The Role of Mannitol and Vitamin D in Ovarian Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats with Acute Abdominal.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of vitamin D and mannitol in an experimental rat ovarian torsion model. Thirty-two female Wistar albino rats were randomly classified as group 1: (sham), group 2: (detorsion), group 3: (detorsion + mannitol), group 4: (detorsion + vitamin D) and group 5: (detorsion + mannitol + vitamin D) (for each group n = 8). All groups were subjected to bilateral adnexal torsion for 2 h except for group 1. Bilateral adnexal detorsion was performed in all groups except for group 1. Groups 3 and 5 intraperitoneally received the injection of mannitol at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg 30 min before detorsion. Also, the group's 4 and 5 orally received vitamin D in a dose of 500 IU/kg/day for two weeks before torsion. Total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels were analyzed. According to the histopathological analyses, ovarian tissue damage and follicle counting were evaluated. TOS, OSI and histopathologic score values of ovarian tissue were significantly lower in group 5 than groups 2, 3 and 4 (p < 0.05). The PCNA level was significantly higher in group 5 than in groups 2, 3 and 4 (p < 0.05). A strong negative correlation was found between OSI and PCNA in groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 (r = -0.92, p = 0.01; r = -0.98, p < 0.0001; r = -0.98, p < 0.0001 and r = -0.96, p = 0.0002, respectively). The numbers of primordial follicles in group 5 (p < 0.001) and primary follicles in group 4 (p < 0.001) were significantly higher when compared to group 2. Based on the results of this study, it could be suggested that combination treatment of mannitol with vitamin D is more effective in reversing tissue damage induced by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in the ovarian torsion model than administration of only an agent.

Therapeutic Potential of Vitamin B Complex in Peripheral Nerve Injury Recovery: An Experimental Rat Model Study.

Objectives: Vitamin B complexes are frequently used in clinical practice for peripheral nerve trauma. However, there is a lack of scientific data on their effectiveness. This study aims to investigate the impact of the vitamin B complex on nerve recovery in a rat model of peripheral nerve paralysis. Materials and Methods: Sixty male Wistar Albino rats were divided into six groups. Models of nerve injury, including blunt trauma, nerve incision, and autograft, were performed on all rats approximately 1 cm distal to the sciatic notch. B-complex vitamins were injected intraperitoneally at 0.2 mL/day to the treatment groups. The control groups were given 0.2 mL/day saline. After 1 month, the study was terminated, electromyography (EMG) was performed to measure the conduction velocity, and nerve tissue was taken from the repair line. The sciatic function indexes (SFIs) were calculated and analyzed. The histopathological samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Toluidine blue and examined with a light microscope. Pathologically, myelination, fibrosis, edema, and mast cell densities in the nervous tissue were evaluated. Results: The vitamin B treatment groups demonstrated significant improvements in SFI compared to the control groups, indicating functional improvement in nerve damage (p < 0.05). In the nerve graft group, the vitamin B group showed a shorter latency, higher velocity, and larger peak-to-peak compared to the controls (p < 0.05). In the nerve transection group, the vitamin B group had better latency, velocity, and peak-to-peak values than the controls (p < 0.05). In the crush injury group, the vitamin B group exhibited an improved latency, velocity, and peak-to-peak compared to the controls (p < 0.05). Better myelination, less fibrosis, edema, and mast cells were also in the vitamin B group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Vitamin B treatment significantly improves nerve healing and function in peripheral nerve injuries. It enhances nerve conduction, reduces fibrosis, and promotes myelination, indicating its therapeutic potential in nerve regeneration.

The Promising Effects of Erdosteine and Vitamin B in the Liver Ischemia/Reperfusion Model in Anesthetized Rats.

