Predictive value of ischaemia-modified albumin in spermatogenesis in an experimental testicular torsion model.

Our aim was to measure the ability of ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) to predict testicular histopathological damage in the testes of rats with short- and long-term ischaemia using experimental testicular torsion and subsequent reperfusion via detorsion.21 Wistar Albino rats were randomized into three groups. The sham group was subjected to a mid-scrotal incision only. The 4- and 8-hr T/D (Torsion/Detorsion) groups were subjected to left testicular torsion by twisting the testes by 720 degrees counterclockwise. 2 cc venous blood samples were taken from the sham group after the mid-scrotal incision, and from the 4- and 8-hr T/D groups after 4 and 8 hr respectively. After that, the 4- and 8-hr T/D groups were subjected to detorsion. Two days later, orchiectomy was performed. Ischaemia-modified albumin levels were significantly different among the groups at 48 hr prior to orchiectomy (reperfusion; p = .003). Based on the results of the paired comparisons, it was found that IMA levels of the sham group were significantly higher than those of the 4- and 8-hr T/D groups (p = .002 and .009 respectively). Our study has showed that IMA may be used to predict ischaemia/reperfusion injury, which is another complication that may occur following detorsion in testicular torsion.

Prognostic value of thiol/disulphide homeostasis in predicting testicular ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency and the testicular salvage rate through surgical detorsion ranges from 42% to 88%. However, it is not known to what extent spermatogenic function is preserved in these testes. The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the prognostic value of thiol/disulphide homeostasis in rats for testicular ischaemia and ischaemia-reperfusion injury during early and late stages. A total of 21 Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups. The 4 and 8-hr T/D (torsion/detorsion) groups were subjected to left testicular torsion by twisting the testes by 720° counterclockwise direction. The 2 cc venous blood samples were also collected from the 4 and 8-hr T/D groups after 4 and 8 hr respectively. It was determined that the native thiol, total thiol and disulphide values of 4 and 8-hr T/D group before detorsion were significantly lower than those of the sham group (p: 0.006; p: 0.003; p: 0.003). In the 8-hr T/D group, there was a positive statistically significant relationship at an 88.3% level between Johnsen's score and total thiol values before detorsion (p: 0.008). Our study showed that thiol/disulphide homeostasis may be a haematologic parameter in predicting testicular ischaemia and histopathologic injury in the testes following ischaemia-reperfusion.

Renal Medullary Carcinoma; A Rare Entity.

Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is an uncommon aggressive neoplasm of the kidney. RMC is biologically aggressive with a very poor prognosis, and metastasis is seen in up to 95% of the patients at diagnosis or shortly thereafter. The common sites of metastasis are respectively lymph nodes, lungs, livers, and adrenal glands in order of frequency. The presence of poorly differentiated eosinophilic cells in a characteristic fibro-inflammatory stroma is seen in histological examination. The origin and pathogenesis of RMC are unclear. The radiographical and pathological findings suggest that RMC probably originates in the calyceal epithelium in or near the renal papillae, which could be the result of chronic ischemic damage in the renal papillae epithelium by sickled erythrocytes. Positivity of VEGF and HIF-1α supports the chronic hypoxia that may be caused in the pathogenesis of RMC. Other factors such as genetic or environmental factors are important. Although hemoglobinopathy is very common, RMC is very rare. An understanding of the molecular and genetic factors of this rare disease is important for its prevention and treatment. We herein describe an adult Turkish patient, who presented with hematuria. The diagnosis was RMC after pathological examination.

The effect of melatonin on bacterial translocation following ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat model of superior mesenteric artery occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Acute mesenteric ischemia is a life-threatening vascular emergency resulting in tissue destruction due to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Melatonin, the primary hormone of the pineal gland, is a powerful scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including the hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals, as well as singlet oxygen, and nitric oxide. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether melatonin prevents harmful effects of superior mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion on intestinal tissues in rats. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into three groups, each having 10 animals. In group I, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was isolated but not occluded. In group II and group III, the SMA was occluded immediately distal to the aorta for 60 minutes. After that, the clamp was removed and the reperfusion period began. In group III, 30 minutes before the start of reperfusion, 10 mg/kg melatonin was administered intraperitonally. All animals were sacrified 24 hours after reperfusion. Tissue samples were collected to evaluate the I/R-induced intestinal injury and bacterial translocation (BT). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde levels and in the incidence of bacterial translocation in group II, along with a decrease in glutathione levels. These investigated parameters were found to be normalized in melatonin treated animals (group III). CONCLUSION: We conclude that melatonin prevents bacterial translocation while precluding the harmful effects of ischemia/reperfusion injury on intestinal tissues in a rat model of superior mesenteric artery occlusion.

