Evaluation of T. gondii, rubella, and cytomegalovirus seroprevalences among female Syrian refugees in Sanliurfa, Turkiye.

INTRODUCTION: Since the Syrian Civil War began in 2011, the official number of refugees under temporary protection in Turkiye is reported to be 3,522,036 in 2023. Most of the Syrians living outside the refugee camps have worse conditions in terms of access to healthcare centers and social opportunities, compared to those living in camps. The Sanliurfa province hosts the third highest number of Syrians (370,291) in Turkiye. There are no data about the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), rubella (rub), or cytomegalovirus (CMV) among Syrian refugees in Sanliurfa. We aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii, rub, and CMV infections among female Syrian refugees of reproductive age (15-49 years) living in Sanliurfa province. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted in different districts of Sanliurfa. A total of 460 households were selected using the probability sampling method. One married female Syrian refugee aged between 15 and 49 years, was chosen in each household, leading to a sample size of 410 female Syrian refugees. The seropositivity of T. gondii, CMV, and rub IgM and IgG in blood samples were analyzed using enzyme immunoassays (Abbott Architect, Illinois, USA). RESULTS: The seropositivity rates of T. gondii, CMV, and rubella IgM and IgG were 4.4% and 59.8%; 3.9%; and 99%; and 1.9%, and 99.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A screening program should be implemented for T. gondii, CMV, and rub infections for Syrian refugees. Seronegative women should be vaccinated against rub and educated about the transmission and preventive routes of toxoplasmosis and CMV infection.

Recurrent pregnancy loss and metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in patients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was held including 115 patients with unexplained RPL who were referred to a tertiary center between December 2018 and December 2019. In the study, MetS was classified according to The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria on the basis of metabolic risk factors. Frequency of MetS in the patients with unexplained RPL was investigated. The relationship between miscarriage rate and metabolic risk factors was also evaluated. RESULTS: According to our study the percentage of MetS in patients with unexplained RPL was 24.4%. When evaluated according to different age groups, it was 18.4% in patients aged 20-29 years, and it was 27.8% in patients aged 30-39 years. At least having one of its components were high (82.6%) in all patients with unexplained RPL. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of MetS or of at least having one of its components were high in patients with unexplained RPL. Increased number of having MetS components were associated with increased miscarriage rate.

Management of peripartum hysterectomies performed on patients with placenta percreta in a tertiary central hospital.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to analyse the circumstances and management of peripartum hysterectomies performed on patients with placenta percreta. METHODS: This study included 37 patients who were diagnosed with placenta percreta, a condition in which the placenta invades the uterine wall, and who therefore underwent a peripartum hysterectomy. Their demographic characteristics, history of past caesareans, uterine surgery and curettage, duration of hospitalization, admission to an intensive care unit, neonatal outcomes, skin and uterus incision type, hypogastric artery ligation (HAL), complications, quantities of transfused ES (erythrocyte suspensions), and FFP (fresh frozen plasma), maternal morbidity and mortality and postoperative pathology results were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: All pregnant patients who underwent a caesarean hysterectomy due to placenta percreta had a history of caesarean section and also of placenta praevia totalis. Bilateral HAL was performed in two patients (5.4%), owing to uncontrollable bleeding during the bladder dissection. The complications most frequently observed were bladder injury (13.5%), followed by infection (8.1%) and relaparotomy (5.4%). There was no mortality. Twenty-three (62.2%) of the patients had ES and 11 patients (29.7%) had FFP transfusions. According to the histopathology findings, 33 of the 37 patients (89.1%) reportedly had placenta percreta, three patients had placenta increta, and one patient had placenta accreta. Analysis of the neonatal status at birth showed that the gestational age was, on average, the 35th week. The birth weight was normal in relation to the gestational week, but the first and fifth minute Apgar score, which measures the physical condition of an infant, was found to be lower than the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: If a pregnant patient undergoes uterine surgery or has a history of a caesarean with placenta praevia, she is likely to have placenta percreta. In placenta percreta cases with bladder invasion; careful suturing of the high-volume vessels on the posterior wall of the bladder, through the bladder serosa is important in reducing the amount of bleeding and preventing future fistula formation.

Cytogenetic screening in couples with Habitual Abortions.

