The effects of exercise and mitochondrial transplantation alone or in combination against Doxorubicin-induced skeletal muscle atrophy.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer, but it is associated with significant side effects such as skeletal muscle atrophy. Exercise has been found to prevent skeletal muscle atrophy through the modulation of mitochondrial pathways. Mitochondrial transplantation (MT) may mitigate toxicity, neurological disorders, kidney and liver injury, and skeletal muscle atrophy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of MT, exercise, and MT with exercise on DOX-induced skeletal muscle atrophy. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: control, DOX, MT with DOX, exercise with DOX, and exercise with MT and DOX. A 10-day treadmill running exercise and MT (6.5 µg/100 µL) to tibialis anterior (TA) muscle were administered prior to a single injection of DOX (20 mg/kg). Our data showed that exercise and MT with exercise led to an increase in cross-sectional area of the TA muscle. Exercise, MT and MT with exercise reduced inflammation and maintained mitochondrial enzyme activity. Additionally, exercise and MT have been shown to regulate mitochondrial fusion/fission. Our findings revealed that exercise and MT with exercise prevented oxidative damage. Furthermore, MT and MT with exercise decreased apoptosis and MT with exercise triggered mitochondrial biogenesis. These findings demonstrate the importance of exercise in the prevention of skeletal muscle atrophy and emphasize the significant benefits of MT with exercise. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the therapeutic effects of MT with exercise in DOX-induced skeletal muscle atrophy.

Post-radiotherapy cribriform-morular thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: According to the new 2022 World Health Organization classification of endocrine tumors, thyroid malignancy, formerly known as the cribriform-morular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma, is now categorized as differentiated thyroid malignancy; it is, at present, called cribriform-morular thyroid carcinoma and classified as a tumor of unknown histogenesis. CASE REPORT: In this case report, we report on a 15-year-old patient who underwent external radiotherapy to the neck for Hodgkin's disease and developed cribriform-morular thyroid carcinoma 5 years after radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that cribriform-morular thyroid carcinoma with diffuse nuclear beta-catenin expression has exciting and unresolved uncertainties that may affect disease prognosis and follow-up for cytopathologists and endocrinologists.

Dyshidrotic eczema and seborrheic dermatitis-like eczematous eruption following intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is increasingly used for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Although skin reactions to IVIg therapy are usually minor, rare, and not life-threatening, dermatologists need to recognize the nature of these adverse reactions. We describe a 33-year-old man suffering from demyelinating polyneuropathy who developed dyshidrotic eczema on the palms and flaky grayish-white scales on an erythematous base on his face after the administration of IVIg.

Glutathione S-Transferases and Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Expression in Patients with Intracranial Tumors: Preliminary Report of 55 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Intracranial tumors are one of the most frightening and difficult-to-treat tumor types. In addition to surgery, protocols such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy also take place in the treatment. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) and cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are prominent drug-metabolizing enzymes in the human body. The aim of this study is to show the expression of GSTP1, GSTM1, CYP1A1, and CYP1B1 in different types of brain tumors and compare our results with those in the literature. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The expression of GSTP1, GSTM1, CYP1A1, and CYP1B1 was analyzed using immunostaining in 55 patients with intracranial tumors in 2016-2017. For GST and CYP expression in normal brain tissue, samples of a portion of surrounding normal brain tissue as well as a matched far neighbor of tumor tissue were used. The demographic features of the patients were documented and the expression results compared. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 46.72 years; 29 patients were female and 26 were male. Fifty-seven specimens were obtained from 55 patients. Among them, meningioma was diagnosed in 12, metastases in 12, glioblastoma in 9, and pituitary adenoma in 5. The highest GSTP1, GSTM1, and CYP-1A1 expressions were observed in pituitary adenomas. The lowest GSTP1 expression was detected in glioblastomas and the lowest CYP1B1 expression in pituitary adenomas. CONCLUSION: GSTP1 and CYP expression is increased in intracranial tumors. These results should be confirmed with a larger series and different enzyme subtypes.

Expression of Sigma-Class Glutathione-S-Transferase in Fetal and Pediatric Filum Terminale Samples: A Comparative Study.