Non-diabetic nephropathy in diabetic patients: incidence, HbA1c variability and other predictive factors, and implications.

PURPOSE: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the population. In patients with diabetes mellitus, the incidence of non-diabetic nephropathy (NDNP) has been estimated to range from 3% to 69.5%. Personal judgment is frequently employed while deciding whether or not to do a kidney biopsy (KB) on diabetic patients. NDNP alters the prognosis and course of treatment for people with DM. In our study, we examined the incidence of NDNP concurrent with the progression of diabetes mellitus, as well as the laboratory and clinical indicators that could be utilized to forecast it. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 76 diabetic patients who underwent KB was conducted. Based on the pathological diagnoses of these patients, they were categorized as DNP (diabetic nephropathy) or NDNP. The definition of HbA1c variability was determined by calculating the mean HbA1c and the average value of the HbA1c measurements, as well as the standard deviation (SD) for each participant. RESULTS: NDNP was detected in 50% of 76 patients. Among patients with NDNP, 36.8% had focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), 23.6% had membranous glomerulonephritis, and 7.8% had IgA nephritis. The NDNP group exhibited significantly higher rates of female gender, absence of diabetic retinopathy, shorter time to diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and proteinuria, less intensive medication for diabetes mellitus, presence of hematuria and leukociduria, immunological serological marker positivity, and non-HbA1C variability. Risk factors for predicting non-diabetic nephropathy, as determined by multivariate analysis, included female gender, the absence of diabetic retinopathy, non-HbA1c variability and a positive immunological serological test. CONCLUSION: In this study, a significant number of diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease were diagnosed with NDNP. Identifying these patients allows for treatment of the specific underlying disease. Factors such as the absence of DR, non-HbA1c variability, female gender, and immunological serological test positivity can predict NDNP and guide the clinician's decision on kidney biopsy. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate the efficacy of potential predictive factors like HbA1c variability.

The Status of Spermatogenesis in Germ Cell Tumor Bearing Testis and Its Association with Metastatic Disease.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate the status of spermatogenesis detected by histological examination of non-tumoral testicular tissues in tumor bearing testis and its association with advanced stage disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) that undergone radical orchiectomy. All non-tumoral areas of the orchiectomy specimens were examined for the status of spermatogenesis. Patients were divided into two groups as localized (stage I) and metastatic (stage II-III) disease and analyzed separately for seminomatous (SGCT) and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT). RESULTS: Four hundred fifty-four patients were included in our final analysis. Of those, 195 patients had SGCT, and 259 patients had NSGCT. Three hundred and six patients had localized disease at the time of diagnosis. Median (Q1-Q3) age was 31 (26 - 38) years and 102 (22.5%) patients had normal spermatogenesis, 177 (39.0%) patients had hypospermatogenesis and 175 (38.5%) patients had no mature spermatozoa. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, embryonal carcinoma >50% (1.944, 95 %CI 1.054-3.585, P = .033) and spermatogenesis status (2.796 95% CI 1.251-6.250, P = .012 for hypospermatogenesis, and 3.907, 95% CI 1.692-9.021, P = .001 for absence of mature spermatozoa) were independently associated with metastatic NSGCT. However, there was not any variables significantly associated with metastatic SGCT on multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that only 22.5% of patients with TGCTs had normal spermatogenesis in tumor bearing testis. Impaired spermatogenesis (hypospermatogenesis or no mature spermatozoa) and predominant embryonal carcinoma are associated with advanced stage NSGCT.