OBJECTIVE: Habitual abortion (HA) is defined at least three consecutive pregnancy losses. One of the etiologic causes is parental chromosomal anomalies. In this study, we aimed to that investigate the effect of parental chromosomal abnormalities on HA. METHODS: The cytogenetic results of patients with at least three abortions referred to our university hospital between January 2010 - March 2017 were evaluated. A total of 1154 couples with HA were analysed. Peripheral lymphocyte cultures incubated for 72 h were used for karyotype analysis via the Giemsa banding technique. RESULTS: Of a total 1154 couples (2308 patients) 37 female (3.2%) and 17 male (1.47%) had abnormal karyotypes. Reciprocal translocation carriage (n = 26; 1.12%) was the most commonly detected structural anomaly, followed by X chromosome mosaicism (n = 16; 0.69%),Robertsoniantranslocation (n = 9; 0.38%), Chromosomal inversion (n = 6; 0.26%). Chromosomal polymorphisms, which are considered minor chromosomal changes, were detected in 221 (9.57%) individuals. CONCLUSION: Our study exhibits that chromosomal analysis in patient with HA is an appropriate approach to elucidate the aetiology of HA. Data from cytogenetic screening can be used in guiding couples planning future pregnancies and in prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal anomalies in the foetus.

Associations of serum fetuin-A and oxidative stress parameters with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare serum fetuin-A levels and oxidative stress markers, as indicators of insulin resistance, in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and in healthy controls. METHODS: This prospective case-control study included 46 patients with PCOS and 48 age- and body mass index-matched control women. Levels of serum hormones, fetuin-A, and oxidative stress markers were measured in blood samples taken during the early follicular period from each participant. RESULTS: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), total testosterone levels, and the LH/FSH ratio were found to be significantly higher in women with PCOS than in controls. Serum total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index parameters all indicated significantly higher levels of oxidative stress in PCOS patients than in controls. Serum fetuin-A levels, which were analyzed as an indicator of insulin resistance, were higher in the PCOS group than in the control group (210.26±65.06 µg/mL and 182.68±51.20 µg/mL, respectively; p=0.024). CONCLUSION: The data obtained from the present study suggest that higher levels of both serum fetuin-A and oxidative stress markers might be related with PCOS.

A new biomarker for the early diagnosis of ovarian torsion: SCUBE-1.

OBJECTIVE: Prompt diagnosis and management are essential for saving the adnexal organs from infarction in cases of ovarian torsion (OT). This study aimed to determine the diagnostic significance of signal peptide, complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, and Bmp1 (CUB), and epidermal growth factor-like domain-containing protein-1 (SCUBE-1) levels in cases of OT, an emergent ischemic condition, and the relationship of SCUBE-1 with oxidative stress parameters. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted among 15 OT patients and 20 age- and gravidity-matched healthy women. SCUBE-1 serum concentrations were determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In addition, oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring the serum levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and glutathione (GSH). RESULTS: The SCUBE-1 titers were significantly higher in the patients with OT than in the controls (p=0.008). In addition, serum FRAP and GSH levels were significantly lower in the OT patients than in the controls (p<0.001 for both). Serum AOPP levels were higher in the OT patients, but this trend was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Furthermore, there were no correlations between SCUBE-1 levels and age, gravidity, parity, cyst size, and AOPP, FRAP, or GSH levels (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: We believe that SCUBE-1 may be a promising biomarker for the early diagnosis of OT.

Serum ischemia modified albumin level and its relationship with the thiol/disulfide balance in placenta percreta patients.

The pathogenesis of placenta percreta (PP) is not very well known. This study was designed to analyse the oxidative stress (OS), the thiol/disulphide balance, and ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) the women with PP. The study included 38 pregnant women with PP and 40 similarly aged healthy pregnant women in their third trimester of gestation. We measured the IMA, native and total thiols, and disulphide concentrations in the maternal sera of all of the participating women. The IMA levels were higher and the native and total thiols were lower in the PP group than in the control group. However, there was no statistical significance with respect to the thiol/disulphide balance between the two groups. The results of this study suggest that an increase in the ischaemia and OS and a decrease in the antioxidant status may contribute to the pathogenesis of PP. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Placenta percreta (PP) is a serious complication of pregnancy. Although there are several studies investigating the pathophysiological mechanism of PP, whether the pathology results from a lack of decidua or from the over-invasiveness of trophoblasts remains controversial. The pathology of PP is poorly understood. What do the results of this study add? This prospective study has shown an increased ischaemia modified albumin (IMA) and a decreased antioxidant capacity in the patients with placenta percreta. The results from 38 women with PP suggest that the serum concentrations of IMA and the oxidative stress parameters may be able to predict PP in cases of uncertainty. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The implication of these findings shed light on understanding the pathogenesis of PP for further research.

