Placental and Umbilical Cord Blood Oxidative Stress Level and Telomere Homeostasis in Early Onset Severe Preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: Although the etiopathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) is unknown, evidence suggests that it may be associated with increased oxidative stress. Studies have shown that oxidative stress can affect DNA fragments called telomeres. However, the interactions of PE, oxidative stress, and telomere length are not clearly known. This study aims to evaluate the oxidative/anti-oxidative stress balance in the placenta and umbilical cord and examine the effect of oxidative stress on telomeres. MATERIALS-METHOD: Cord blood and placental samples were collected from 27 pregnant women with severe PE (280/7-336/7 gestational weeks) and 53 healthy pregnant women. Telomere length (TL) was measured by real-time PCR in the cord blood and placenta tissue. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels were measured in the cord blood and placenta tissue using a colorimetric method. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between groups regarding age, BMI, gravida, parity, and newborn gender (p>0.05). Cord blood and placental TL of PE patients were significantly shorter than the control group, while cord blood and placental TAS and TOS levels were higher (p<0.05). The results of a multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the level of placental TOS in PE patients (OR=1.212, 95% CI=1.068-1.375) was an independent risk factor affecting PE. CONCLUSION: This study found that oxidative stress is an independent risk factor in the development of PE and shortens TL in both placental and umbilical cord blood. Future research on telomere homeostasis may offer a new perspective for the treatment of PE.

Brucellosis in pregnancy and its response to the changing immunoglobulin A: A prospective controlled study.

Objective: This study aimed to define the rare Brucella infection in pregnancy and its effects on immunoglobulins (Ig). Materials and Methods: This prospective study has conducted Brucella screening using the Rose Bengal test on pregnant and non-pregnant outpatients who did not show any specific Brucella symptoms. The immunoglobulin levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The study group consisted of pregnant women who were at 20 weeks or below gestation and applied to our hospital outpatient clinic for routine check-ups. The control group consisted of healthy patients who applied for routine controls. Results: This study included a total of 584 participants, 293 of whom were controls and 291 were the study (pregnant) participants. The study revealed a 1.5% incidence of Brucella during pregnancy. In acute and chronic Brucella infection, lower levels of IgA response were observed in pregnant cases compared to the control group. Conclusion: Brucella infection is a disease that can cause fetal problems, especially in endemic areas. The role of the altered IgA response in pathologies that are associated with Brucella infection stands out as a new target for disease pathophysiology.

The effect of rectus reapproximation on postoperative muscle strength and core endurance in cesarean section: A prospective case-control study.

AIM: The necessity of the reapproximation technique of the rectus abdominis muscle in the cesarean section (CS) is a controversial issue. We aimed to investigate the effect of the approximation of the rectus abdominis muscle in CS on postoperative pain intensity, muscle strength, and core endurance. METHODS: Thirty-eight women whose rectus muscle was reapproximated in CS and 36 women whose muscles were not reapproximated were included in the study. All women were called in for evaluation in the postoperative period twice, in the 8th-10th and 24-26th weeks. While muscle strength was assessed by manual muscle test (MMT), core endurance was assessed by core stability tests [trunk flexion test (TFT), trunk extensor endurance test (TEET), lateral right/left bridge test (LRBT/LLBT)]. The distance between inter-rectus diastasis (IRD) and rectus abdominis muscle thickness were evaluated by ultrasonography. RESULTS: In the first evaluation; in the rectus muscle reapproximation (RMR) group, lower and upper IRD values were less than the control group, while muscle strength, TFT, TEET, LRBT, and LLBT times were higher (p < 0.001, <0.001, 0.014, <0.001, <0.001, 0.002, and <0.001, respectively). In the second evaluation; in the RMR group, lower and upper IRD values were lower than the control group, while upper rectus abdominis muscle thickness, TFT, TEET, and LRBT times were higher (p < 0.001, <0.001, 0.046, <0.001, 0.032, and 0.010, respectively). CONCLUSION: RMR in CS increases muscle strength and core endurance in the early postoperative period. RMR can facilitate the daily work of mother by increasing their physical fitness, especially in the early postoperative period.