Characteristics of renal oncocytomas and clinical novelties: Single center experience of 17 years.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the characteristics of renal oncocytomas and the clinical outcomes of patients in the last 17 years in our institution. METHODOLOGY: The medical records of the patients who underwent partial and radical nephrectomy from May 2004 to December 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. Radiology and pathology results were evaluated. Patients diagnosed with oncocytoma after surgery were included in the study. RESULTS: Out of 791 patients who were operated for renal masses, 55 patients with the diagnosis of oncocytoma were included in the study, 17 of them were female. The mean age of the patients was 64.77 ± 10.58 years. Open and laparoscopic methods were applied to patients. Partial nephrectomy was performed in 25 patients (46.2%). It was observed that none of the patients with a mean follow-up of 76 months developed recurrence or death due to oncocytoma. CONCLUSION: Oncocytoma is a benign and rare tumor of the kidney which distinguishing it from malign tumors preoperatively with recent techniques is impossible. Especially in small sized tumors, considering the possibility of oncocytoma, nephron sparing surgery should be preferred in terms of patients' benefit. Further research is needed for the novel imaging techniques and biomarkers proposed to be used in routine use to distinguish oncocytoma.

What is the role of CellDetect® in detecting and monitoring bladder cancer?

PURPOSE: Cystoscopy is the gold standard method for diagnosing and monitoring bladder cancer but it is costly, invasive, and operator-dependant. The aim is to compare the diagnostic efficacy of CellDetect® with urine cytology based on cystoscopic findings. METHODS: A total of 181 patients undergoing cystoscopy for bladder cancer follow-up or any reason were studied with cytology and CellDetect® by taking an urine sample before cystoscopy. Patients who had any kind of bladder procedure in less than 1 month, doubtful cystoscopy results, previous pathology of Tis or carcinoma in situ (CIS), urinary stones, and patients with urinary catheters or bladder diversions were excluded. Cytologic and CellDetect® results were compared based on cystoscopic findings and sensitivity and specifity analyses were done for each method. RESULTS: For low-grade tumors, the sensitivity of CellDetect® was 66.7% and the sensitivity of cytology was 16.7% with a significant difference (p < 0.05). For high-grade tumors, there were no significant difference between CellDetect® and cytology. Generally, CellDetect® had better sensitivity in both case and control groups. CONCLUSION: The promising results of CellDetect® particularly in low-grade tumors gives the potential for this novel stain to go widespread. Larger series, meta-analyses, and reviews need to support this topic in order to put CellDetect® into daily practice.

Effects of alpha tocopherol and ascorbic acid on Helicobacter pylori colonization and the severity of gastric inflammation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: We aimed to evaluate the changes in histopathologic features, concentrations of vitamins C and E in gastric mucosa, and total antioxidant capacity of the body after ingestion of ascorbic acid and alpha tocopherol in patients with Helicobacter pylori. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Patients with H. pylori-positive nonulcer dyspepsia were included in this study. Tissue samples were taken from the lesser and greater curvature in both prepyloric antrum and corpus for histopathologic examination and measurement of vitamins C and E concentrations. Blood samples were obtained for measurement of the total antioxidant capacity of the body. The patients were given vitamin C 500 mg BID and vitamin E 200 IU BID for 4 weeks orally. At the end of the 4th week, the initial procedures were repeated. Histopathologic examination of the tissue samples were carried out by two pathologists. RESULTS: The mean vitamins C and E concentrations in gastric mucosa at the 4th week were higher than those at the beginning (p = .000 and p = .006, respectively). Mean total antioxidant capacity of the body at the beginning and that at the 4th week were similar (p = .689). H. pylori intensity in the antrum at the beginning was higher than that at the 4th week for both pathologists (p = .007 and p = .039). Neutrophilic activity in the antrum at the beginning was higher than that at the 4th week for both pathologists (p = .000 and p = .025). Neutrophilic activity in the corpus at the beginning was higher than that at the 4th week for pathologist 1 (p = .033), and they were similar for pathologist 2 (p = .763). CONCLUSION: The findings that H. pylori intensity and neutrophilic activity decrease through increasing gastric ascorbic acid and alpha tocopherol concentrations suggest that supplementation with vitamins C and E increases the eradication rates via impairing the microenvironment created by the bacteria and facilitating the diffusion of antibiotics into gastric mucosa.

How Accurately FNAC Reflects the Breast Papillary Lesions?