Serum endothelin-1 and placental alkaline phosphatase levels in placenta percreta and normal pregnancies.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the circulatory levels of endothelin 1 (ET-1) and the placental alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in pregnant women with placenta percreta (PP) and a control group. METHODS: This study was carried out in the Obstetrics and Gynecology and in the Biochemistry Departments of Harran University Medical School. Forty-four women who underwent cesarean section (CS) due to PP and 44 women who underwent CS for other obstetric reasons were included in this study. The PP diagnosis was made by a pathologic examination that showed an extreme trophoblastic invasion involving the uterine serosa.The levels of circulating ET-1 and placental ALP were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Women with PP more frequently received antenatal steroids and blood transfusions and they delivered at an earlier gestational age compared to controls. In women with PP, preoperative circulating ET-1 and placental ALP levels were lower than in the controls (p < .05 for both). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that a decrease in ET-1 and placental ALP levels might play a role in the pathogenesis of PP.

A community-based survey on Syrian refugee women's health and its predictors in Sanliurfa, Turkey.

Reproductive characteristics, mental health symptoms, micronutrient deficiencies, and symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were determined among married Syrian refugee women aged 15-49 years who were living outside of camps in 2015, using probability sampling. Of the 458 participants, 51.3 percent married before the age of 18 years. Early-age marriages and number of desired children increased after the war. In multivariable analyses, education (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-1.3) and length of stay in Sanliurfa (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.1-1.2) were independently associated with early marriage. Approximately 16 percent of women were pregnant, and 26.7 percent of them had not received prenatal care; 47.7 percent had had a pregnancy loss; 50.8 percent reported symptoms of STIs. Of those who were sexually active, 37.8 percent were not using contraception. The prevalence of iron, B12, and folic acid deficiencies was 50 percent, 45.6 percent, and 10.5 percent, respectively. Early marriage (aOR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.4-3.5) and number of desired children (aOR = 5.03; 95% CI = 3.2-7.9) were associated with not using contraception. Most (89.7 percent) women reported at least two mental health symptoms; lack of social support (aOR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.3-5.3), language barrier (aOR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.01-5.2), and B12 deficiency (aOR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.01-3.4) were associated with such symptoms. The findings demonstrate the need for reproductive health and psychosocial services.

Serum Angiogenic and Anti-angiogenic Markers in Pregnant Women with Placenta Percreta.

BACKGROUND: Placenta percreta is the morbidly adherent form of all the placental invasion abnormalities. The pathology that underlies placenta percreta is poorly understood. AIMS: To compare the levels of circulating vascular endothelial growth factor, placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 in pregnant women with placenta percreta to a control group. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. METHODS: Twenty-two women who underwent caesarean section due to placenta percreta and 22 women who underwent caesarean section for other obstetric reasons were included in this study. The diagnosis of placenta percreta was defined as extreme trophoblastic invasion involving serosa of the uterus. Venous blood samples were collected for biochemical comparison of circulating vascular endothelial growth factor, placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 from all pregnant women. RESULTS: Women with placenta percreta were significantly older, had higher gravidity, received more frequent antenatal steroids and blood transfusions and delivered at an earlier gestational age when compared to the control group. In women with placenta percreta, preoperative circulating levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 were lower than the controls (p<0.001, p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively). While the postoperative levels of vascular endothelial growth factorand soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 levels were higher in placenta percreta (p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively), placental growth factor levels were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that a decrease in vascular endothelial growth factor, placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 levels may be related to placenta percreta etiopathogenesis.