DLK1 and Nesfatin-1 levels and the relationship with metabolic parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome: Prospective, controlled study

Objective: Delta-like 1 (DLK1) is known to inhibit adipocyte differentiation and nesfatin-1 is a neuropeptide that plays a role in the regulation of nutrition and metabolism. We aimed to assess both the levels of DLK1 and nesfatin-1 in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and determine the association of DLK1 and nesfatin-1 with metabolic parameters. Materials and Methods: Forty-four patients with PCOS and 40 healthy women as the control group were included in this study. Venous blood samples of the participants were collected, and hormonal, metabolic parameters, DLK1 and nesfatin-1 blood levels were determined. Anthropometric parameters were also determined. For a double comparison, the Mann-Whitney U test was used for non-parametric numerical data, and Student's t-test was used for parametric numerical data. Bivariate correlations were investigated using Spearman's correlation analysis. The diagnostic performance of the parameters was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: The findings showed that DLK1 and nesfatin-1 levels were lower among the PCOS group, and the differences in these values were found to be statistically significant. A significant negative correlation was found between DLK1 levels and body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio, visceral adiposity index (VAI), fasting serum insulin (FSI), homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and triglyceride levels. A significant negative correlation was found between nesfatin-1 levels and BMI, VAI, FSI, HOMA-IR and triglyceride. Conclusion: The findings showed that DLK1 and nesfatin-1 levels were lower in PCOS. Based on this study, DLK1 may be culpable for metabolic disorders in PCOS and can be a novel marker for PCOS in the future.

The protective effect of JZL184 on ovarian ischemia reperfusion injury and ovarian reserve in rats.

AIM: Ovarian torsion is a gynecopathology that requires emergency surgery in women. However, ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) occurs after treatment with detorsion. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor JZL184 on ovarian IRI and ovarian reserve. METHODS: Forty-eight female Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups. Group 1: Sham, Group 2: Ischemia, Group 3: ischemia/reperfusion (IR), Group 4: IR + JZL184 4 mg/kg, Group 5: IR + JZL184 16 mg/kg, Group 6: IR + vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide). Three hours of ischemia followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Two different doses of JZL184 (4 and 16 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally in Group 4 and 5, 30 min before reperfusion. Ovarian IRI and ovarian reserve were evaluated in serum and tissue by using histopathological and biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Treatment with JZL184 was associated with a significant increase in ovarian 2-arachidonoylglycerol and improved serum anti-Mullerian hormone, Inhibin B, primordial follicle count, and ovarian histopathological damage score (p < 0.05). JZL184 treatment significantly decreased the level of malondialdehyde, and increased superoxide dismutase enzyme activity and glutathione (GSH) levels (p < 0.05). The increased phosphorile nuclear factor-κB (Phospho-NF-κB-p65), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1), and TUNEL assay immunopositivity scores in ovarian I/R injury were decreased after treatment with JZL184 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: JZL184 showed significant ameliorative effects on ovarian IRI and ovarian reserve caused by IR through acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic agent. Thus, JZL184 may be a novel therapeutic agent for ovarian IRI.

Repeated dose of prostaglandin E2 vaginal insert when the first dose fails.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of patients treated with repeated-dose prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone) vaginal insert when the first dose fails. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 1.043 pregnant women who received dinoprostone for labor induction between November 2012 and August 2015. Pregnant women were divided into two groups according to the number of dinoprostone administrations: group 1, single-dose dinoprostone (n=1.000), and group 2, repeated-dose dinoprostone (n=43). Intrapartum, postpartum, and neonatal outcomes of the pregnant women were compared. RESULTS: Vaginal delivery rate was 65% in group 1 and 30.2% in group 2 (p=0.001). The need for the neonatal intensive care unit was found in 44 pregnant women (4.4%) in group 1 and 6 pregnant women (13.6%) in group 2 (p=0.006). CONCLUSION: When obstetric and neonatal data were evaluated in our study, we observed that dinoprostone administration was associated with increased cesarean rates and adverse neonatal outcomes with repeated-dose dinoprostone when the first dose failed.