Background and Objectives: Erdosteine (Erd) is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drug. Vitamin B has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of erdosteine and vitamin B complex on a liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two Wistar Albino male rats weighing 350-400 g were used. The animals were randomly selected and divided into four groups. The groups are as follows: first group (Sham), second group (I/R), third group (I/R + vit B), and fourth group (I/R + vit B + Erd). Rats were subjected to 45 min of hepatic ischemia, followed by a 45 min reperfusion period in the I/R and Vitamin B + Erd groups. An amount of 150 mg/kg/day of erdosteine was given orally for 2 days, and 0.05 mL/kg of i.p. vitamin B complex was given 30 min before the reperfusion. Serum biochemical parameters were measured. Serum Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) and Total Oxidant Status (TOS) were measured, and the Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) was calculated. Hepatic tissue samples were taken for the evaluation of histopathological features. Results: In terms of all histopathological parameters, there were significant differences in the I/R + vit B group and I/R + vit B + Erd group compared with the I/R group (p < 0.01). In terms of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), TNF-alpha, and IL-6 levels, there were significant differences between the I/R group and treatment groups (p < 0.01). The lowest TOS and OSI levels were obtained in the treatment groups, and these groups had statistically significantly higher TAS levels compared with the sham and I/R groups (p < 0.01). Conclusions: As a preliminary experimental study, our study suggests that these agents may have potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications for both ischemic conditions and liver-related diseases. These results suggest that the combination of vit B + Erd may be used to protect against the devastating effects of I/R injury. Our study needs to be confirmed by clinical studies with large participation.

Effects of Thymoquinone on Urotensin-II and TGF-ß1 Levels in Model of Osteonecrosis in Rats.

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of thymoquinone (TMQ) treatment in osteonecrotic rats by evaluating protein levels, osteonecrosis (ON) levels, fatty acid degeneration, oxidative status, and plasma levels of Urotensin-II (U-II) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß1). Materials and Methods: 40 weight-matched adult male Wistar rats were grouped as control (n = 10), methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) (n = 10), thymoquinone (TMQ) (n = 10), and MPA + TMQ (n = 10). To induce ON, 15-week-old animals were subcutaneously injected with MPA at a dose of 15 mg/kg twice weekly for 2 weeks. TMQ was injected into 15-week-old rats via gastric gavage at a dose of 80 mg/kg per day for 4 weeks. The rats in the MPA + TMQ group were administered TMQ 2 weeks before the MPA injection. At the end of the treatments, cardiac blood samples and femur samples were collected for biochemical and histological evaluations. Results: In the control and TMQ groups, no ON pattern was observed. However, in tissues exposed to MPA, TMQ treatment resulted in significantly decreased ON levels compared to the MPA group. The number of cells that were positive for 8-OHdG and 4-HNE was significantly lower in the MPA + TMQ group than in the MPA group (p < 0.05). In terms of TGF-ß1 and U-II levels, we observed that both TGF-ß1 (367.40 ± 23.01 pg/mL vs. 248.9 ± 20.12 pg/mL) and U-II protein levels (259.5 ± 6.0 ng/mL vs. 168.20 ± 7.90 ng/mL) increased significantly in the MPA group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, TGF-ß1 (293.50 ± 14.18 pg/mL) and U-II (174.80 ± 4.2 ng/mL) protein levels were significantly decreased in the MPA + TMQ group compared to the MPA group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). There was a statistically positive correlation (p < 0.05) between the TGF-ß1 and U-II protein levels in all groups (p = 0.002, rcontrol = 0.890; p = 0.02, rTMQ = 0.861; p = 0.024, rMPA+TMQ = 0.868) except for the MPA group (p < 0.03, rMedrol = -0.870). Conclusions: As far as we know, this is the first study to demonstrate the curative functions of TMQ on ON by causing a correlated decrease in the expression of U-II and TGF-ß1 in the femoral heads of rats.

Kynurenine, Kynurenic Acid, Quinolinic Acid and Interleukin-6 Levels in the Serum of Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Background and Objectives: It is known that inflammatory processes play a role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is also reported that immune activation induces the kynurenine pathway (KP), as known as the tryptophan destruction pathway. In our study, we aimed to investigate whether the serum levels of KP products and interleukin (IL)-6 activating indolamine 2-3 dioxygenase (IDO) enzyme are different in healthy developing children and children with ASD. Materials and Methods: Forty-three ASD children aged 2-9 were included in this study. Forty-two healthy developing children, similar to the patient group in terms of age and gender, were selected as the control group. Serum levels of kynurenic acid, kynurenine, quinolinic acid and IL-6 were analyzed using the ELISA method. ASD severity was evaluated with the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). Results: The mean age of children with ASD was 42.4 ± 20.5 months, and that of healthy controls was 48.1 ± 15.8 months. While the serum levels of kynurenic acid, kynurenine and interleukin-6 were higher in the group with ASD (p < 0.05), there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in terms of the quinolinic acid level. There was no significant difference between the ABC total and subscale scores of children with ASD and biochemical parameters (p > 0.05). Conclusions: We conclude that these biomarkers must be measured in all ASD cases. They may be important for the diagnosis of ASD.

