ABSTRACT
SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Asporin is secreted by theca cells in the mouse ovaries and is an effective marker at the gonadotropin-independent stage in secondary follicle development. It has an inhibitory effect on transforming growth factor beta and bone morphogenic proteins, which are involved in androgenesis process. Our aim was to compare serum asporin levels of polycystic ovary syndrome and control groups and examine the relationship between asporin and hyperandrogenism. METHODS: A total of 60 patients, i.e., 30 polycystic ovary syndrome group and 30 controls, were included in the study. The demographic characteristics, hormonal status, and serum asporin levels of patients were evaluated and compared for each group. In addition, polycystic ovary syndrome patients were analyzed according to the presence of hyperandrogenism. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed for asporin levels in order to distinguish polycystic ovary syndrome patients from controls. RESULTS: Body mass index, serum asporin and androgen levels, free androgen index, and insulin resistance values were statistically significantly higher in polycystic ovary syndrome group. Serum asporin levels were statistically significantly higher in hyperandrogenic polycystic ovary syndrome patients compared to non-hyperandrogenic polycystic ovary syndrome women (p=0.010). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was done for serum asporin levels to distinguish between polycystic ovary syndrome patients and healthy controls (area under the curve=0.676, standard error: 0.070, 95%CI: 0.539-0.812, p=0.019, 63.3% sensitivity, and 70% specificity). CONCLUSION: The elevation of serum asporin levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome may be associated with the pathogenesis of this syndrome, or it may be the consequence of the disease. This relationship may be explained through the androgen mechanism.
ABSTRACT
The genus Verbascum, commonly known as mullein, traditionally used in folk medicine, is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Verbascum inulifolium Hub.-Mor. (Scrophulariaceae), is an endemic species from Turkey. Here, we examined the healing effect of methanol extract of the aerial parts of V. inulifolium on incisional and excisional skin wounds in diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Ointments of the extract were prepared in two concentrations (0.5 and 1% (w/w)) and applied topically on wound models once daily throughout for 7 and 14 days. During the experiments, wounds were visually observed, photographically documented and wound areas were measured. After 7 and 14 days treatments, animals were sacrificed and measurements of hydroxyproline level and biomechanical analysis were performed. Histopathology of the wound area was evaluated considering features of re-epithelialization, the granulation tissue thickness, angiogenesis, presence of inflammation, number of mast cells. Outcomes of this study revealed that the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of V. inulifolium enhances the healing process of skin tissue in both non-diabetic and diabetic wounds. The best wound healing activity was observed in incisional wound treated with 0.5% (w/w) concentrated ointment (99.7%) and in excisional wound treated with 1% (w/w) concentrated ointment (98.1%) on day 14 according to macroscopic results.