The effect of placental angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors on pregnancy outcome in patients with early onset preeclampsia

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the possible effects of anti-angiogenic factors including soluble endoglin (sEng), placental growth factor (Pgf), and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) in both normotensive pregnant patients and preeclampsia (PE) patients. Material and Methods: The study was carried out at the Departments of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Biochemistry of Yozgat Bozok University Training and Research Hospital. Eighteen women with PE who were pregnant for at least 20 weeks comprised the study group. The control group consisted of 33 pregnant women with no complications and with similar demographic features. In the study, laboratory parameters, demographic characteristics, sEng, sFlt-1, and Pgf levels, delivery type, APGAR scores of the infants, and birthweight were determined and a comparison was made between the groups. Results: It was found that the sEng level was significantly lower in the PE group compared to the control group (p<0.05). In addition, the Pgf, birthweight, and 1st and 5th-minute APGAR scores were significantly lower in the PE group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The decrease in Pgf may have an effect on the pathogenesis of PE and can be utilized for the determination of PE.

Telomere Length in Idiopathic Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.

OBJECTIVE: Telomere length is used as an indicator of biological aging. It is well known that one of the most remarkable risk factors of recurrent pregnancy losses is advanced maternal age. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss and telomere length. METHOD: The study group included 40 women, while the control group consisted of 41 healthy women whose age and body mass index were matched. A venous blood sample was taken from all participants into EDTA tubes in the early follicular phase, and telomere length was measured through the qPCR technique. RESULTS: When the mean TL of the groups was compared, it was determined that TL was significantly shorter among the iRPL group (7763.89±924.58 base pair) compared to the control group (8398.84±1102.95 base pair) (p<0.006). Whereas FSH and E2 were higher in the iRPL group, TAFC was lower (p<0.001). When the correlation between telomere length and endocrine parameters was statistically tested in the iRPL group, a negative correlation was found between FSH and telomere length (r=-0.437; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Shortened telomere length might play a role in the etiology of iRPL. We are of the opinion that patients with RPL should be screened for the presence of cardiovascular diseases and other chronic diseases, as is the case for POF.

The Relationship Between Heavy Metal Exposure, Trace Element Level, and Monocyte to HDL Cholesterol Ratio with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

The objective of this study is to assess the levels of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, antimony, mercury, and arsenic), which are also called endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and trace elements (chromium-III, chromium-VI, zinc, copper, and selenium) vs. monocyte to HDL ratio among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A total of 112 pregnant women (60 with GDM and 52 healthy women) were included in this case-control study. Analysis of heavy metals and trace elements were performed in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Heavy metals (cadmium, lead, antimony, mercury, and arsenic), trace elements (chromium-III, chromium-VI, zinc, copper, and selenium), and metabolic parameters were assessed in both groups. It was determined that the levels of cadmium, lead, antimony, and copper were higher (p < 0.05) and levels of chromium-III, zinc, and selenium were lower (p < 0.05) among the GDM group compared to the control group, whereas there was a statistically insignificant difference between the two groups, regarding the levels of copper, mercury, and arsenic (p > 0.05). Moreover, the monocyte to HDL ratio was higher in the GDM group (p < 0.05), and the insulin resistance was significantly higher as well (p < 0.05). The results of our study demonstrated that environmental factors could be effective in the etiology of GDM. Toxic heavy metals, through inducing Cu, OS, and chronic inflammation, and other trace elements, either directly by impacting insulin secretion or through weakening the body's antioxidant defense system, could play a role in the occurrence of GDM.

Comparison of glucose degradation product and receptor levels in diabetic and normal pregnancy

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic values of new biochemical markers that may be an alternative to the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and determine the differences in these markers among three groups of women with varying degrees of glucose homeostasis dysregulation. Material and Methods: This was a prospective study. All women were screened with 50 gram (g) oral glucose and a 100 g OGTT for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The patients were divided into three groups depending on the result of the tests: no evidence of glucose metabolism abnormality (controls); impaired glucose tolerance (IGT); and GDM. All three groups were evaluated for serum human advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) concentrations, carboxymethyl lysine (CML) concentration and receptor for advanced glycation end-product concentrations (RAGE/AGER), body mass index (BMI), age, fasting glucose levels, obstetrical parameters and gestational age. Results: The study included 180 women divided into 59 (32.8%) GDM, 50 (27.8%) IGT and 71 (39.4%) controls. Age was similar among the three groups. Whereas fasting glucose levels and BMI in the three groups was significantly different, AGEs, CML, RAGE/AGER levels were found as significantly different between the groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: In this study the use of AGEs, CML, and RAGE/AGER concentrations for the diagnosis and screening of gestational diabetes was investigated. It was found that advanced glycation products were significantly elevated in pregnancies with both IGT and GDM. These biochemical markers of glucose homeostasis dysregulation may have potential for GDM screening in the future.