Context: Diagnosis of papillary lesions of the breast by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is problematic. For this reason, it is situated in the indeterminate zone in classification systems. Aims: To ascertain the accuracy of cytological diagnosis of papillary lesions in distinguishing papillary lesions from non-papillary lesions and to determine whether papillomas can be reliably distinguished from malignant papillary lesions by FNAC. Material and Methods: A total of 346 cases with the diagnoses of breast papillary lesions were selected among 5112 breast FNAC procedures performed in our center. One hundred and thirty-nine cases with excised lesions were included in this study, and their corresponding histology was reviewed. Results: Papillary lesion diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology in 103 (74.1%) of 139 patients. Cytology and histopathology results were not found to be compatible in 35 (25.2%) cases. The diagnostic accuracy of distinguishing papillary breast lesions as malignant or benign was assessed statistically. According to the cytology-histology comparison, one case was evaluated as false negative (FN) and twelve cases as false positive (FP). Overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of FNAC in distinguishing papillary lesions as benign or malignant were calculated as 87%, 97%, 83%, 72%, and 98%, respectively. Conclusions: The diagnostic accuracy of papillary breast lesions classified by FNAC might be improved by careful evaluation together with cytological, radiological, and clinical findings (triple test). Cell block may allow more accurate evaluation of the papillary lesion and can be applied to immunohistochemical examination. It may also facilitate the differentiation of benign/malignant papillary lesions.

Prevention of adhesion to prosthetic mesh: comparison of oxidized generated cellulose, polyethylene glycol and hylan G-F 20.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of oxidized generated cellulose, polyethylene glycol and hylan G-F 20 on adhesion formation, fibrosis and inflammation after repair of abdominal wall defect with polypropylene mesh in an animal model. METHODS: Forty rats were divided into four groups and abdominal wall defect was established. The defect was repaired with polypropylene mesh alone (control group), polypropylene mesh and hylan G-F 20 as adhesion barrier, polypropylene mesh and oxidized generated cellulose as adhesion barrier, or polypropylene mesh and polyethylene glycol as adhesion barrier in Groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Rats were sacrificed on the 14th day in all groups. RESULTS: A comparison of the groups in terms of macroscopic adhesion scores revealed statistically significant differences between the groups using an adhesion barrier and the control group. Severe fibroblast proliferation was seen in the control group and mild fibroblast proliferation was seen in polyethylene glycol group. CONCLUSION: Polyethylene glycol is an effective adhesion prevention barrier. Laparoscopic surgery has become the standard method in most of the surgical field. With its laparoscopic apparatus, polyethylene glycol allows easy application on the damaged surface.

The Collapsing Variant of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) Secondary to Sarcoidosis, A Very Rare Case.

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. Renal involvement in sarcoidosis patients is occurred, but the incidence and prevalence is uncertain. The most common renal involvement of systemic sarcoidosis is nephrocalcinosis and interstitial nephritis. After sarcoidosis was diagnosed in a 31-year-old male patient, we performed a renal biopsy because of nephrotic range proteinuria and renal dysfunction. The collapsing variant of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) secondary to sarcoidosis was diagnosed by kidney biopsy.

[Evaluation of ischemia-modified albumin in obstructive renal injury.] / Evaluación de la albumina modificada por la isquemia en lesiones renales obstructivas.

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed at assessing the ability of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) to predict renal injury by associating biochemical, functional, and pathological findings with various degrees of ureteral obstruction. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were randomized into three groups, and their blood was sampled to determine the creatinine and IMA values and renal scintigraphy was done at the start and on postoperative day 7. In the sham group, the ureter was untouched; in the partial group, the ureter was gently embedded into the psoas muscle; and in the complete group, the ureter was compathologically, and all parameters were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: IMA was significantly associated with functional changes, creatinine values, and pathology scores (r = -0.729, r = 0.771, r = 0.827 respectively; p < 0.001). The postoperative IMA values of the partial and complete group were significantly higher than the respective preoperative values (p < 0.001, p < 0.001; p < 0.05, respectively). Additionally, the postoperative IMA values of the complete group were significantly higher than that of the sham and partial groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.001; p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: IMA, which is strongly associated with renal functional and pathological variations, appears to be a valuable parameter for predicting renal injury and may warn clinicians before the irreversible phases of obstructive uropathy occur. More extensive studies with human participants may prove advantageous.

