmic ezrin, previously considered a dormant and inactive protein, has important functions in regulating gene expression that may result in down-regulation of stress response genes.

Investigation of role of vascular endothelial growth factor, Annexin A5 and Apelin by immunohistochemistry method in placenta of preeclampsia patients.

Preeclampsia is a disease characterized by hypertension and proteinuria occurred after 20 weeks of gestation. Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.  The pathophysiological mechanism of preeclampsia is not known exactly yet. Preeclampsia endothelial cell dysfunction, associated with inadequate trophoblastic invasion is characterized by abnormal placentation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) according to is an angiogenic cytokine, Annexin A5 is among endogenous peptides are both expressed from placental trophoblasts and Apelin is a multifunctional peptide and expressed by placental trophoblasts and endothelial cells. It was aimed to investigate roles of these parameters occurring in preeclampsia and to compare immunoreactivity of them in normal and preeclamptic placenta. In this study, placentas were collected from 20 normotensive pregnant women as controls, 16 mild-preeclamptic pregnant women, and 16 severe preeclamptic women. VEGF, Annexin A5 and Apelin were examined in samples of placenta tissues by streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase complex immunohistochemical methods. Immunoreactivity scores (IRS) were obtained for each parameter.  VEGF and Apelin IRS were increased significantly in preeclamptic groups compared with control group (p <0.026, p<0.002 respectively). But Annexin A5 IRS was decreased significantly in preeclamptic groups compared with control group (p<0.04). In correlation with the intensity of disease, increase in VEGF and Apelin, and decrease in Annexin A5 supports roles of hemo-dynamic alterations in fetoplacental circulation and structural alterations in uteroplacental bed occurring in preeclampsia.

Investigating the Effect of Korean Red Ginseng on the Viability of Random-Pattern Skin Flaps in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: This experimental study investigated the efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) extract in reducing the partial losses of random flaps. METHOD: Forty Wistar Albino rats were randomly distributed into 4 groups as (A) control group, (B) stress group, (C) oral KRG group, and (D) intraperitoneal KRG group. The modified McFarlane flap of 9 × 3 cm with a caudal pedicle was harvested from the back of the rats in all the groups. Korean Red Ginseng was administered to groups C and D at standard doses for 10 days. After 10 days, the flaps were removed in all groups and were examined macroscopically, histopathologically, histochemically, and biochemically. The results were statistically analyzed and compared among the groups. RESULTS: The flap necrosis rates were significantly lower in groups C and D compared with groups A and B (P < 0.05). The vascular density, antioxidant activity, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α levels were significantly higher in the groups C and D compared with the groups A and B (P < 0.05). Although vascular density, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, and catalase levels were negatively correlated with the flap necrosis rates, there was a significantly positive correlation between malondialdehyde and necrosis rates. CONCLUSIONS: Korean Red Ginseng increases the viability of random pattern skin flaps, resulting in reduced rates of distal necrosis. Korean Red Ginseng has antioxidant activity and increases neovascularization.

Tonsillar solitary fibrous tumour: A interesting rare case.

A solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) is a rare mesenchymal tumour that frequently originates in the mesothelium-covered surfaces, such as the pleura and peritoneum. It may develop in various body parts, including the head and neck. These tumours may arise in several different patterns, which results in difficulties in diagnosing them. This case is a solitary tumour developing from the palatine tonsil in a 17-year-old male patient; it is the second case in the literature. The tumour has the histopathological characteristics of a patternless pattern, a slight pleomorphism, and a composition of hypercellular and hypocellular sites. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells showed a strong positive staining with CD34, Bcl-2, and vimentin. No recurrence developed in the patient's approximately 18-month-long follow-up period.

The Effect of the Active Ingredient Thymoquinone on Flap Viability in Random Pattern Flaps in Rats.

Thymoquinone (TQ) is a plant extract that has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic effects. The aim of this study is to research how the use of TQ affects flap viability. 42 rats were placed into 6 groups, with 7 rats in each. A 3 × 10 cm McFarlane flap model was used on the test animals. The sham group had used neither surgical nor TQ treatment. The control group had surgery but no treatment afterwards. The preoperative TQ group was given oral doses of 2 mg/kg. TQ for 10 days preoperatively with no treatment after the surgical procedure. The postoperative TQ group received oral doses of 2 mg/kg TQ for 10 days after the surgical process. The preoperative + postoperative (pre + postoperative) TQ group was given oral doses of 2 mg/kg TQ for 10 days both preoperatively and postoperatively. Finally, the dimethylsulfoxide group received 10 mg/kg dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) for 10 days both preoperatively and postoperatively. Ten days after surgery the findings were evaluated. The average rates of necrosis were found to be 29.7 % in the control group, 19.18 % in the preoperative TQ group, 13.05 % in the postoperative TQ group, 8.42 % in the pre + postoperative TQ group, and 29.03 % in the DMSO group. The experimental groups had better area measurement, histopathological, and electron microscopic results than the control group (All; p < 0.05). We believe that, because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic properties, thymoquinone is an agent that can prevent ischemia-reperfusion damage and, therefore, prevent necrosis.

