The evaluation of the serum brain natriuretic peptide concentrations in preeclamptic and healthy pregnant women and its potential relationship with mean arterial blood pressure

Objective In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations and blood pressure levels by comparing serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women and to assess its potential role in the preeclampsia pathogenesis. Methods A total of 48 preeclamptic and 39 normotensive patients were included in the study prospectively. Systolic diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure of the pregnant women were measured. Serum BNP concentrations were measured by enzyme immunoassay method. The variable differences between the groups were analyzed by independent samples t-test. Potential correlations between the variables were assessed by Pearson’s correlation analysis. Results There was no difference between the groups in terms of age (26.18±11.49 years vs. 26.04±14.06 years), gestational age (31.59± 6.94 weeks vs. 30.17±5.72 weeks), parity (2.62±1.4 vs. 2.53±1.82) and body mass index (30.71±16.33 kg/m2 vs. 30.09±13.82 kg/m2) (p>0.05). Systolic (148.66± 61.82 mmHg vs. 126.44±97.47 mmHg; p=0.015), diastolic (81.19±52.25 mmHg vs. 97.29±14.27 mmHg; p=0.019) and mean arterial pressure (113.97±41.76 mmHg vs. 96.26±27.25 mmHg; p<0.001) levels were higher in the pregnant women complicated with preeclampsia. In addition, serum BNP concentrations were also higher in the preeclamptic pregnant women than the control group (139.42±62.19 pg/mL vs. 99.28±19.32 pg/mL; p=0.028). BNP levels were significantly associated with only mean arterial pressure (b=0.241, p=0.037). Also, there was a significant positive correlation between BNP levels and mean arterial pressure (r=0.406, p=0.002). Conclusion We recommend further prospective studies with wider populations to assess whether BNP levels, which increase in preeclampsia, are associated with blood pressure levels or not

The correlation between immunohistochemical expression of MMP-2 and the prognosis of epithelial ovarian cancer

WOS: 000335208900006PubMed: 24745158Objectives: The Objectives: The goal of the study was to evaluate the correlation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression with tumor spread, metastasis, survival and recurrence in early and advanced-stage Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC). Material and methods: Medical records of patients, hospitalized at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Izmir Ataturk Training and Research Hospital between 2003 and 2008, were reviewed. Patient age, tumor size, localization, histologic type and tumor grade, stage, metastasis status, patient outcomes and follow-up data were obtained from the records of the obstetrics and gynecology clinic, as well as during face-to-face or telephone interviews. Results: The percentage of MMP-2 staining (expression) in the epithelial cells was not significantly associated with tumor stage and grade, histologic type, tumor diameter; recurrence and overall survival (p>0.05). A significant correlation was found between the percentage of MMP-2 staining (expression) and metastasis status (p0.05), but was with histologic type (p0,05). Stromal staining (expression) of MMP-2 was not significantly correlated with tumor stage and grade, histologic type, tumor diameter and outcomes (p>0.05), but was with recurrence and presence of metastasis (p0.05), total score (p>0.05) and staining intensity (p>0.05). The association of disease-free survival with the percentage of MMP-2 staining (p>0.05), total score (p>0.05), staining intensity (p>0.05) and stromal staining (p>0.05) was not statistically significant. The survival of patients with positive stromal staining was significantly shorter compared to cases with negative stromal staining (p<0.05). Conclusions: Large-scale, comprehensive research is needed to verify whether MMP 2 may be used as a routine prognostic factor for EOC

Epidermal cyst in an unusual site: A case report

Introduction: Epidermoid cysts can occur in a variety of locations including face, trunk, neck, extremities and scalp. Up to now, those vulvar epidermal cysts reported in the literature were localized on the labia majora and the clitoris. This is the first case of epidermal cyst reported on the labia minora. Presentation of case: A 47-year-old, multiparous woman presented with a history of a palpable vulvar mass, without pain but causing difficulty in walking. The large mass was 6 cm in diameter and located in the left labium minus. The labial mass was surgically removed. The final pathologic diagnosis was a vulvar epidermoid cyst. The patient was discharged from hospital without any complications. Discussion: Total surgical excision of the mass is more appropriate for definitive histopathological diagnosis and for the prevention of future development of complications. MRI is very important in the localization of the mass and relationship with other tissues regarding treatment planning of larger vulvar masses. Conclusion: Epidermal cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a vulvar mass

Investigation of prognostic significance of CD109 expression in women with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma

WOS: 000319961400001PubMed: 23776335Objective: The goal of this study was to investigate the between cluster of differentiation 109 (CD109) expression and tumor diameter, invasion depth, tumor grade, presence of lymphnode metastasis, and overall survival in patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, which is the most common type of vulvar cancer. Method: Twenty-six patients who underwent an operation for vulvar cancer between 1999 and 2009 in our clinic were included in this study. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue. Result: Tumor diameter was not found to be significantly associated with CD109 expression, intensity of cytoplasmic staining, or combined score (P = 0.325, P = 0.169, P = 0.352, respectively). Invasion depth and combined score were also not significantly correlated with CD109 expression (P = 0.324 and P = 0.174 respectively). There was a negative correlation between invasion depth and the intensity of cytoplasmic staining (P = 0.042). There was no significant correlation between tumor stage and CD109 expression, the intensity of cytoplasmic staining, and the combined score (P = 0.574, P = 0.389, P = 0.605, respectively). A significant positive correlation was observed between tumor grade and CD109 expression, the intensity of cytoplasmic staining, and the combined score (P = 0.003, P = 0.018, P = 0.008, respectively). No significant difference was found between the percentages of CD109 expression in patients with positive (48%) and negative (11%) lymph nodes (P = 0.058). The percentage of CD109 expression did not significantly differ in relation to overall survival (P = 0.483). Conclusion: Comprehensive and more extensive studies are needed to examine the relationship between CD109 expression and vulvar malignant lesions

Związek między stężeniami lipokaliny-2 i testosteronu wolnego w zespole policystycznych jajników

  Introduction: Lipocalin-2 is an adipokine that is mainly produced from adipocytes and macrophages. Data related to PCOS and other obesity-associated disorders have shown divergent results. Here, we studied lipocalin-2 concentrations in women with PCOS and in healthy women, and investigated the potential contributors underlying lipocalin association with PCOS. Material and methods: Forty-four women with PCOS and 47 age- and BMI-matched healthy women were enrolled. Fasting serum glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and free testosterone levels were measured. The body fat percentage was measured by bioelectrical impedance. Results: Lipocalin-2 concentrations were significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the control group (55.74 ± 17.54 ng/mL vs. 36.46 ± 19.62 ng/mL, p = 0.011). There was a correlation between lipocalin-2 levels and free testosterone. In a multiple regression model, the body fat percentage, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP were not associated with lipocalin-2. However, only free testosterone was associated with lipocalin-2. A “lipocalin-2 = 11.214 + (1.943 × free-testosterone)” equation was obtained. Conclusions: Serum lipocalin-2 levels were higher in women with PCOS, and only free testosterone was associated with lipocalin-2. Lipocalin-2 levels and their influencing factors have discrepant results in both PCOS and other obesity- or insulin resistance-related metabolic disorders. Thus, the potential role of lipocalin-2 in PCOS should be clarified. (Endokrynol Pol 2017; 68 (1): 7–12)    Wstęp: Lipokalina-2 to adipokina produkowana głównie przez adipocyty i makrofagi. Wyniki badań dotyczących zespołu policystycznych jajników (PCOS) i innych zaburzeń związanych z otyłością są rozbieżne. Autorzy ocenili stężenia lipokaliny-2 kobiet z PCOS i u zdrowych kobiet oraz zbadali potencjalne czynniki determinujące związek lipokaliny z PCOS. Materiał i metody: Do badania włączono 44 kobiety z PCOS i 47 dobranych pod względem wieku i wskaźnika masy ciała zdrowych kobiet. Zmierzono stężenie glukozy i insuliny w surowicy na czczo, wskaźnik insulinooporności w modelu homeostazy HOMA-IR, stężenie białka C-reaktywnego oznaczonego metodą wysokoczułą (hs-CRP) i testosteronu wolnego. Zmierzono również procentową zawartość tkanki tłuszczowej w organizmie, stosując metodę impedancji bioelektrycznej. Wyniki: Stężenia lipokaliny-2 były istotnie wyższe w grupie PCOS niż w grupie kontrolnej (55,74 ± 17,54 ng/ml vs. 36,46 ± 19,62 ng/ml, p = 0.011). Stwierdzono korelację między stężeniami lipokaliny-2 i testosteronu wolnego. W modelu regresji wielokrotnej nie wykazano zależności między procentową zawartością tkanki tłuszczowej w organizmie, wskaźnikiem HOMA-IR i stężeniem hs-CRP a stężeniem lipokaliny-2. Stwierdzono tylko związek między stężeniami testosteronu wolnego i lipokaliny-2. Zależność tę opisuje równanie: stężenie lipokaliny-2 = 11,214 + (1,943 × stężenie testosteronu wolnego). Wnioski: Stężenia lipokaliny-2 w surowicy były wyższe u kobiet z PCOS. Jedynym parametrem związanym ze stężeniem lipokaliny-2 było stężenie testosteronu wolnego. Dane dotyczące stężenia lipokaliny-2 i wpływających na nie czynników w PCOS i innych zaburzeniach metabolicznych związanych z otyłością lub insulinoopornością są rozbieżne. Potencjalna rola lipokaliny-2 w PCOS wymaga wyjaśnienia. (Endokrynol Pol 2017; 68 (1): 7–12)

Comparison of Three Different New Bipolar Energy Modalities and Classic Bipolar in Vivo for Tissue Thermal Spread

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare three different new bipolar energy modalities and classic bipolar in vivo for tissue thermal spread. Material and Method: This prospective, randomized, single-blind study was conducted between Septemsber 2012 and July 2013. Eighteen patients aged 40-65 years undergoing hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy for benign etiology were included in the study. Before the hysterectomy operation began, it was marked nearly distal third cm started from uterine corn and proximal close third cm started from fimbrial bottoms by visualizing both fallopian tubes. The surgery was performed using one 5 mm applicator of PlasmaKinetics™, EnSeal®, LigaSure™ or classic bipolar energy modality. The time each device was used was standardized as the minimum time of the audible warning of the device for tissue impedance and as tissue vaporization on classic bipolar. Tissues were dyed by both H&E and Masson's Trichrome in the pathology laboratory. Thermal spread was compared. Results: Evaluation of the damage on the uterine tubes by each device used revealed that LigaSure™ was associated with increased thermal injury compared to PlasmaKinetics™ (p=0.007). Apart from PlasmaKineticsTM (p=0.022), there was no statistically significant difference between the three devices in terms of thermal damage spread in the distal and proximal fallopian tubes. Conclusion: To reduce lateral thermal damage, Plasmakinetics™ may be preferable to Ligasure™ among the three different new bipolar energy modalities