OBJETIVOS: Este estudio intenta determinar la habilidad de la albumina modificada por la isquemia (IMA) para predecir el daño renal a través de asociar hallazgos patológicos, funcionales y bioquímicos con distintos grados de obstrucción.MÉTODOS: Se randomizaron 24 ratas en 3 grupos y se recogió su sangre para determinar la creatinina y IMA. Se realizó un renograma al inicio y en el día 7 del postoperatorio. En el grupo control, el uréter no se tocó, en el grupo parcial, el uréter se cosió en parte al músculo psoas y en el grupo completo el uréter se ligó completamente. La extensión de la lesión renal se graduó desde el punto de vista histológico, y todos los parámetros fueron estadísticamente evaluados. RESULTADOS: IMA estuvo estadísticamente asociada a cambios funcionales, valores de creatinina y grados histológicos (r = -0,729, r = 0,771, r = 0,827 respectivamente; p < 0,001). Los valores IMA postoperatorios en los grupos parcial y completa fueron significativamente más altos en relación a los valores preoperatorios (p < 0,001, p < 0,001; p < 0,05, respectivamente). Adicionalmente, los valores postoperatorios de IMA del grupo de obstrucción completa fueron significativamente más altos que el grupo control y parcial (p < 0,001, p = 0,001; p < 0,05, respectivamente). CONCLUSIONES: IMA, que está ampliamente asociado a la función renal y a las variaciones histológicas, parece ser un parámetro importante para predecir el daño renal y puede advertir a los clínicos antes de que se den las fases irreversibles de la uropatía obstructiva.Estudios más amplios con humanos pueden resultar ventajosos.

Effects of platelet-rich plasma on spermatogenesis and hormone production in an experimental testicular torsion model.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma is a biological instrument rich in growth factors and cytokines. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma on spermatogenesis and hormone production in an experimental testicular torsion model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rats were randomly divided into three groups, including six rats in each group as follows: the first group as the sham group; the second group as the ischemia/reperfusion + Saline group and the third group as the ischemia/reperfusion + platelet-rich plasma group. The left testicles of the ischemia/reperfusion + Saline and ischemia/reperfusion + platelet-rich plasma group were kept in four-hour torsion. Then, the left testicles of ischemia/reperfusion + Saline and ischemia/reperfusion + platelet-rich plasma groups were detorsioned, and intra-testicular 1 cc saline (ischemia/reperfusion + Saline) and 1 cc platelet-rich plasma (ischemia/reperfusion + platelet-rich plasma) were injected. At one month, blood samples were taken from all groups for hormonal evaluation and left orchiectomy was performed. RESULTS: The mean follicle-stimulating hormone level of ischemia/reperfusion + Saline group was significantly higher than ischemia/reperfusion + platelet-rich plasma group (7.78 ± 0.23 vs 6.18 ± 0.28 nmol/l, respectively, P = .004). The mean LH level of ischemia/reperfusion + platelet-rich plasma group was significantly lower than ischemia/reperfusion + Saline group (3.63 ± 0.28 vs 5.68 ± 0.21 nmol/l, respectively, P = .004). The mean total testosterone level of ischemia/reperfusion + platelet-rich plasma group was significantly higher than ischemia/reperfusion + Saline group (8.05 ± 0.24 vs 5.78 ± 0.23 nmol/l, respectively, P = .004). The mean Johnsen scores of ischemia/reperfusion + platelet-rich plasma group were significantly higher than ischemia/reperfusion + Saline group (5.85 ± 0.58 vs 3.93 ± 0.65, respectively, P = .004). The mean Johnsen score of the sham group was significantly higher than ischemia/reperfusion + platelet-rich plasma and ischemia/reperfusion + Saline groups (P = .003 and P = .003, respectively). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The platelet-rich plasma has beneficial effects on spermatogenesis and reproductive hormone production in testicular torsion. It is easily accessible and applicable. In the future, intra-testicular platelet-rich plasma injection may be used in testicular torsion after detorsion. However, further experimental and large-scale prospective clinical studies are needed to establish a definitive conclusion on this topic.