Paricalcitol may improve oxidative DNA damage on experimental amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity model.

This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of paricalcitol on experimental amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity model in rats. Wistar albino rats (n = 32) were allocated into four equal groups of eight each, the control (Group C), paricalcitol (Group P), amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity (Group A), and paricalcitol-treated amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity (Group A + P) groups. Paricalcitol was given intra-peritoneally at a dose of 0.4 µg/kg/d for 5 consecutive days prior to induction of amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity. Intra-peritoneal amikacin (1.2 g/kg) was used to induce nephrotoxicity at day 4. Renal function parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers, oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine/deoxyguanosine ratio), kidney histology, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunoexpression were determined. Group A + P had lower mean fractional sodium excretion (p < 0.001) as well as higher creatinine clearance (p = 0.026) than the amikacin group (Group A). Renal tissue malondialdehyde levels (p = 0.035) and serum 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine/deoxyguanosine ratio (8-OHdG/dG ratio) (p < 0.001) were significantly lower; superoxide dismutase (p = 0.024) and glutathione peroxidase (p = 0.007) activities of renal tissue were significantly higher in group A + P than in group A. The mean scores of tubular necrosis (p = 0.024), proteinaceous casts (p = 0.038), medullary congestion (p = 0.035), and VEGF immunoexpression (p = 0.018) were also lower in group A + P when compared with group A. This study demonstrates the protective effect of paricalcitol in the prevention of amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity in an experimental model. Furthermore, it is the first study to demonstrate that paricalcitol improves oxidative DNA damage in an experimental acute kidney injury model.

Chemotherapy-induced acral erythema with involvement of the face and neck: A case report.

Chemotherapy-induced acral erythema (CIAE) is a cutaneous response to diverse chemotherapeutic drug administration. These drugs cause symmetrical and painful erythema of palmoplantar surfaces. Bulla formation, desquamation, and subsequent reepithelialization may occur. Commonly, the lesions slowly resolve over 7-15 days, through desquamation, followed by regeneration of the skin. Here, we described a case of CIAE, with involvement of face and neck in a patient treated for breast cancer using a number of chemotherapeutic agents. Face involvement in CIAE has not been previously reported in the literature.

The diagnostic importance of matrix metalloproteinase-7 and nestin in gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

BACKGROUND: The importance of the matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) and nestin immunomarkers, C-kit proto-oncogene (CD117), and the efficiency of the Ki-67 proliferation index for gastrointestinal stromal tumors were evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was conducted by examining the microscope slides of 72 patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors that were sent to the pathology laboratory between 2007 and 2012. Immunohistochemical staining for CD117, MMP-7, nestin, and marker of proliferation Ki-67 was performed. The correlations between the positive results for Ki-67, CD117, MMP-7, and nestin were evaluated relative to the tumor characteristics of size, localization, grade, cellular type, cellularity, cytology type, growth pattern, ulceration, necrosis, hemorrhage, invasion depth, and lymph node metastasis. RESULTS: The tumor was localized in the stomach in 42 of the patients, the intestines in 19, the colon in 7, and the rectum in 4. Comparisons among the groups showed that MMP-7 was correlated with the tumor grade (p<0.001), cellularity (p<0.009), cytologic atypia (p<0.001), ulceration (p=0.002), necrosis (p<0.001), and tumor size (p=0.001). Nestin was correlated with the tumor grade (p=0.013), and tumor size (p=0.024). Correlations among CD117, MMP-7, nestin, and Ki-67 were examined. Nestin and Ki-67 were both significantly correlated with CD117 and MMP-7 [(r=0.279, p=0.018), (r=0.322, p=0.006), (r=0.386, p=0.001), (r=0.386, p=0.002)], respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MMP-7 and nestin may be beneficial as markers, given their sensitivity to gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

Ursodeoxycholic acid induced generalized fixed drug eruption.

Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a rare form of drug allergies that recur at the same cutaneous or mucosal site in every usage of drug. Single or multiple round, sharply demarcated and dusky red plaques appear soon after drug exposure. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA: 3α,7ß-dihydroxy-5ß-cholanic acid) is used for the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases. Some side effects may be observed, such as diarrhea, dyspepsia, pruritus and headaches. We encountered only three cases of lichenoid reaction regarding the use of UDCA among previous studies. In this article, we reported a generalized FDE case related to UDCA intake in a 59-year-old male patient with cholestasis for the first time in the literature.

Coexistence of hepatocelluler carcinoma and cyst hydatid disease of the liver.

The evidence suggests that both delta hepatitis-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cyst hydatid disease (CHD) are frequently seen separately in people who live in the rural areas of Asia. However, there are still a few case reports about coexistence of these different diseases in the same liver. The current case illustrates a number of clinical problems that physicians face in the diagnosis of patients with basically different liver masses.

Can D-dimer levels predict the treatment outcome in a patient with tuberculosis?

Tuberculous peritonitis is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity particularly in the developing world. Delay in initiation of treatment distinctively increases mortality. Treatment response to anti-tuberculosis drugs is usually observed by regression of symptoms and clearance of ascites. With initiation of treatment, laboratory values including CA-125 levels generally return to normal levels in 3 months. However, there is still no consensus about treatment response during the follow-up period. Serum D-dimer level is used as an inflammation marker in some cases. A case with Tuberculous peritonitis successfully monitorised by serum D-dimer levels is presented.

Laminin receptor 1 expression in premalignant and malignant squamous lesions of the cervix.

Laminin receptor 1 (LAMR) may have a role in the progression of premalignant squamous epithelial lesions to cervical cancer. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the expression of laminin receptor 1 (LAMR) in normal, premalignant, and malignant tissues of the uterine cervix. Paraffin blocks of 129 specimens with the diagnoses of normal cervical tissue (n = 33), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1 (n = 30), CIN 2 (n = 14), CIN 3 (n = 28), and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 24) were immunohistochemically stained with LAMR antibody and its expression percentage, pattern, and intensity in these tissues were assessed. Compared to the other groups, the nonstaining with LAMR was highest in low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) (p < 0.0001). LAMR expression, which was positive in less than 50% of cells with weak staining, increased significantly between normal cervical epithelium and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) or invasive carcinoma, as well as between LSIL and HSIL (p < 0.0001). Between LSIL and invasive carcinoma, a significant increment was also observed for weak staining in less than 50% of cells (p < 0.001). LAMR expression, which was positive in more than 50% of cells with strong staining, was significantly higher in normal cervical tissue compared to the other groups (p < 0.0001). Disease progression related gradual increment of LAMR expression from normal cervical epithelium or LSIL towards HSIL or cervical cancer reveals that LAMR may play an important role in the transition from premalignant to malignant state in cervical lesions.

The effects of levosimendan exposure on oxidant/antioxidant status and trace element levels in the pulmonary artery of rats.

We investigated both the effect of levosimendan and the role of oxidant/antioxidant status and trace element levels in the pulmonary artery of rats. Fourteen male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into two groups of seven animals each. Group 1 was not exposed to levosimendan and served as a control. Levosimendan (12 µg/kg) diluted in 10 ml 0.9 % NaCl was administered intraperitoneally to group 2. Animals of both groups were killed after 3 days, and their pulmonary arteries were harvested to determine changes in tissue oxidant/antioxidant status and trace element levels. The animals in both groups were killed 72 h after the levosimendan exposure treatment, and pulmonary arteries were harvested to determine levels of the lipid peroxidation product MDA and the antioxidant GSH as well as the decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, GSH-Px and CAT. It was found that MDA levels increased in pulmonary artery tissues of rats after levosimendan administration. The GSH level decreased in the pulmonary artery of rats after levosimendan treatment. Co, Mn, Fe, Cd and Pb levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001) and Mg, Zn and Cu levels significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the levosimendan group compared to the control group. These results suggest that levosimendan treatment caused an increase in free radical production and a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity in the pulmonary artery of levosimendan-treated rats. It also caused a decrease or increase in the levels of many minerals in the pulmonary artery, which is an undesirable condition for normal pharmacological function.

The development of giant lipoma on the BCG vaccine caused scar.