The Comparison of the Biological Rhythms of Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome with Biological Rhythms of Healthy Controls.

BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a rheumatic disease characterized by diffuse body pain and decreased muscle function. The aim of the present study was to compare the biological rhythms of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome with the biological rhythms of healthy controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional, single blind, and single center case-control study. The patients with fibromyalgia were evaluated using a Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (BRIAN) Scale, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS The study included 77 female patients with FMS, and 32 healthy female individuals as the control group. We found that the patients in the FMS group achieved higher scores in VAS, BDI, PSQI, and the BRIAN scale than the patients in the control group (P<0.001). An evaluation of the relationship between FMS evaluation parameters and biological rhythm scores in patients with FMS revealed a significant positive correlation between total BRAIN and VAS, FIQ, BDI, and PSQI scores. When the relationship between FMS evaluation parameters and biological rhythm scores was evaluated in patients with FMS, a significant positive correlation was found between total BRAIN and VAS, FIQ, BDI, and PSQI scores (r=0.555, P<0.001; r=0.461, P<0.001; r=0.630, P<0.001; and r=0.551, P<0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS We consider that an evaluation of the biological rhythm of female patients with FMS, and appropriate treatment when required, would contribute significantly to the treatment and follow-up process of the patients.

Investigation of Therapeutic Effects of Erdosteine on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Rat Model.

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a serious endocrine disorder. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of erdosteine in letrozole-induced PCOS in rats. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar albino female rats were grouped as control group (C), PCOS group (PCOS), PCOS-metformin group (PCOS+MET), and PCOS-erdosteine group (PCOS+Erd). PCOS was induced by administering letrozole; such rats presented with sex hormone disorder, abnormal estrous cycles determined by daily vaginal smear, large cystic follicles, and increasing fasting insulin levels. After induction of PCOS, metformin (500 mg/kg/day) and erdosteine (100 mg/kg/day) were given orally to the treatment groups for 30 days. Serum concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, as well as the total oxidant and antioxidant status, oxidative stress index, circulating estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), testosterone, and androstenedione were evaluated. The ovaries were graded histologically. RESULTS: Weights of ovarian tissues (p < 0.05) and the number of atretic follicles (p < 0.001) and cystic follicles (p < 0.01) decreased in the PCOS+Erd group; the corpus luteum number was significantly higher in the PCOS+Erd group (p < 0.01) as compared with the PCOS group. Lipid parameters (total-C, LDL-C, and TG), E1 (estrone), E1/E2 ratio, testosterone, and androstenedione significantly decreased, while HDL-C and E2 (estradiol) significantly increased in the PCOS+Erd group as compared with the PCOS group. Moreover glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR were reduced with treatment of erdosteine (p > 0.05, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: It is suggested that erdosteine may be used in the treatment of PCOS as an alternative to metformin. It appears that our findings might be supported by clinical and molecular studies.

DNA Methylation of BDNF Gene in Schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND Although genetic factors are risk factors for schizophrenia, some environmental factors are thought to be required for the manifestation of disease. Epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene functions without causing a change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that regulates synaptic transmission and plasticity. It has been suggested that BDNF may play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. It is established that methylation status of the BDNF gene is associated with fear learning, memory, and stressful social interactions. In this study, we aimed to investigate the DNA methylation status of BDNF gene in patients with schizophrenia. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 49 patients (33 male and 16 female) with schizophrenia and 65 unrelated healthy controls (46 male and 19 female). Determination of methylation pattern of CpG islands was based on the principle that bisulfite treatment of DNA results in conversion of unmethylated cytosine residues into uracil, whereas methylated cytosine residues remain unmodified. Methylation-specific PCR was performed with primers specific for either methylated or unmethylated DNA. RESULTS There was no significant difference in methylated or un-methylated status for BDNF promoters between schizophrenia patients and controls. The mean duration of illness was significantly lower in the hemi-methylated group compared to the non-methylated group for BDNF gene CpG island-1 in schizophrenia patients. CONCLUSIONS Although there were no differences in BDNF gene methylation status between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls, there was an association between duration of illness and DNA methylation.