Renoprotective effect of platelet-rich plasma in obstructive uropathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in reducing renal injury in ureteral obstruction. METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar Albino rats were randomized and divided into four groups as the donor (n = 6), sham (n = 6), saline (n = 6), and PRP (n = 6). Blood was obtained from the donor group by cardiac puncture and PRP was prepared. 2 cc blood was sampled from other groups to measure blood-urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. Baseline renal scintigraphy was performed. An abdominal midline incision was made and the left ureter was exposed in the sham group. Saline infusion was given to the kidneys of the saline group after left ureteral obstruction, while PRP was given to the PRP group. On postoperative Day 7, control biochemical and scintigraphic evaluations were performed and left nephrectomies were done. Left kidneys were evaluated histopathologically. RESULTS: DMSA measurements in the sham group were found to be significantly higher than the saline and PRP groups (p = 0.001 and p = 0.024, respectively). There were no significant differences between the saline and PRP groups (p = 0.525 and p > 0.05, respectively). Histopathologically, no significant difference was observed between the saline and PRP groups (p = 0.320), while the scores of the sham group were significantly higher than the saline and PRP groups (p = 0.02 and p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that PRP may be effective in preventing ureteral obstruction-induced renal injury.

Effects of butein on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury: An experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: Renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common cause of acute kidney injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of butein on renal I/R injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven rats were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 9): a sham group, a renal I/Runtreated (control) group, and a renal I/R-butein group. The sham group underwent only opening and closing of the peritoneum. In the control group, an experimental I/R model was created and 1 cc isotonic saline was applied to the peritoneum. In the butein group, the experimental I/R model was created and 1 mg/kg butein was administered intraperitoneally 15 minutes before the beginning of ischemia. The left kidneys of the rats were histopathologically examined for tissue damage caused by I/R. RESULTS: Histopathological examination of the tissue damage revealed that all kidneys in the sham group were normal. By contrast, 2 in the control group (22.2%) had small focal damaged areas, 1 (11.1%) had < 10% cortical damage, 5 (55.6%) had 10-25% cortical damage, and 1 (11.1%) had 25-75% cortical damage. The butein group had 1 (11.1%) normal kidney, 2 (22.2%) with small focal damaged areas, 4 (44.4%) with < 10% cortical damage, and 2 (22.2%) with 10-25% cortical damage. Tissue damage was significantly lower in the sham group than in the control and butein groups (p < 0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed in the histopathology of the control and butein groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal administration of butein had no significant effect on renal tissue injury.

Protective Effect of Udenafil Against Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Due to Testicular Torsion/Detorsion in Rat Model.

OBJECTIVE: Testicular torsion causes migration of neutrophils to the ischemic region and formation of free oxygen radicals that have a critical effect on ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury. Udenafil is a selective, strong, and reversible inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type enzyme. In our study, we evaluate the protective effect of udenafil against reperfusion injury due to I/R. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one male, adult, Wistar-Albino rats aged 8 months were randomly divided into three groups; sham, I/R, and I/R+udenafil. One hour before the detorsion operation, the sham and I/R groupssaline, and I/R+udenafil groups were administered 2 mg/kg udenafil intraperitoneally. Blood samples were collected to evaluate the inflammatory mediators. Spermatogenic factors were evaluated according to Johnsen criteria. RESULTS: Histopathological and molecular parameters from all groups were compared. Mean values of TNF-α and IL-1ß in venous blood samples were calculated. We observed that TNF-a values were statistically significantly increased in the I/R group than those in sham groups, and these values were decreased with udenafil treatment Furthermore, the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) level was statistically significantly decreased in the I/R group, and treatment with udenafil prevented this decrease. Evaluation of spermatogenesis using the Johnsen scoring system showed no statistically significant difference in mean scores between the groups. CONCLUSION: We concluded that deterioration of biochemical and histopathological parameters are reversed, and injury due to I/R in testicle tissue may be decreased with udenafil treatment. Results of this experimental study show that efficacy of the udenafil treatment in testis torsion should be investigated.