Background and objectives: The pathophysiology of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) in children is not well elucidated. An inelastic filum terminale (FT) is the main factor underlying the stretching of the spinal cord in TCS. Our study aimed to investigate the expression of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in children and fetal FT samples in order to understand the relationship between this enzyme expression and the development of TCS. Materials and Methods: FT samples were obtained from ten children with TCS (Group 1) and histological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed. For comparison, FT samples from fifteen normal human fetuses (Group 2) were also analyzed using the same techniques. Statistical comparison was made using a Chi-square test. Results: Positive GST-sigma expression was detected in eight (80%) of 10 samples in Group 1. The positive GST-sigma expression was less frequent in nine (60%) of 15 samples from Group 2. No statistically significant difference was detected between the two groups (p = 0.197). Conclusions: Decreased FT elasticity in TCS may be associated with increased GST expression in FT. More prospective studies are needed to clarify the mechanism of the GST-TCS relationship in children.

The association of Helicobacter pylori with choroidal and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection on choroidal thickness (CT) and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT). METHODS: The study included 25 patients with H. pylori infection and 25 healthy individuals as the control group. Helicobacter pylori patients were classified as the pre-treatment (Group 1; n: 25) and the post-treatment (Group 2; n: 25). RNFLT and CT were measured before and after treatment of H. pylori infection, using enhanced depth imaging (EDI) spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). The axial length and intraocular pressure were also measured. RESULTS: The mean subfoveal CT was 320.96 ± 29.15 µm in Group 1 and 287.48 ± 49.17 in the control group (p = 0.007), while the mean subfoveal CT did not show any difference between Group 2 and the control group (p > 0.05). No statistically significant difference was determined between the H. pylori patients and the control group in respect of RNFLT values (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CT increases during H. pylori infection and returns to the normal range within 6 weeks of treatment. RNFLT does not show any change during H. pylori infection. The data related to the subfoveal CT may be useful in understanding the pathogenesis of central serous chorioretinopathy developing in H. pylori patients.

Endometrial histopathology results and evaluation of endometrial cancer risk in geriatric women.

The incidence of premalignant and malignant endometrial disorders increases during the postmenopausal period. In the literature, endometrial disorders are usually discussed in the context of menopausal status. But there are limited data regarding endometrial disorders in geriatric patients. Early diagnosis of endometrial cancers with aggressive behaviour that increases during the geriatric period may allow simpler treatment options and also decrease the treatment-associated morbidity risk. Records of geriatric patients who underwent an endometrial histopathological evaluation between 2011 and 2016 were evaluated. Clinical findings, transvaginal ultrasonography findings, endometrial sampling methods, and histopathological results were evaluated. A total of 188 patients were included in the study (mean age 70.3 ±5.6 years). The most common histopathological results were endometrial polyp, atrophic endometrium, and surface epithelium (26.6%, 22.3%, and 12.8%, respectively). None of the 57 patients without vaginal bleeding had endometrial cancer. In 131 patients with vaginal bleeding, mean endometrial thickness was 9.8 ±8.1 mm (2-49 mm) and the rate of endometrial disorders was 56.5% (74 patients). Endometrial cancer was diagnosed in 19 patients (10.1%), and 36.8% of them had non-endometrioid cancers. The presence of vaginal bleeding was significantly associated with the diagnosis of endometrial cancer and any endometrial disorder (p = 0.001 and p = 0.000, respectively). The incidence of non-endometrioid endometrial cancers increased in the geriatric period. An endometrial histopathological examination should be considered, especially for patients with a history of vaginal bleeding. Further investigation of the endometrial thickness cut-off levels in the geriatric period will contribute to the literature.

Tamoxifen citrate: a glimmer of hope for silicosis.