Histopathologic and metabolic effect of ursodeoxycholic acid treatment on PCOS rat model.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment on a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rat model. Thirty-two female Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows - group 1: sham group (n: 8), group 2: letrozole-induced PCOS group (n: 8), group 3: letrozole-induced PCOS plus metformin-treated (500 mg/kg) group (n: 8) and group 4: letrozole-induced PCOS plus UDCA (150 mg/kg)-treated group (n: 8). Histopathologic examination of the ovaries, circulating estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), testosterone, androstenedione, glucose, insulin and lipid profiles were evaluated. Histopathologic examination results revealed that groups 3 and 4 had significantly lower cystic and atretic follicles compared to group 2. Besides, group 4 had significantly higher antral follicles than group 2 (8.5 ± 2.9 versus 5.4 ± 1.1; p: 0.001). Furthermore, total testosterone (4.9 ± 2.8 versus 8.8 ± 2.9; p= 0.004) and insulin levels were significantly lower in group 4 compared to group 2 (1.7 ± 0.08 versus 2.1 ± 0.5; p = 0.02). However, lipid parameters, E1, E2, glucose and HOMA-IR were comparable between the groups. Our study results demonstrated that UDCA therapy improves ovarian morphology and decreases total testosterone and insulin levels.

Protective Effects of Intralipid and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) on Hepatotoxicity and Pancreatic Injury Caused by Dichlorvos in Rats.

The present study was aimed to the investigate the protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and intralipid (IL) on hepatotoxicity and pancreatic injury caused by acute dichlorvos (D) intoxication in rats. Forty-eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups each containing seven rats except control groups. The groups included control, D, CAPE, IL, D + CAPE, D + IL, and D + CAPE + IL. Total antioxidant status and total oxidative stress levels were measured by automated colorimetric assay. Tissues were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Tissues were analyzed with hematoxylin and eosin by using standard protocols. Also, Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 were evaluated by immunohistochemical method in liver tissue. Total oxidant status in control, CAPE, and IL groups were significantly lower, and total antioxidant status in the D + CAPE, D + IL, and D + IL + CAPE groups were significantly higher compared to the D group. CAPE and IL treatment decreased the apoptotic and mitotic cell count in liver tissue. Parenchymal necrosis caused by dichlorvos is observed in pancreas tissues of rats. Mild congestion and edema formation occurred in pancreas tissues following D + CAPE and D + IL therapies. These results indicate that CAPE and IL have the potential to decrease oxidative stress and hepatic and pancreatic injuries caused by acute dichlorvos intoxication. These drugs can be considered as a new method for supportive and protective therapy against pesticide intoxication.

Effect of colchicine on polycystic ovary syndrome: an experimental study.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether there is any therapeutic effect of colchicine on a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: Twenty-two Wistar-Albino rats were randomly assigned into four with 8 rats in each group: control group; PCOS only group; PCOS-metformin group and PCOS-colchicine group. PCOS was induced by gavage with letrozole once daily at the concentration of 1 mg/kg orally with 21 consecutive days. After PCOS model assessment, PCOS-metformin group was received metformin orally with 500 mg/kg and PCOS-colchicine group was received colchicine orally with 1 mg/kg for the 35 day. Histopathology of ovaries, circulating estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), total testosterone, androstenedione and c-reactive protein (CRP) levels were evaluated. RESULTS: cystic and atretic follicle number was significantly decreased, but CRP and hormone parameters were not significantly changed with colchicine treatment. CONCLUSION: Colchicine has provided histopathological improvement compared with metformin in PCOS rat model.

The Effect of Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) on Random Pattern Skin Flap Survival in Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: In this study, the effect of coenzyme Q10 (CQ10) on flap survival was investigated. METHODS: Fifty Wistar Albino rats were divided into 5 groups. The survival rates of the skin flaps were assessed 10 days after complete elevation of the flaps. Regions of survival and necrosis were drawn on transparent acetate sheets and scanned into a computer. Tissue samples were assessed histopathologically after staining with hematoxylin-eosin, vascular endothelial growth factor staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-Biotin Nick End-labeling staining. To evaluate the antioxidant effect of CQ10; malondialdehyde, nitric oxide levels were measured. RESULTS: Viable flaps area was found higher in groups 3 and 4 as compared to groups 1, 2, and 5. In terms of vascular proliferation, elevated angiogenesis was observed in pathological specimens of groups 3 and 4 as compared to groups 1, 2, and 5. Malondialdehyde levels in groups 3 and 4 were found to be significantly decreased as compared to groups 1, 2 and 5 (P < 0.05). Moreover, serum levels of CQ10 were found significantly increased in groups 3 and 4 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, CQ10 significantly improves flap viability in rat model, and the highest levels of serum CQ10 can be obtained by oral administration.