Evaluation of dynamic thiol-disulphide homeostasis in obstructive uropathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ability of thiol-disulphide homeostasis to predict renal injury in ureteral obstruction by matching renal scintigraphy and pathological findings in an experimental rat model. METHODS: 24 rats were randomized and divided into 3 groups as sham, partial and complete. Blood samples for biochemical evaluations and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scintigraphy were performed at the beginning and on the 7th day postoperatively. Only a midline abdominal incision was done in sham group. Left ureter of partial group was dissected and gently buried into the psoas muscle. In complete group, left ureter was dissected and ligated. RESULTS: Statistically significant association was found between left kidney function loss percentage, native thiol, total thiol and creatinine alterations and pathological EGTI (Endothelial, Glomerular, Tubular, Interstitial) scores (r = - 0.867, r = - 0.815, r = 0.745, r = - 0.911; p = 0.000). Statistically significant difference was detected between groups in terms of postoperative native thiol and total thiol values (p = 0.000, p = 0.001). There was also a significant difference in preoperative and postoperative comparisons of these parameters in partial and complete obstruction groups (p = 0.012, p = 0.018). There was a significant difference in terms of postoperative disulphide/native thiol and native thiol/total thiol ratios in complete obstruction group compared to other groups (p1 = 0.011, p2 = 0.040; p1 = 0.015, p2 = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Association with scintigraphic and pathological results empowers the value of this parameter. Disulphide/native thiol and native thiol/total thiol ratios indicate complete obstruction. These findings may shed light to more comprehensive studies.

Post-prostatic massage examination for prediction of asymptomatic prostatitis in needle biopsies: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: Although asymptomatic prostatitis is the most common noncancer diagnosis as demonstrated histologically by biopsies, screening and identification before biopsy remain unclear. In this study we prospectively evaluate the efficacy of examination of post-prostatic massage urine for prediction of asymptomatic prostatitis in biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 161 consecutive men 50 to 80 years old with serum prostate specific antigen 4.1 to 10.0 ng/ml, normal digital rectal examination, no evidence of clinical prostatitis or urinary tract infection, who underwent 8 or 10-core prostate biopsies under transrectal ultrasonography guidance were included in the study. Immediate pre-biopsy leukocyte count in post-prostatic massage urine was determined per high power field (400 x). We selected 5, 7 and 10 leukocytes per high power field as cutoffs, and urine was examined for prediction of histological prostatitis. RESULTS: Histological diagnosis was prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer in 66 (41.0%), 63 (39.1%) and 32 (19.9%) patients, respectively. The mean number of leukocytes and percentage of positive post-prostatic massage urine microscopy for all cutoffs were significantly higher in subjects with prostatitis than in those without prostatitis (p <0.0001). Histological prostatitis was predicted most accurately by the 5 leukocyte cutoff (sensitivity 68.2%, specificity 82.1% and area under the receiver operating characteristics curve 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: In asymptomatic men with mild increases of prostate specific antigen histological evidence of prostatic inflammation is common. The leukocyte count in post-prostatic massage urine appears to be useful for screening of this condition before biopsy. Our data suggest that 10 leukocytes per high power field in post-prostatic massage urine, the usually applied cutoff, may be too high for the definition of prostatic inflammation.

Histopathological changes of rat larynx mucosa with exposure to chronic thinner inhalation.

OBJECTIVE: Histopathological changes in nasal mucosa, trachea, and pulmonary system with exposure to chronic thinner inhalation have been studied in the literature. However, the possible changes in larynx mucosa, which is a part of the upper airway tract, have not been studied yet. The aim of this study is to determine the histopathological changes of rat larynx mucosa with exposure to chronic thinner inhalation. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Randomized trial. The study was conducted at the animal care facility of Haydarpasa Numune Education and Research Hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty-one Sprague-Dawley rats were used throughout the experiment. Four groups of rats inhaled thinner in a glass cage for 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks respectively. Seven rats inhaled only the air in the room as the control group. RESULTS: The comparison of inflammation and exocytosis in the control and 2 week groups revealed no significant difference (P>0.05), but from the beginning of 4 weeks of thinner inhalation, statistically significant differences were observed (P<0.05). From the beginning of 8 weeks of thinner inhalation, statistically significant differences were observed in larynx mucosa when we assessed metaplasia and cilia loss distribution among groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: On the basis of histopathological evaluations, it was shown that the harmful effect of inhalation of thinner in high concentrations to larynx mucosa is similar to the effect on other organs of the respiratory system.