BACKGROUND: Inhalation of crystalline silica nanoparticles causes pulmonary damage resulting in progressive lung fibrosis. Currently, there is no effective treatment for silicosis. Tamoxifen citrate is a selective estrogen receptor modulator, which is one of the adjuvant treatment choices for breast cancer. It is also known with its inhibitory effect on the production of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) and studied for the anti-fibrotic effect in some fibrotic diseases. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of tamoxifen citrate on the prevention of pulmonary fibrosis and the treatment of silicosis. METHODS: A total of 100 adult female Wistar Albino rats (200-250 g) were used in this study. The rats were divided into five groups including 20 rats in each. Rats were exposed to silica for 84 d in all groups. In group 1, rats were sacrificed on the day 84 without receiving treatment. In group 2, rats received 1 mg/kg tamoxifen (tmx1 + 1), from the first day of the study for the whole 114 d of the study. In group 3, (tmx10 + 10) rats were given 10 mg/kg tamoxifen from the first day of the study for the whole 114 d of the study. In group 4 (tmx1), rats were started 1 mg/kg of tamoxifen on day 84 and were given until day 114. In group 5 (tmx10), rats were fed with 10 mg/kg tamoxifen starting from day 84 to day 114. All rats except group 1 were sacrificed on 114 day of the study. Lung inflammation and fibrosis scores, serum TGF ß levels, lung smooth muscle antigen and tissue transforming growth factor ß (t-TGF-ß) antibody staining levels, and number of silicotic rats were compared between groups. RESULTS: Silicosis was caused successfully in all rats in group 1. There were six silicotic rats in group 3 and it was the lowest number of all groups. Plasma TGF-ß levels and fibrosis score were significantly lower in all groups when compared with the control group. Tamoxifen could have preventive or treating effects in silicosis and found that lung fibrosis score was significantly lower in rats treated with tamoxifen. CONCLUSIONS: Tamoxifen treatment after and/or before induction of silicosis decreased lung fibrosis score with blood TGF-ß levels. We hope that this study may introduce a new indication as prophylactic use of tamoxifen in high-risk groups for silicosis and for treatment of silicosis.

The effect of CYP1A1 and GSTP1 isozymes on the occurrence of aortic aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Aortic aneurysms are vascular diseases that are associated with high mortality and morbidity. Cytochrome P450 CYP1A1 and glutathione S-transferase (GSTP1) isozymes were searched and compared with the patients who had experienced aortic surgery due to aortic aneurysm and atherosclerotic patients without aneurysm to find the relation of the oxidative stress with the aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study group consisted of the patients with the diagnosis of aortic aneurysm (group I, n: 12) and control group who were operated for coronary bypass surgery: preoperatively drug users (group II, n: 21) and nonusers (group III, n: 15). Paraffin sections (4 µm thick) of aortic biopsy materials were stained with hematoxylin and eosine, CYP1A1 and GSTP1 immunohistochemical markers. The specimens were evaluated using light microscopy at 40- to 400-fold magnification. RESULTS: The expressions of CYP1A1 and GSTP1 isozymes were found statistically significantly higher in the patients who have an aortic aneurysm than both the control groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant association between protein expressions, drugs and duration of usage, patient's demographic variables, and smoking (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this pioneering study, CYP1A1 and GSTP1 isozymes are related with the aneurysms. The strategy that prevents the oxidative stress for the patients who had aortic aneurysms could be a valuable choice of searching to effect the aneurysmal progression.

Histological structure of the medial and lateral walls of cavernous sinus in human fetuses.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to elucidate the architecture of these fine structures in human fetuses. METHODS: The histological examination of medial wall (MW) and lateral wall (LW) was performed in 15 normal human fetuses. Eleven fetuses were female and four were male. The gestational age ranged between 14 and 35 weeks. The weight ranged between 180 and 1750 g. The wall samples (two MW and two LW from each fetus) were obtained by microsurgical technique and underwent histological examination. Each wall was examined for the structure and composition of collagen and elastic fibers, ganglions, peripheral nerves, and vessels. RESULTS: A total of 60 wall samples (30 MW and 30 LW) were examined in 15 fetuses. Loose connective tissue composed of type III collagen was observed in both of the walls. Elastic fibers were observed only in three wall samples (two MW and one LW). Ganglion was detected in 11 samples (nine in LW and two in MW), and peripheral nerve was found in 28 walls (18 LW and 10 MW). Vessels were observed in 51 samples (26 LW and 25 MW). None of the walls was stained with type I collagen. CONCLUSIONS: The structure of LW and MW of the cavernous sinus (CS) in fetuses is mainly composed of collagen tissue while some elastic fibers are supported by this tissue. Type III collagen is the main component of fetal CS walls. Because of the weak histological structure, CS may be more prone to tumor invasion in infants.