Attenuating effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester with intralipid on hepatotoxicity of chlorpyrifos in the case of rats.

BACKGROUND: Chlorpyrifos (CPF), insecticide widely used in agriculture, may cause poisonings in the case of humans. As a result, there is a large amount of treatment research underway to focus on the possibility of chlorpyrifos induced poisonings. The aim of this study has been to evaluate the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and intralipid (IL) on hepatotoxicity induced by chlorpyrifos in the case of rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The rats in this study were treated with CPF (10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.), orally), CAPE (10 µmol/kg b.w., intraperitoneally), IL (18.6 ml/kg b.w., orally), CPF+CAPE, CPF+IL, and CPF+CAPE+IL. The plasma total oxidant capacity (TOC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Liver histopathology and immunohistochemical staining were performed. RESULTS: Chlorpyrifos statistically significantly decreased the TAC levels in the rats' plasma and increased the apoptosis and the TOC and OSI levels. In the chlorpyrifos induced liver injury, CAPE and CAPE+IL significantly decreased the plasma OSI levels and the apoptosis, and significantly increased the plasma TAC levels. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that CAPE and CAPE+IL attenuate chlorpyrifos induced liver injuries by decreasing oxidative stress and apoptosis. Med Pr 2016;67(6):743-749.

A novel tumor suppressor gene in basal cell carcinoma: inhibition of growth factor-2.

In loss of heterozygosity (LOH) studies at the chromosome 4q22-35 region, it was shown that the amount of deletion was high in basal cell carcinoma (BCC). It has been proposed that genes located in this chromosomal region could be tumor suppressor genes in BCC. It has been thought that deletions in the ING2 gene located in the same region can play a role in the pathophysiology of BCC and that deletions occurring in this region may influence the level of ING2 expression in BCC. Tumoral and non-tumoral tissues from 75 patients with BCC (45 men and 30 women) were included to the study. Lesions were excised by a surgical margin of 0.5 cm. After excision, RNA was isolated from tumoral and non-tumoral tissue samples. ING2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression level was determined in tumoral and non-tumoral tissues by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). It was detected that ING2 mRNA expression level decreased in tumoral tissues when compared to non-tumoral tissues from BCC patients (p = 0.0001). It was found that expression levels of this gene were comparable among patients with primary, recurrent, or multiple BCC. It is thought that ING2 gene expression level could contribute to the development of BCC but not be associated with the stage and the prognosis of the tumor.

Agomelatine Protection in an LPS-Induced Psychosis-Relevant Behavior Model.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of agomelatine in a psychosis-relevant behavior model. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used 18 adult male Wistar rats in this study. Twelve rats given LPS for endotoxemia were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=6). Group I was treated with 1 mL/kg 0.9% NaCl i.p. and Group II was treated with 40 mg/kg agomelatine. Six normal rats served as the control group and were not given LPS for endotoxemia. Cylindrical steel cages containing vertical and horizontal metal bars with top cover were used. Rats were put in these cages for the purpose of orientation for 10 min. Apomorphine was given to rats removed from cages, and then they were immediately put back in the cages for the purpose of observing stereotyped conduct. Brain HVA levels and plasma TNF-a levels were evaluated in tissue homogenates using ELISA. The proportion of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured in samples taken from plasma for detection of lipid peroxidation similar to thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. RESULTS LPS induced-plasma TNF-α, brain TNF-α, and plasma MDA levels were significantly lower in the LPS+agomelatine group compared to the LPS+saline group (p<0.05). HVA levels and stereotype scores were significantly lower in the LPS+agomelatine group compared to the LPS+saline group (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS Agomelatine reduced TNF-α, HVA, MDA levels, and the stereotype score in relevant models of psychosis. Our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of agomelatine involved oxidant cleansing properties and that its effects on the metabolism of dopamine can play an important role in the model of psychosis.

''The dermal internal brassiere flap,'' a new modification of inferior pedicle breast reduction technic.