Concordance of HPV, conventional smear, colposcopy, and conization results in cervical dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer screening algorithms are increasingly focused on Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-based screening while the accuracy of using abnormal cytological findings to detect dysplastic lesions still remains important. This retrospective study correlated the results of conventional cervical cytology, colposcopy guided biopsy, and cold knife conization (CKC) procedures performed in a tertiary center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 9399 patients who underwent screening with conventional cervical cytology between 2010 and 2019 was obtained from the hospital registry. Abnormal cervical cytology and high-risk HPV DNA genotypes were recorded and their colposcopic and CKC pathology was determined. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety two patients underwent colposcopy for abnormal cervical cytology and/or high-risk HPV positivity. One hundred and twenty three patients were positive for High-risk HPV. Abnormal cervical cytology was detected in 216 patients. The most common cytological anomaly was atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) found in 9399 patients (1.39%). It was determined that conventional cytology had a sensitivity of 70.8% and a specificity of 62.2% for the detection of low-grade lesions, while it had a sensitivity of 72.4% and a specificity of 86.0% for the detection of high-grade lesions. CKC was applied to 68 patients who were diagnosed with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) as a result of the colposcopy. As a result of CKC, a high-grade lesion was detected in 73.5% of these patients. CONCLUSION: Conventional cervical cytology and colposcopy exhibited higher accuracy as the severity of lesions increased. Detection of HPV may prevent unnecessary surgical procedures, especially with ASCUS.

The effect of a natural molecule in ovary ischemia reperfusion damage: does lycopene protect ovary?

Ovarian ischemia is a gynecological emergency case that occurs as a result of ovarian torsion. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the development of ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injuries. Lycopene (LYC) is a lipophilic, natural carotenoid well known for its antioxidant properties. This study provides information on the potential applications of lycopene. The Wistar Albino rats were distributed into six groups: Sham group (only a laparotomy was performed), Control group [laparotomy and intraperitoneal dissolvent (olive oil)], IR group, IR+olive oil group, IR+LYC 2.5 mg/kg/dose, intraperitoneal group, IR+LYC 5 mg/kg/dose intraperitoneal group. Evaluated in terms of histopathological changes, tissue malondialdehyde levels (MDA), ovarian expressions of phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B (p-NF-κB) and the TUNEL method was utilized to show apoptosis of ovarian tissue. There was a significant decrease in MDA, p-NF-κB values and the proportion of apoptotic cells assessed by TUNEL compared to the group that did not receive intraperitoneal LYC in rat injury with IR damage (P<0.05). In histopathological damage scoring, it was observed that the cell damage was significantly reduced in LYC-administered groups. LYC showed significant ameliorative effects on ovary injury caused by IR through acting as an antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antiapoptotic agent.

The Effect of Maternal Pulmonary Function Test Parameters on Umbilical Cord Blood Gas and the Duration of Labor.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the maternal pulmonary function test (PFT) and the Apgar score of the newborn, umbilical cord blood (UCB) gas values and the duration of delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study included 41 volunteer nulliparous pregnant women who presented to our obstetrics clinic and PFTs were performed by using spirometry. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was observed between 5th-minute Apgar scores and maternal FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in the first second) (lt), FEV1%, FVC (lt), FVC% (r=0.509, p=0.003; r=0.47, p=0.007; r=0.434, p=0.013; r=0.417, p=0.017; respectively). A significant positive correlation was observed between UCB pH value and maternal FEV1 (lt), FVC (lt) (r=0.515, p=0.003; r=0.351, p=0.049; respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that FEV1 and FVC values, which indicate maternal respiratory functions, may affect Apgar scores of the newborn and UCB gas values.

Environmental Exposures in the Etiology of Abortion: Placental Toxic and Trace Element Levels.

PURPOSE: Intensive research has been conducted on the effects of toxic and trace elements on pregnancy. Previous studies indicated a possible relationship between placental levels of these elements and first-trimester abortion; however, their effects on the further gestational weeks are not clear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of changes in the levels of placental trace and toxic elements on second-trimester abortion. METHODS: The patient group consisted of 30 women with missed abortion. The control group comprised 60 healthy term and singleton pregnant women who gave birth. Placental samples were obtained from the patients and the healthy controls, and the concentrations of placental elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: In the abortion group, placental arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, antimony, tin, cobalt, manganese, and selenium levels were significantly higher than those of the control group (p<0.05). Antimony was determined as an independent predictor with an odds ratio of 6.1 in toxic elements (p=0.025), and selenium was determined as an independent predictor with an odds ratio of 2.3 in trace elements (p=0.015). CONCLUSION: The changes in trace element and toxic element levels, especially an increase in antimony and selenium, in placental tissue due to environmental exposure may play an important role in second-trimester abortion.