Comparison of autogeneous and homogeneous nasal dorsal onlay grafts in an experimental design.

An experimental model was used for the comparative evaluation of autogeneous and homogeneous nasal dorsal onlay cartilage grafts. This study was conducted on 18 adult white New Zealand male rabbits. Nasal septal cartilage (NSC), sliced nasal septal cartilage (SNSC) and auricular cartilage (AC) grafts were prepared in autogeneous and homogeneous forms and placed into the subcutaneous pockets of the nasal dorsum of rabbits. After a period of 3 months, the animals were painlessly killed, and each site was analyzed histologically for inflammation, neovascularization, fibrosis and resorption. Inflammation, fibrosis and neovascularization were found to be significantly more extensive in the homogeneous graft groups and autogeneous SNSC group 3 months after implantation. Resorption was significantly high in both homogeneous and autogeneous AC groups and significantly low in the autogeneous and homogeneous SNSC groups. There was no significant difference between the homogeneous and autogeneous grafts in terms of resorption rates. In conclusion, the results of this experimental study demonstrate that resorption was lesser than expected in the sliced cartilage graft and that homologous cartilage graft applications had activity and reliability similar to that of autogenous cartilage grafts.

Comparison of the histopathological findings of patients with diabetic and idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.

PURPOSE: This study is aimed to investigate whether there are any histopathological differences between diabetic and idiopathic carpal tunnel syndromes. METHODS: The biopsy specimens were taken from transverse carpal ligament (TCL), tenosynovium adjacent to median nerve and epineurium of median nerve and evaluated in 47 patients (21 diabetic and 26 idiopathic) who were diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and treated surgically with open carpal tunnel release. Fibroblast proliferation, fibrosis, perivascular inflammation, oedema, vascular proliferation and vascular wall thickness were determined and scored in all specimens. RESULTS: There weren't any histopathological abnormalities in TCL specimens of both groups. Synovial hyperplasia, fibrosis and perivascular inflammation were not observed in tenosynovial analysis of both groups. Diabetic CTS patients, when compared with idiopathic CTS patients, had higher rates of synovial edema (idiopathic CTS 57 %, diabetic CTS 87 %), vascular proliferation (idiopathic CTS 30.8 %, diabetic CTS 90.5 %) and increased vascular wall thickness (idiopathic CTS 11.5 %, diabetic CTS 90.5 %). There was no oedema, fibrosis and perivascular inflammation of the epineurium in specimens of either group. But increases in vascular proliferation (idiopathic CTS 7.7 %, diabetic CTS 71.4 %) and vascular wall thickness (idiopathic CTS 3.8 %, diabetic CTS 71.4 %) was seen in the epineurium of diabetic patients and these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Because of the severe synovial and epineurial histopathological abnormalities and inadequate neural regeneration capacity, surgical open carpal tunnel decompression should be planned earlier in diabetic CTS patients. Further studies should be considered to evaluate the histopathological features of diabetic CTS patients early in the course of the disease.

Which treatment method should be preferred for lumbar discal cysts? A case report and a review of the literature.

Discal cysts are extremely rare pathologies that occur most often in the lumbar region. The clinical symptoms of discal cysts are indistinguishable from those of a lumbar disc herniation. The aetiology and pathogenesis of discal cysts remain unknown. The optimal treatment of discal cysts also remains controversial. Most cases of lumbar discal cysts are treated surgically, while some cases regress spontaneously. In this article, we report a case of a lumbar discal cyst treated surgically by microdiscectomy. We discuss the treatment options for discal cysts in the context of the literature.