Does apoptotic activity have a role in the development of the placental abruption?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study is to analyses the role of apoptotic activity in placental abruption (PA) development by evaluating the level of plasma M30-M65. METHODS: The study group included 46 pregnant women who underwent caesarean sections (CS) because of PA, and the control group included 48 pregnant women who underwent CS because of obstetric causes. Venous blood samples were received from all expectants before starting the CS for the purpose of evaluating the M30-M65 levels, which are indicators of apoptotic activity in maternal plasma. RESULTS: The plasma M30-M65 levels were determined to be statistically significantly higher in with PA group. The sensitivity and specificity of the test were determined to be 71.7% and 64.6%, respectively in identifying the expectants with PA when the cut-off value was taken as 163.50 U/L for the plasma M30 value. The sensitivity and specificity of the test were determined to be 76.1% and 66.7%, respectively in identifying the PA when the cut-off value was taken as 295.50 U/L for the M65 value. CONCLUSIONS: The increase of apoptotic activity induced by thrombin resulting from decidual bleeding may have a role in the development of PA.

Surgical management of 58 patients with placenta praevia percreta.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to present our experience with surgical management of placenta praevia percreta. METHODS: This study was conducted from January 2009 through March 2014 at Harran University Hospital and was a chart review of all patients who underwent caesarean hysterectomy with the placenta left in situ for placenta praevia percreta. RESULTS: The study group comprised 58 patients. All of the patients underwent ultrasound mapping of the placental area before surgery. Emergent caesarean hysterectomy was only performed in 9 patients; 49 patients underwent planned caesarean hysterectomy. Bilateral internal iliac artery ligation was performed in all cases. Four patients (6.9 %) had bladder damage, one patient (1.7 %) required cystotomy, and one patient (1.7 %) required re-operation because of postoperative hemorrhage. The mean operative time was 141.6 (range: 95-355) minutes. Only 17 (29.3 %) patients were administered more than four units of red blood cells. There was no ureteral damage or maternal death. Furthermore, there were no complications in 42 (72.4 %) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Caesarean hysterectomy for placenta praevia percreta is associated with increased maternal morbidity. However, preoperative diagnosis of placenta praevia percreta, ultrasound mapping of the placenta, and the presence of a multidisciplinary experienced team may decrease maternal morbidity and mortality. Moreover, the urinary system may be protected in the patients with placenta praevia percreta without serious morbidity.

[Investigation of the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis among female Syrian refugees with the complaints of vaginitis aged between 15-49 years]. / Vajinit yakinmalari olan 15-49 yas arasindaki Suriyeli mülteci kadinlarda Trichomonas vaginalis sikliginin arastirilmasi.

Since the Syrian civil war began in 2011, most of the Syrian refugees have immigrated to Turkey due to its open gate policy and the width of the border. By the end of 2015, it was estimated that there were 2.5 million Syrian refugees in Turkey. Many of the Syrian refugees live in Sanliurfa due to its location on the border with Syria. Trichomonas vaginalis, apart from viral agents is the most common parasite among sexually transmitted infection agents. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of T.vaginalis among female married Syrian refugees living outside of the camps in Sanliurfa city center, aged between 15-49 years with complaints of vaginitis. This multi-purpose survey was carried out between February and March of 2015, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund and Harran University. This study was approved under the heading of "General Health Status of Female Syrian Refugees" by the Ethics Committee of Harran University Faculty of Medicine. A total of 460 Syrian refugees house were selected using the probability cluster sampling method, with a 95% confidence level and a 5% confidence interval with a design effect. Two women refused to participate in the study, and the response rate was 99.6%. Two Syrian nurses, one laboratory technician, and one interpreter who knew Kurdish and Arabic were hired for the field survey. A structured questionnaire written in Turkish was translated to Arabic and used to collect the sociodemographic data during face to face interviews. According to the questionnaire data, the women with the complaints of vaginal discharge, unusual vaginal bleeding and/or dyspareunia were invited to the Gynecology Department of Harran University Research and Training Hospital for a medical examination. During gynecological examination, swab samples obtained from posterior fornix were evaluated by direct microscopy and Giemsa staining methods for the presence of T.vaginalis trophozoites. Of 458 women who have participated the questionnaire survey, 232 (50.6%) have declared that they had vaginitis complaints. Accordingly, 157 symptomatic and non-pregnant women were invited to the hospital, however only 89 (56.7%) accepted the invitation. T.vaginalis infection was detected in 19 (21.3%) by direct microscopy, and in 32 (36%) by Giemsa staining of the samples taken during the examination of those 89 women (mean age: 31.6 ± 8.7 years). In the gynecological examination, 56.2% (50/89) of the women were clinically diagnosed as vaginitis. A statistically significant association was detected between T.vaginalis positivity and the cases with or without the clinical vaginitis diagnosis (p< 0.001). Our data indicated that the prevalence of T.vaginalis (36%) detected in the female Syrian refugees is higher than the prevalence (3-13%) of our general population, but it is close to the prevalence (40%) in groups with risky behaviors (sex workers). In conclusion, health screening studies and health educations about safe sex life for Syrian refugees would be useful in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