Sexual function and depression in polycystic ovary syndrome: Is it associated with inflammation and neuromodulators?

Numerous studies have been carried out on depression and sexual dysfunction concomitant with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Increasing evidence has revealed the importance of inflammation in the etiology of PCOS. In addition, it has been known that some neuromodulators affect depression and sexual function. However, their effects on PCOS are not known. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of depression and sexual function with cytokines and neuromodulators in PCOS patients. The present study included 20 fertile and 30 infertile patients diagnosed with PCOS and 30 healthy volunteers. Metabolic and endocrine parameters, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, TNFα, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), Glutamate, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum levels, Beck Depression Index (BDI) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores of the patients were compared between the groups. TNFα, IL-1ß, IL-6, glutamate, GABA, and BDI scores were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the PCOS group (p < 0.05). Glutamate, TNFα, IL-1ß, and IL-6 values were higher whereas GABA and BDNF values were lower in pateints with moderate and severe depression (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant relationships between these parameters and the FSFI scores (p > 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted with potential factors that may affect sexual dysfunction. The results indicated that high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (> 0.80) with an odds ratio of 1.81 in PCOS patients, and body mass index (BMI) with an odds ratio of 2.3 and high WHR (> 0.80) with an odds ratio of 1.97 in all patients were found to be independent risk factors affecting sexual dysfunction. The results of the present study suggested that chronic low-dose inflammation seen in PCOS may interact with some neuromodulators, leading to the development of depression. However, no relationship was found between these parameters and sexual function.

The relationship between oxidative stress and preeclampsia. The serum ischemia-modified albumin levels and thiol/disulfide homeostasis.

OBJECTIVE: Preeclampsia (PE) is a dangerous complication of pregnancy and still a major cause of maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality. Its etiology remains largely unknown, but researchers have suggested oxidative stress-mediated inflammation for the same. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress and PE as well as the usability of oxidative stress indicators such as serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels and thiol/disulfide balance in the prediction of PE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 47 pregnant women with PE and 57 healthy pregnant women. We measured their serum IMA, native thiol, total thiol, and disulfide levels. Additionally, we determined the optimal cutoff values via the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: There were no differences between the two groups with respect to the maternal age, body mass index, gravida, and parity. The native and total thiol levels were found to be low when the disulfide and IMA levels were high in the patients with PE (p<0.05). When the IMA level was corrected by the albumin level (IMAR), the significant difference between the two groups disappeared. We also found that the native and total thiol concentrations were correlated with the systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The optimal cut-off values calculated for the prediction of PE were as follows: 178.45 µmol/L (with sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 83%) for native thiol, 232.55 µ mol/L (with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 85%) for total thiol, and 29.05 µmol/L (with sensitivity of 65% and specificity of 72%) for disulfide. CONCLUSION: The balance of thiol/disulfide may play a role in the pathogenesis of PE and could be used as a biological marker for PE.

Can Inflammatory Hematological Parameters be a Guide to Late-onset Fetal Growth Restriction?

PURPOSE: To compare the rates obtained from hematological parameters in cases of late-onset idiopathic fetal growth restriction (FGR) with healthy pregnancies and to evaluate the effect on neonatal outcomes. METHODS: The study group consisted of 63 pregnant women with late-onset idiopathic FGR and the control group consisted of 91 healthy pregnant women. The determined rates were calculated from the control hemograms of patients at 28 weeks. Both groups were compared for neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and other parameters. RESULTS: NLR, leukocyte and neutrophil levels were significantly higher in the FGR group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in PLR, platelet and lymphocyte levels between the groups (p>0.05). To predict FGR, the best cut-off value of NLR was determined to be 4.11 with 56% sensitivity and 88% specificity values. CONCLUSION: Neutrophil, lymphocyte and platelet interactions have an important role in FGR development. Inflammation can be involved in the etiopathogenesis in late-onset FGR.