Effect of systemic isotretinoin therapy on mucociliary clearance and nasal surface mucosa in acne patients.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are no studies investigating the topical or systemic effects of retinoids on human nasal mucosa. We aimed to investigate the effect of systemic isotretinoin therapy on mucociliary transport and nasal surface mucosa using the saccharine test (ST) and nasal cytology techniques. METHODS: A total of 30 patients with severe or moderate acne were enrolled in this study. The median prescribed dose of isotretinoin was 0.75 mg per kg per day. Clinical and biochemical examinations were carried out periodically. The ST and nasal cytology were performed before treatment and during the third month of therapy. RESULTS: Of the 30 patients who initially agreed to participate in the research, 21 completed the study (18 female and 3 male, mean ± standard deviation (SD) aged 20.9 ± 4.7 years, range 15-32 years). There was a significant difference between the mucociliary clearance time for subjects in the pre- and post-treatment periods (173.8 ± 89.2 seconds vs 245.2 ± 191.6 seconds, respectively; P=.009). Cytological examination revealed that the squamous cell ratio was significantly lower and the reactive changes of the respiratory epithelium were significantly higher 3 months after isotretinoin therapy than before therapy (P=.010, P=.002, respectively). There were mild signs of inflammation according to the number of neutrophilic leukocytes (8.3% vs 26.6%, P=.06) after 3 months of isotretinoin therapy. CONCLUSION: Systemic isotretinoin alters the mucociliary transport, decreases the squamous cell ratio, increases the reactive changes in the respiratory epithelium significantly, and increases neutrophils in the nasal surface mucosa in the third month of treatment

A segmental neurofibromatosis case with eruptive seborrheic keratoses.

Segmental neurofibromatosis (SNF) is a rare variant of neurofibromatosis (NF) type 1 characterized by a restricted distribution of cafe-au-lait macules, and/or neurofibromas, and rarely freckling to a single dermatomal segment. Patients with NF type 1 have an associated increased risk for benign or malignant tumours. The prevalence of typical NF type 1 complications including malignancies in SNF is much lower than the generalized form. Seborrheic keratosis is one of the more common benign epidermal tumour which can be a paraneoplastic syndrome when it arises with an eruptive appearance. To our knowledge in the literature no case of SNF associated with eruptive seborrheic keratoses has been defined. We report the case of a man, aged 51, who had SNF and abruptly developed eruptive seborrheic keratoses.

Pre-operative neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratios are effective in predicting complicated acute cholecystitis

BACKGROUND: Acute cholecystitis is a severe disease that requires urgent operation in some cases. To select suitable patients for a conservative approach, there is a need for an affordable and reliable marker for determining complication risk. Evaluation of systemic inflammatory markers in combination with other parameters such as white blood cell and the C-reactive protein might help to decide the appropriate treatment option. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and thrombocyte-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in determining the risk of complicated acute cholecystitis and to compare with intraoperative and pathological findings. METHODS: A total of 229 patients operated on for acute cholecystitis were included in this study. Intraoperative and pathologically complicated acute cholecystitis in 78 cases and controls group was 151 cases. The two groups were compared in terms of inflammation markers. Then, we used the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to determine the optimal value for NLR and PLR concerning the severity of cholecystitis. Then, the differences in clinical symptoms were investigated according to the cutoff value for NLR and PLR. RESULTS: The NLR and PLR levels were found to be significantly higher in the complicated group (4.18±4.53 vs. 15.23±20.99, 145.34±87.58, and 251.92±245.93, respectively, p<0.01). The best cutoff value for NLR and PLR was 5.5 and 146.90, respectively. Sensitivity for NLR was 80% and specificity was 80.1%. Sensitivity for PLR was 66.7% and specificity was 66.2%. CONCLUSION: Systemic inflammation markers can be used to predict the risk of complicated acute cholecystitis. They are inex-pensive tools that can be used to make surgical decisions, especially in resource scarce environments.

Giant atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma of the neck.

Liposarcoma of the head and neck represents approximately 1% of head and neck sarcomas. Atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma rarely occurs in the neck. The size of the neck liposarcomas rarely exceeds 10 cm during presentation. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for liposarcomas. We report a very unusual size, which has not been reported to our knowledge, of an atypical lipomatous tumor of the neck, reaching a size of 25 × 22 cm. The patient underwent complete resection of the lesion without morbidity. Three months after the surgery, the patient is free of recurrence.

Predictive Value of Preoperative Neutrophil-Lymphocyte and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio in Determining the Stage of Colon Tumors.