Trophoblastic E-cadherin and TGF-beta expression in placenta percreta and normal pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether trophoblastic transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) and E-cadherin expression levels have a role in placenta percreta (PP) aetiopathogenesis. METHODS: This study was carried out in the Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pathology Departments of Harran University Medicine School. Forty-four women who underwent caesarean section for PP and other obstetric reasons were included in this study. PP was defined as the detection of placental invasion during the histopathological examination of the hysterectomy specimen, which passes the uterine wall as a whole layer and involves the uterine serosa. Placental tissue samples were collected from all pregnant patients to evaluate TGF-ß and E-cadherin expression levels. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in demographic features, including age, gestational week, number of pregnancies and body mass index, among the groups. Immunohistochemical staining against E-cadherin, a cell adhesion molecule, showed significantly reduced staining in PP patients (p = 0.048). TGF-ß staining was also low in PP patients, but this difference was not significant (p = 0.107). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that a decrease in trophoblastic E-cadherin expression may have an important role in PP aetiopathogenesis.

Can circulating M30 and M65 levels be beneficial markers in the diagnosis and management of patients with complete hydatidiform mole?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of M30 and M65 levels as markers of apoptotic activity and maternal serum oxidative stress in patients with complete hydatidiform mole (CHM). METHODS: In total, 68 pregnant women were included in the study. The study group included 34 pregnant with CHM, while 34 healthy pregnant were employed as a control group. Venous blood samples were drawn to assess the maternal serum oxidative stress and M30-M65 levels. In addition, a second blood sample was drawn from patients with CHM on day 8 after dilatation evacuation. RESULTS: Maternal serum oxidative stress and M30-M65 levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with CHM as compared with the control group. It was found that serum ß-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) level had a significant positive correlation with M30-M65 levels in patients with CHM. In addition, serum M65 level was found to be as effective as ß-hCG in the identification of the patients with CHM. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that oxidative stress and apoptosis may play significant roles in CHM development. In addition, it seems that serum M30-M65 levels can presumably be an ancillary laboratory test to ß-hCG in the diagnosis and follow-up of the patients with CHM.

Assessment of Apoptotic Activity Dysregulation and Oxidative Stress in the Development of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Case-Controlled Descriptive Analysis.

AIM: In the present study, we aimed to assess whether oxidative stress and apoptotic activity play a role in the development of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). METHODS: The study group included patients with EOC (n = 26) and benign ovarian tumour (BOT) (n = 25), while 30 healthy women were employed as a control group. Venous blood samples were drawn to evaluate oxidative stress parameters and serum M30/M65 antigen levels before surgery. In addition, blood samples were taken for the second time on postoperative day 8 to analyse whether the postoperative tumour load was decreased. RESULTS: When the groups were assessed regarding oxidative stress, the highest values were detected in patients with EOC. Serum M30/M65 levels were found to be higher in patients with EOC when compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). A significant decrease was determined in the M30/M65 levels of serum samples taken on postoperative day 8 from the patients in the EOC and BOT groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that dysregulation of apoptotic activity could be effective in the development of ovarian tumoural tissue, whereas oxidative stress could be effective in malignant transformation.

Changes of intraocular pressure in different trimesters of pregnancy among Syrian refugees in Turkey: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the physiologic changes in intraocular pressure associated with pregnancy in healthy Syrian refugee women in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, intraocular pressures were measured using a Goldmann tonometer in 235 patients in the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy and puerperium among Syrian refugees in Turkey. RESULTS: Mean intraocular pressures values of the right eye were 15.5±2.5 mmHg, 14.4±1.4 mmHg, 13.9±1.6 and 14.7±1.9 mmHg in the three trimesters and puerperium, respectively. Mean intraocular pressures values of the left eye were 15.3±1.6 mmHg, 14.3±1.4 mmHg, 13.9±1.6 and 15.3±2.2 mmHg in the three trimesters and puerperium, respectively. The mean intraocular pressures values measured from both eyes were significantly higher in first trimester and puerperal period than in the third trimester (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Changes in the intraocular pressure in pregnancy are common and temporary. This study shows the baseline changes in the intraocular pressure during pregnancy in healthy women. Therefore, we cannot extrapolate the results to the whole eye. A decrease in intraocular pressures was shown in healthy pregnant women.