Lipoma is the most common mesenchymal tumors that accounts for about 6% of all soft-tissue tumors in children. The lesion size is usually around 1-2 cm that rarely reaches the bigger diameter. A 14-month-old baby girl was brought to our clinic for a progressively growing lesion on the left shoulder. The lesion started 4 months ago, and then was rapidly growing that caused pain and movement restriction. On the same site, there was a scar of BCG vaccination. The clinical and histopathological findings of the lesion were consistent with lipoma. The lesion was totally resected with no recurrence within 12 months. There are several complications related to BCG vaccination. However, the occurrence of lipoma on BCG vaccine caused scar has not been reported in literature. We reported this case because of its rarity and to emphasize that lipoma can present as a giant lesion in child.

Perceived learning environment and academic motivation: An explanatory mixed methods study in a Molecular Biology and Genetics program.

Lack of motivation of students is a major concern for the instructors and administration in universities, and it is in their interest to address these issues in the most effective and efficient way. The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed-method study is to examine the predictive power of the learning environment on student academic motivation and to learn students' opinions on this issue. One hundred twenty students enrolled at the Molecular Biology and Genetics program completed the Academic Motivation and Learning Environment Perception scales, Quantitative findings indicated that only the activities dimension of the learning environment has a predictive power on academic motivation. Focus group interviews conducted with 16 students validated the quantitative findings. Students particularly drew attention to activities that foster active participation in the learning process, emphasizing the vitality of being engaged and of having real-life experiences in their learning environment.

Expression of laminin receptor 1 in human placentas from normal and preeclamptic pregnancies and its relationship with the severity of preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the expression of laminin receptor 1 (LR1), a non-integrin-type laminin receptor, in preeclamptic and normal third-trimester placentas, as well as to investigate whether its expression differs with disease severity. STUDY DESIGN: Third trimester placental samples obtained from deliveries of preeclamptic (n=34) and normotensive healthy pregnant women (n=35) were immunohistochemically studied for the expression of LR1. The placentas from both mild (n=14) and severe (n=20) preeclamptic pregnancies were further assessed for strength of LR1 expression according to disease severity. RESULTS: When compared with normal placentas, the staining with LR1 protein in cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts was lower in preeclamptic placentas (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). The intensity of staining with LR1 in decidual cells, cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, and extracellular matrix cells of preeclamptic placentas did not vary with disease severity (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased LR1 expression in cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts of preeclamptic placentas, which may be independent of disease severity, might have a role in shallow trophoblastic invasion in preeclampsia.

[Evaluation of Western Blot method for the detection of antibodies to Helicobacter pylori antigens in patients with gastric carcinoma and cases with epigastric complaints]. / Gastrik karsinomali hastalar ile epigastrik yakinmalari olan olgularda Helicobacter pylori antijenlerine karsi antikor varliginin saptanmasinda western blot yönteminin degerlendirilmesi.

Helicobacter pylori proteins CagA (cytotoxin-associated gene A) and VacA (vacuolating cytotoxin A) are among the virulence factors of this species. CagA gene carrying H. pylori strains are particularly associated with gastric adenocarsinoma. This study was conducted to evaluate Western Blot (WB) method to determine specific H. pylori antibodies in a group of patients with gastric cancer and in a control group with no malignancy. A total of 99 patients with gastric cancer (94 adenocarcinoma, 2 adenosquamous cell carcinoma, 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma) and 150 control cases with epigastric complaints such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux and abdominal pain, were included to the study. H. pylori IgG-ELISA was positive in all study (mean age: 56.7 +/- 1.2 years, 62 male) and control (mean age: 24.2 +/- 1.3 years, 64 male) patients. Specific antibodies against CagA, VacA, OMP (outer membrane protein)-67, urease-A, urease-B, HSP (heat shock protein) and flagellin antigens determined by a commercial WB-based kit (RIDA Blot Helicobacter, R-Biopharm GmbH, Germany). Interestingly, no anti-VacA positivity was detected in none of the patient and control groups. The positivity rates for H. pylori CagA, OMP-67, urease A, urease-B, flagellin and HSP specific antibodies were as 78%, 54%, 37%, 60%, 53% and 82% in the gastric cancer group and 85%, 71%, 55%, 43%, 61% and 75% in the control group, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) between gastric carcinoma and control groups in terms of CagA, HSP and flagellin antibodies (p > 0.05). On the other hand, a statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups in terms of urease-A, urease-B and OMP-67 (p < 0.01). These results suggested that this test should be assessed again by the manufacturer for its detection power directed towards specific H. pylori antibodies, especially for Vac-A. Further molecular and clinical studies are necessary to determine the factors that affect H. pylori virulence and disease prognosis.