BACKGROUND: The inferior pedicle mammaplasty is particularly applied to large breasts with a long sternal notch to nipple distance. The present study reports modifications developed to solve the bottoming-out deformity, the lack of upper pole fullness and the wound healing problems seen at the reverse T-zone, known disadvantages of the inferior pedicle reduction mammaplasty, and evaluates postoperative sensation. METHODS: A total of 110 patients with a mean age of 32 underwent the same technique. In this technique, two pairs of quadrangular and triangular flaps were planned from the skin of resection sites. The triangular dermal flaps and quadrangular flaps were suspended from the periosteum of the 2nd and 4th ribs, respectively. The distance from the nipple to inframammary fold was measured at the postoperative 1st month and 1st year. In the postoperative period, a nipple-inframammary fold distance increase of over 2 cm was determined as bottoming-out deformity. Sensation evaluations were performed by subjective and objective tests. RESULTS: The mean sternal notch to nipple distance was 35.00 cm. After operation, the mean distance between the sternal notch and the nipple was 20.00 cm. NAC examination revealed normal sensation in all patients. Whereas the preoperative mean areolar threshold value was 36.70 g/mm(2), the postoperative first-year mean areolar pressure threshold value was 35.50 g/mm(2) (p < 0.0001). The preoperative mean nipple pressure threshold value was 25.30 g/mm(2), whereas the postoperative first-year mean nipple pressure threshold value was 26.00 g/mm(2) (p = 0.5471). The postoperative first-month mean sternal notch to nipple distance value of the patients was 20.00 cm, whereas the postoperative first-year mean sternal notch to nipple distance value of the patients was 20.00 cm, (p = 0.0648). The postoperative first-month mean nipple to submammary fold distance value of the patients was 10.50 cm, the postoperative first-year mean nipple to submammary fold distance value of the patients was 11.00 cm (p < 0.0001) There were no patients determined as having bottoming-out deformity. No breast asymmetry was encountered at the late follow-up period. All patients, except the scarred ones, were satisfied with the results. CONCLUSION: In this study, we achieved an internal fascial reconstruction using a pair of triangular and quadrangular dermal flaps suspended to the rib periosteum. We believe that our modifications will contribute to decreasing the disadvantages of the inferior pedicle breast reduction technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Expressions of TRPM6 and TRPM7 and histopathological evaluation of tissues in ischemia reperfusion performed rats.

There is very little work on the expression of TRPM6/7 in ischemia reperfusion models. In previous studies, after ischemia, reperfusion had been kept limited to 24 h, yet in our study, expressions of these channels were elucidated after its modification to 48 h to establish what kind of changes renal tissues undergo. For the current study, 20 Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups equally. Group I: control group, Group II = I/R group (60 min ischemia + 48 h reperfusion). For the mRNA analysis, right kidneys of I/R group was used as a reference in order to eliminate genetic differences. The left renal artery (I/R generated part) of I/R area was removed from all rats in the second group. Likewise, normal tissues of right renal artery were removed from all rats. Histopathologic scoring of the tissue samples were achieved semi-quantitatively according to normal tissue composition. Consequently, both TRPM6 and TRPM7 expression levels were decreased in all groups according to control groups, yet results were not counted as significant (p > 0.05). Additionally, correlation analysis confirmed these results. Also, I/R performed kidneys had more tissue damage compared to control group. To conclude, our study results suggest that TRPM6/7 expressions may be increased and after 48 h of reperfusion expression levels of these two stored to normal levels. At the same time, damages have occurred in renal tissues after ischemia. These damages were considered to be resulted from the oxidative effects as previously reported.

Prolidase activity and oxidative stress in patients with major depressive disorder.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study was to determine whether the serum prolidase levels are associated with the etiopathogenesis of depression. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study included 29 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), who were consecutively recruited from the psychiatric outpatient clinic, and 30 healthy individuals recruited from the general community. Each patient underwent a detailed diagnostic evaluation by two psychiatrists using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I). Serum prolidase activity and oxidative parameters were measured in the patient and control groups. The severity of depressive symptoms was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. RESULTS: Serum prolidase level was significantly higher in patients with MDD compared to healthy subjects (p<0.001). Total Oxidant Status (TOS) levels and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) were also significantly higher in patients with MDD (p<0.001), whereas no significant difference was observed between the groups in the TAS levels (p=0.297). Serum prolidase level did not show any correlation with markers of oxidative stress in patients with MDD. CONCLUSION: Increased serum prolidase levels in patients with MDD may be interpreted as the interaction of prolidase activity, glutamate transmission and oxidative stress. It is suggested that prolidase activity is involved in the etiopathogenesis of depressive disorder.