Ki-67 proliferation index in patients with placenta previa percreta in the third trimester.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate proliferative capacity of placenta previa percreta in the third trimester via evaluating Ki-67 proliferating index. METHODS: The paraffin blocks of placental tissues, which were obtained from the patients who underwent hysterectomy for placenta previa percreta (n = 12, gestational age > 28 weeks), from legal abortions (n = 12, gestational age < 10 weeks), and of cesarean deliveries with the indication of previous cesarean section, without any complication (n = 12, gestational age > 38 weeks), between January 2011 and April 2013, were included into the study. The paraffin blocks of the patients were stained with Ki-67 (proliferating cell marker) immunohistochemically, and Ki-67 proliferation index levels were calculated. RESULTS: Ki-67 proliferation index levels were higher in patients with legal abortions than patients with placenta percreta or noncomplicated cesarean delivery group. However, any statistically significant difference was not detected between the percreta and noncomplicated groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The tissue samples of the patients with placenta previa percreta exhibited low proliferative capacity similar to the samples of normal placentation group.

Does sildenafil have protective effects against ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective activity of sildenafil treatment against ischemia-reperfusion damage created experimentally in rat ovaries. METHODS: For this study, 42 female Wistar rats were used, and the rats were separated randomly into six groups consisting of seven rats each: sham, torsion, torsion-detorsion, torsion-detorsion + saline, torsion-detorsion + sildenafil 0.7 mg/kg and torsion-detorsion + sildenafil 1.4 mg/kg. With the exception of the sham group, an ovarian torsion procedure was implemented in all other groups for 2 h. Then, a detorsion procedure was implemented to the groups for 2 h, with the exception of the torsion group. Medications were given intraperitoneally, one-half hour before the detorsion procedure in the saline, 0.7 and 1.4 mg/kg sildenafil groups. Finally, 2 ml of blood samples was drawn for markers of oxidative stress, while the ovaries which were torsioned for the histological examination were extracted from all rats. RESULTS: According to the histopathological damage scores, the least damage was seen in the sham group and the most damage was seen in the torsion-detorsion group. The sildenafil treatment appeared to be effective in decreasing tissue damage; however, there were no differences between the dosages. Additionally, it was determined that the oxidative stress levels were higher in the torsion-detorsion group, while the sildenafil treatment caused a significant decrease in the oxidative stress levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study showed that the sildenafil treatment can be effective in preventing tissue damage and oxidative stress induced by the ischemia-reperfusion created in rat ovaries.

Comparison of tissue prolidase enzyme activity and serum oxidative stress level between pregnant women with placental abruption and those with a healthy pregnancy.

PURPOSE: Although placental abruption is an acute condition, it is thought that the underlying pathology is chronic vasculopathy. Collagen is one of the important components of vascular structure, and there is a correlation between collagen turnover and prolidase enzyme activity (PEA). Thus, our aim was to assess whether there is a difference in serum oxidative stress level and PEA between pregnant women with placental abruption and those with a healthy pregnancy. METHODS: The study group consisted of 36 pregnant women who underwent caesarean section with a diagnosis of placental abruption, while the control group comprised 36 pregnant women who underwent caesarean section due to obstetric reasons. Venous blood samples were drawn from all patients before caesarean section. In addition, tissue samples were obtained during caesarean section to evaluate tissue PEA. RESULTS: No significant differences in demographic characteristics were detected between groups (p > 0.05). Oxidative stress parameters, such as total oxidant status and oxidative stress index, were found to be significantly higher in the study group (p < 0.001). Placental tissue PEA was found to be significantly higher in pregnant women with placental abruption (557.21 ± 135.41 vs. 426.68 ± 131.57 U/g, p < 0.001). In addition, a significant positive correlation was detected between PEA and oxidative stress parameters (r = 0.332, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that elevated tissue PEA and serum oxidative stress levels are closely related to placental abruption. Thus, we think that increased collagen turnover may have a significant role in the aetiopathogenesis of placental abruption.