Introduction Biomarkers such as the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are associated with the colon tumor stage and prognosis. Therefore, in our study, we investigated whether these biomarkers are important in determining the colon cancer stage. Materials and methods The outcomes in 268 patients operated on with the diagnosis of colon cancer between January 2011 and March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The relationship of the stage of the patients with the NLR or PLR was evaluated. In addition, according to the stage of colorectal tumors, stage I and other stages (stages II, III, and IV) were compared in terms of NLR and PLR. Groups that had lymph node (LN) metastasis were compared with those that did not. Finally, groups with and without metastasis were also compared. Results In our cohort, 144 patients (57.6%) were male, and 84 (42.4%) were female. The mean age was found to be 68.28 ±12.71 years. The patients were evaluated according to their stages: 26 patients were stage I, 78 patients were stage II, 75 patients were stage III, and 19 patients were stage IV. There was a significant difference in NLR values between the groups (p: 0.05). Also, 104 patients were LN-negative (stages I-II), and 94 patients were LN-positive (stages III-IV). When PLR was compared between the two groups, no significant difference was found between tumor stages and these values (p: 0.099). However, there was a significant difference in NLR values (p: 0.034). Conclusion  Based on our findings, it has been concluded that increased PLR may not be associated with the colon cancer stage. However, the increase in NLR was found to be correlated with tumor stage and LN metastasis.

Impact of Curcumin on Ovarian Reserve After Tubal Ligation: an Experimental Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of tubal ligation (TL) via modified Pomeroy method on ovarian reserve and to determine the role of curcumin (Curcuma longa [Indian saffron]) against ovarian reserve decrement after TL. Forty-eight albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: (1) Control group: a sham operation was performed (n = 12), (2) Tubal ligation group: TL was performed (n = 12), (3) TL+DMSO group: 1 mL/day dimethyl sulfoxide was used for 50 days after TL, (4) TL+Curc group: 100 mg/kg/day curcumin dissolved in DMSO was administrated for 50 days after TL. Pre-operatively and on post-operative day 50, blood samples were collected for AMH evaluation, and oophorectomy was performed for histological and immunohistochemical examinations of ovaries in all groups. No difference in the basal AMH levels was found among the groups (p = 0.249). Compared to the basal, AMH levels were lower in the control, TL, and TL+DMSO groups (p = 0.003, p = 0.004, and p < 0.001, respectively) but not different in the TL+Curc group (p = 0.503) on post-operative day 50. No significant differences in the number of primary, preantral, antral, atretic follicles, and corpus luteum among the groups (p > 0.05) were found. The percentage of granulosa cells stained for caspase-3 in antral follicles and the corpus luteum was higher in the TL+Curc group than in the control and TL groups ([antral follicles; p < 0.01 for both groups], [corpus leteum; p = 0.009 and 0.002 for the control and TL groups, respectively]). It seems that TL does not decrease ovarian reserve and curcumin might have a positive effect on ovarian reserve in the setting of TL.

The Effect of Disulfiram in the Prevention of Postoperative Adhesion Formation in an Experimental Rat Uterine Horn Model.

Postoperative adhesions can cause serious complications, including intestinal obstruction, chronic abdominopelvic pain, and infertility in women. Here we investigate the effects of disulfiram on the postoperative adhesion model. Female Wistar rats were used (n = 72). The animals were separated into six groups (12 rats per group): group 1 (control), group 2 (300 mg/kg disulfiram administered for 3 days preoperatively), group 3 (50 mg/kg disulfiram administered for 3 days preoperatively and 14 days postoperatively), group 4 (300 mg/kg disulfiram administered for 3 days preoperatively and 14 days postoperatively), group 5 (50 mg/kg disulfiram administered 14 days postoperatively only), and group 6 (300 mg/kg disulfiram administered 14 days postoperatively only). A histopathologic examination was performed. Immunohistochemical stainings for matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9 (MMP-2, and MMP-9) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were evaluated. The macroscopic adhesion scores were significantly lower in the disulfiram groups (groups 3, 4, and 6) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Inflammation scores were lower in all groups receiving disulfiram, but only reached statistical significance in group 4 (p < 0.05). In the immunohistochemical evaluation of the groups, MMP-9 was significantly lower in group 5 than group 4 (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups for MMP-2 and VEGF. We found that disulfiram reduced postoperative adhesion formation. Disulfiram becomes more effective (by directly reducing inflammation) when initiated during the preoperative period at high doses.