The role of N-Acetylcysteine in preventing cyclophosphamide-induced gonadotoxicity: An experimental study in rats.

This study assessed whether NAC could prevent cyclophosphamide (CY)-induced damage, by measuring the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley female rats were divided into four groups: CY + NAC, CY, NAC and control, each including 12 rats. There was no significant difference among the 24-h AMH values of the groups (p = 0.452), whereas a significant difference was found in terms of 72-h values (p = 0.003). Paired comparisons revealed no significant difference between CY and CY + NAC (p>0.699) and NAC (p = 0.065) groups regarding 72-h AMH values. However, AMH concentrations of the CY group at 72 hours were significantly lower than those of the control group (p = 0.015). AMH concentrations of the CY + NAC group at 72 hours were also significantly lower than those of the NAC group (p = 0.002) and the control group (p = 0.002). The AMH levels of CY and CY + NAC groups at 72 hours were significantly lower than those at 24 hours. The 24-h and 72-h AMH levels in the NAC and control groups were similar. In the present study, a single dose of NAC failed to prevent the cytotoxic effects of CY.

Evaluation of human chaperonin 10 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels of infertile women who underwent ovulation induction and intra-uterine insemination.

INTRODUCTION: The implantation of embryo is one of the crucial steps of a successful pregnancy. The foetus should be protected from maternal immune system, for the appropriate implantation and modification in maternal immunity is crucial. We investigated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs CRP), which is an indicator of low-grade inflammation and Cp10 that has immunosuppressant and growth-promoting capabilities at embryo levels in ovulation induction and intra-uterine insemination (IUI)applied in infertile women. The ovulation induction was maintained by clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins for 42 infertile patients. After successful ovulation induction, IUI was carried out. The blood samples were taken 2 and 8 days after IUI to evaluate Cp10 and hs CRP levels. The pregnant and non-pregnant groups' results were analyzed. The Cp10 levels 8 days after IUI were higher in pregnant group, whereas there was no difference for the 2 days after levels between pregnant and non-pregnant group. The hs CRP levels were similar for both 2nd and 8th days when we compared pregnant and non-pregnant groups. The Cp10 levels increased from day 2 to day 8 in pregnant group. In contrast, the Cp10 levels decreased in non-pregnant group. The change in hs CRP levels from day 2 to day 8 was not significant in pregnant and non-pregnant groups. The Cp10 levels were higher in early phases of fertilisation and elevated through the preceding days of conception in pregnant patients, while it decreased in non-pregnant patients with failed cycles.

The relationship between fibroblast growth factor 23 and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

AIM: A lack of estrogen in postmenopausal women is an important factor causing the development of osteoporosis. Our purpose is to investigate the effects of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF-23) on bone mineral metabolism and bone turnover. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO), 32 patients with postmenopausal osteopenia and 30 healthy control subjects (postmenopausal non-osteoporosis) were included in this study. In order to assess the bone mineral metabolism; FGF 23, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, calcium, phosphate, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase and hydroxyproline levels were measured. RESULTS: FGF 23 levels were found significantly higher in PMO group compared with postmenopausal osteopenia and control groups (P<0.01 and P<0.05 respectively). Urine hydroxyproline level was detected to be significantly lower in PMO patients compared with control group (P<0.01). Lomber and femur BMD levels were found to be significantly lower in PMO patients compared with postmenopausal osteopenia and control groups (P<0.001, P<0.001; P<0.001, P<0.001 respectively). On the other hand, when we categorized the PMO group subjects according to the age of menopause, the FGF 23 levels were found to be significantly higher in the group of menopausal age <5 years compared to the group of menopausal age >10 and to the group of menopausal age 5-10 years (P<0.05, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: We think our findings indicate that serum FGF 23 level is a significant determinant of increased bone turnover at early periods in PMO patients.