Identification of an mtDNA setpoint associated with highest levels of CD44 positivity and chemoresistance in HGC-27 and MKN-45 gastric cancer cell lines

Objective: Cancer stem cells [CSCs] have important roles in survival and chemoresistance. These cells are commonly recognized with CD44 and CD24 markers. In this study, we aimed to analyze the effects of mtDNA content on cell surface positivity for anti-CD24 and anti-CD44 antibodies and chemoresistance level in AGS, HGC-27 and MKN-45 gastric cancer [GC] cell lines and to determine a setpoint for mtDNA copy for each cell line

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, we initially decreased mtDNA levels in AGS, HGC-27 and MKN-45 by EtBr treatment. This depletion was confirmed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction [qPCR]. Changes in cell surface positivity for anti-CD24 and anti-CD44 antibodies in control and mtDNA-depleted AGS, HGC-27 and MKN-45 were then analyzed with flow cytometry. Changes in chemoresistance [5-FU and cisplatin] were analyzed for all cell lines. The relationship between mtDNA content and cell surface positivity for CD24 and CD44 markers was examined

Results: The highest CD44 positivity was found in HGC-27 and MKN-45 plow cells which had 33-40% mtDNA content of control cells, however, CD24 positivity decreased with mtDNA depletion in all cell lines. The highest chemoresistance levels were found in all plow cells. mtDNA-recovered [i.e. reverted] HGC-27 and MKN-45 cells partially maintained their increased chemoresistance while reverted AGS cells did not maintain an increased level of chemoresistance

Conclusion: mtDNA depletion triggers chemoresistance in cancer cell lines and is correlated with increase and decrease of CD44 and CD24 positivity respectively in HGC-27 and MKN-45 GC cell lines. A mtDNA content above or below the identified setpoint [33-40% of that in control cells], results in the decrease of CD44 positivity and chemoresistance levels

Chemical cystitis developed in experimental animals model: topical effect of intravesical ozone application to bladder

To demonstrate the effects of intravesical ozone treatment on inflammation and epithelial cell damage in chemical cystitis animal model. A total of 30 New Zealand rabbits were divided into six groups. Cystitis was conducted with transurethral intravesical hydrochloric acid instillation on the subjects in Groups IA, IB, IIA, and IIB. Then, Group IA-IB subjects were transurethrally administered intravesical ozone therapy twice a week, while Group IIA-IIB subjects were only given intravesical isotonic NaCl instillation. Group IIIA-IIIB subjects were administered intravesical isotonic NaCl instillation without conducting chemical cystitis in order to create the same stress. Treatment schemes of all groups were arranged in the same manner. Following a 3-week [early period] and 6-week [late period] therapy, the rabbits were sacrificed and histopathologic investigations were carried out in order to demonstrate changes in the urinary bladder. In our study, we observed that the basal membrane and mucosal integrity were maintained, inflammatory cells were suppressed in Group IA-IB [Early and late period], which received ozone therapy. However, it was also observed that mucosal integrity was spoiled, numerous inflammatory cells were accumulated in Group IIA-IIB, which was administered isotonic NaCl. Due to its low cost and minimal side effects; ozone therapy could be a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of interstitial cystitis

Reliability of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Pediatric Patients: Comparison of Complications With Those in Adults

PURPOSE: To assess the reliability of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) in pediatric patients by comparing complications between pediatric patients and adults by use of the modified Clavien grading system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 74 pediatric (0 to 16 years) and 535 adult (17 years and older) patients who underwent PNL owing to kidney stone disease between January 2005 and December 2011 were analyzed retrospectively. The complications in the pediatric and adult patients were classified in five grades according to the modified Clavien system. RESULTS: The most frequent cause of grade I complications was fever requiring antipyretics, which was seen in 4 pediatric patients (5.4%) and 30 adult patients (5.6%). Grade II complications (blood transfusions, 0.05). Colonic injury occured in one patient (1.3%) in the pediatric group (grade IVa). In the adult group, one patient (0.2%) died as the result of myocardial infarction (grade V). CONCLUSIONS: Thanks to technological developments and minimalization of the equipment used, when indicated, pediatric patients can be safely treated with PNL with low complication rates similar to those in adult patients.

Analysis of Changes in the Glomerular Filtration Rate as Measured by the Cockroft-Gault Formula in the Early Period after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

PURPOSE: We aimed to analyze the changes in kidney function during the postoperative early period caused by the application of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), which is commonly used in kidney stone surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PNL was performed in 80 patients (48 men, 32 women) with kidney stones. The mean age of the patients was 43.71 years (range, 18 to 71 years). Preoperative and postoperative values for stone size, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), serum creatinine, urea, electrolytes (Na, K, Cl), and Hb were compared in 80 patients in whom PNL surgery was performed. The formula of Cockroft-Gault was used to calculate the GFR during the early postoperative period (72 to 96 hours). RESULTS: Statistically significant decreases after PNL were observed in average stone size (preoperative, 627.75+/-375.10 mm2; postoperative, 81.70+/-16.15 mm2), serum urea (preoperative, 38.40+/-17.26 mg/dl; postoperative, 33.28+/-16.98 mg/dl), and creatinine (preoperative, 1.03+/-0.53 mg/dl; postoperative, 0.97+/-0.55 mg/dl) and an increase was observed in GFR (preoperative, 104.30+/-37.30 ml/min; postoperative, 112.38+/-40.1 ml/min). No changes were detected in the serum electrolyte values (Na, K, Cl). Multiple access, operation time, and type of lithotripter did not have any significant effects on the change in the GFR. CONCLUSIONS: In light of our results, PNL for kidney stone operations appears to be a reliable and efficient method that provides recovery of kidney functions in the early post-operative period by increasing the GFR and with high stone-free rates.