The effect of folate on ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat adnexal torsion model

Purpose The ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of ovaries in adnexal torsion may have inadvertent consequences. Many agents have been studied in terms of their ability to prevent reperfusion damage to ovaries in suspected cases. In this study, folic acid, known to have antioxidative properties, was investigated to determine whether it played a role in the prevention of I/R damage in a rat ovarian torsion model.Methods In this experimental study, 40 female adult Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into fve groups as control, ischemia, I/R, Fol2 (2 mg/kg folic acid), and Fol4 (4 mg/kg folic acid). In the Fol2 and Fol4 groups, folic acid was intra peritonelly administered 30 min before reperfusion. Blood samples were obtained from the tails of each rat at the second hour of reperfusion.Results The total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status, cystatin C and folic acid levels of the fve groups were investigated. Folic acid in 2 mg/kg dose could moderately increase the serum folic acid concentration (15.75–19.95 ng/ml, p0.05), although there was no statistical diference in TOS levels (p=0.07). Folic acid in 4 mg/kg dose, could signifcantly increase the serum folic acid concentration (15.75–37.65 ng/ml). However, it did not signifcantly reduce the level of cystatin C (0.18–0.19 µg/L, p>0.05), and did not improve oxidative stress injury (76.05–130.58, p>0.05).Conclusion Folic acid in 2 mg/kg dose might improve the ovarian I/R injury though this was not statistically signifcant. Further studies are required to reach a defnitive conclusion about the protective efect of folic acid in I/R injury

Is there an association between liver type fatty acid binding protein and severity of preeclampsia?

Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the level of liver fatty acid binding protein (LFABP) in women with preeclampsia. Method A case–control study was conducted in 90 pregnant women who were divided into the following three groups: normal pregnancy (n = 30), mild–moderate preeclampsia (n = 30), and severe preeclampsia (n = 30). Maternal blood samples were obtained during an antenatal clinic visit in normal pregnant women, and at the time of diagnosis in women with preeclampsia. Serum LFABP levels were measured by the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. Results Serum LFABP level was significantly higher in severe and mild–moderate preeclampsia groups than normal pregnancy group (1,709.90 ± 94.82, 1,614.93 ± 118.22, and 1,532.36 ± 140.98 pg/ml, respectively; p\0.001). In multivariate analysis, the severity of preeclampsia was correlated with LFABP level [unadjusted odds ratio (95 % confidence interval), 1.008 (1.003–1.012), p\0.001 and LDH 1.063 (1.029–1.099), p\0.001]. Conclusion Maternal serum LFABP level appears to be correlated with the severity of the preeclampsia and can be used to confirm the diagnosis

Severe 25-OH vitamin D deficiency as a reason for adverse pregnancy outcomes

Objective: There is a growing concern about the unfavorable effects of vitamin D deficiency in general population, including pregnant women, worldwide. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of severe maternal serum 25-OH vitamin D levels on adverse pregnancy outcomes in first trimester. Material and methods: Serum samples of 86 pregnant women in first trimester were collected prospectively from May 2017 to June 2017. Serum 25-OH vitamin D levels were analyzed by enzyme immunoassay method. Patients were classified according to maternal serum 25-OH vitamin D levels as group 1 (n¼34) 10ng/ml. The two groups were compared in terms of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Results: The mean 25-OH vitamin D levels of the total 86 pregnant women were 13.83 (6–48) ng/ml. 40% of the pregnant women had low level of 25-OH vitamin D levels (<10ng/ml). The adverse pregnancy outcomes were significantly increased in group 1 (p<.018). Conclusions: Maternal serum 25-OH vitamin D levels <10ng/ml is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. 25-OH vitamin D levels should be screened in high-risk pregnant women and treated in case of deficiency

The effects of water immersion and epidural analgesia on cellular immune response, neuroendocrine, and oxidative markers

Background/aim: Water immersion and epidural analgesia are the most preferred pain relief methods during the labor process. Adverse effects related to these methods, impact on the labor, and perception of pain is well studied in the literature. We aimed to investigate the cord blood level of copeptin, total serum oxidant (TOS), antioxidant (TAS), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and oxytocin after the labor with water immersion, epidural analgesia, and vaginal birth without pain relief. Materials and methods: The study was conducted with 102 healthy pregnant women admitted to the obstetric delivery unit for noncomplicated term birth. Copeptin, oxytocin, TAS, TOS, IL-1, and IL-6 levels of cord blood and obstetric and neonatal results after vaginal birth were compared. Results: The study included a total of 102 patients (group 1 = 30, group 2 = 30, and group 3 = 42). We found no significant difference between the three groups in terms of BMI, age, gravidity, parity, birth week, birth weight, interventional birth, perineal trauma, breastfeeding, duration of labor, oxytocin, IL-1 and IL-6 levels (p > 0.05). Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) need, TAS, TOS, and copeptin levels were higher. Apgar scores were lower in the epidural group (p = 0.011, p = 0.036, p = 0.027, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Epidural analgesia has deteriorated oxidative stress status and lower neonatal Apgar scores with higher NICU administration compared with water birth and vaginal birth without pain relief