The Role of Triglyceride/HDL Ratio, Triglyceride-Glucose Index, and Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value in the Differential Diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndrome and Predicting Mortality.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the predictive importance of various clinical and laboratory parameters in the differential diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Understanding these predictors is critical for improving diagnostic accuracy, guiding therapeutic decisions, and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes. Methods: The study included a total of 427 patients diagnosed with ACS, comprising 142 with unstable angina, 142 with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and 143 with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The data were collected from medical records of patients treated at a tertiary care hospital between January 2020 and December 2024. In addition to other biochemical parameters, triglyceride/HDL ratio (THR), triglyceride-glucose index (TGI), and Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value (PIV) were calculated and compared. Results: THR, TGI, PIV, and mortality rate were statistically higher in the STEMI group (p = 0.034, p = 0.031, p = 0.022, p = 0.045, respectively). The risk factors were found to be significantly associated with STEMI in the multiple logistic regression analysis and included age, total cholesterol, triglycerides, diabetes mellitus, smoking, cTnI, LVEF, THR, TGI, and PIV. High THR increases the risk of STEMI (AUC = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.62-0.72, p = 0.020). High THR increases the risk of mortality in ACS patients (AUC = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.65-0.75, p = 0.004). THRs above 3.5 are associated with higher risk. Sensitivity is 75% and specificity is 60%. High TGI increases the risk of mortality in ACS patients (AUC = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.68-0.78, p = 0.007). TGIs above 8.5 are associated with higher risk. Sensitivity is 78% and specificity is 63%. High PIVs increase the risk of mortality in ACS patients (AUC = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.70-0.80, p = 0.009). PIVs above 370 are associated with higher risk. Sensitivity is 80% and specificity is 65%. The combination of TGI, THR, PIV, and cTnI has the highest predictive capability over individual parameters for STEMI and mortality. Conclusions: We found that age, total cholesterol, triglycerides, cTnI, THR, TGI, and PIV increase, low LVEF, presence of diabetes mellitus, and smoking have predictive values for STEMI and mortality in patients with ACS. Unlike the studies in the literature, this is the first study in which cTnI, THR, TGI, and PIV values were evaluated together in ACS and mortality prediction.

Two Members of Vitamin-K-Dependent Proteins, Gla-Rich Protein (GRP) and Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), as Possible New Players in the Molecular Mechanism of Osteoarthritis.

Objectives: The pathophysiology of osteoarthritis is mainly unknown. Matrix Gla protein (MGP) and Gla-rich protein (GRP) are both vitamin-K-dependent mineralization inhibitors. In this study, we aimed to compare the levels of MGP and GRP in the synovial fluid of osteoarthritic (OA) and non-osteoarthritic (non-OA) knee joints. Materials and Methods: Two groups were formed, with one consisting of patients with OA and the other non-OA, serving as a control group. The non-OA group included individuals who had arthroscopic surgery for non-cartilage-related issues. In the OA group, all participants had undergone total knee arthroplasty because of grade 4 primary degenerative osteoarthritis. During the operation, at least 1 mL of knee synovial fluid was collected. The GRP and MGP levels in the synovial fluid were measured using an ELISA kit. Results: The mean age in the OA group (62.03 ± 11.53 years) was significantly higher than that in the non-OA group (47.70 ± 14.49 years; p = 0.0001). GRP levels were significantly higher in the OA group (419.61 ± 70.14 ng/mL) compared to the non-OA group (382.18 ± 62.34 ng/mL; p = 0.037). MGP levels were significantly higher in the OA group (67.76 ± 11.36 ng/mL) compared to the non-OA group (53.49 ± 18.28 ng/mL; p = 0.001). Calcium levels (Ca++) were also significantly higher in the OA group (12.89 ± 3.43 mg/dL) compared to the non-OA group (9.51 ± 2.15 mg/dL; p = 0.0001). There was a significantly positive correlation between MGP levels and age (p = 0.011, R = +0.335). Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of age on MGP levels (p = 0.011, R-Square = 0.112). The dependent variable in this analysis was MGP (ng/mL), and age was the predictor. Conclusions: In conclusion, both GRP and MGP are potentially usable biomarkers in osteoarthritis. However, GRP seems to be more valuable because it is not associated with age. In the future, both proteins could provide important contributions to the diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis.