Relationship between histopathological findings of patients with dermatochalasis and vitamin D deficiency.

PURPOSE: To compare the histopathological findings of patients who had been diagnosed with dermatochalasis (DC) and had undergone upper eyelid blepharoplasty (ULB) as well as those of controls (C-Group) according to their serum vitamin D (SVD) levels. METHODS: The prospective study included 136 upper eyelid skin from 68 patients who underwent surgery for DC and 53 upper eyelid skin from 53 patients who underwent levator surgery with ULB. The DC Group was then divided into 3 subgroups according to the marginal reflex distance (MRD4). The lymphatic vessel (LV) count and diameter of the largest LV (DLLV) were recorded, the stromal collagen bed (SCB) was observed, and its depth was measured, the interfibrillar edema was examined, and the elastic fiber and macrophage counts and recorded, respectively, and then all of these were evaluated. The SVD levels were compared between the DC patients and the C-Group. RESULTS: In comparison to the C-Group, significant changes were seen in the dilated LV, DLLV, SCB depth, interfibrillar edema, elastic fiber density, and macrophage count in the DC sub-Groups (P < 0.001 for all). While no difference was found between DC sub-Group 1 (MRD4 > 4 mm) and the C-Group (P > 0.05), a significant difference was found between DC sub-Group 2 (MRD4 2-4 mm) and DC sub-Group 3 (MRD4 < 2 mm) for all of the parameters (P < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was also found in the SVD levels between the DC sub-Group 1 and DC sub-Groups 2-3 (P < 0.017, P < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, SVD level was significantly lower in DC group. Moreover, an increased LV count and diameter, decreased elastic fiber count, collagen fiber and stromal edema irregularity, and increased macrophage count were found to be associated with the SVD level.

The effect of carbamazepine, which increases oestrogen destruction, on the endometriotic implants; an experimental rat model.

We planned this experimental study to investigate the effect of carbamazepine (CMZ) on the endometriotic implants. Rats were randomised into four groups after endometriosis surgery. Drinking water was given to the sham group, 0.2 mg/kg oestradiol valerate (EV) to the EV group, 100 mg/kg/day CMZ to the CMZ group, and 0.2 mg/kg EV and 100 mg/kg/day CMZ to the EV-CMZ group. The endometrium of the rats using CMZ stained more intensely with cytochrome P450-3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme. No endometrial hyperplasia was found in these rats. Endometriotic implants weight was found to be higher in these rats. There was no difference between the groups in terms of staining of the endometriotic implants with CYP3A4 enzyme. Endometriotic implants were less stained with the CYP3A4 enzyme than the endometrium. According to our results, CMZ does not increase the destruction of oestrogen in the endometriotic implants, unlike the endometrium. It may even cause the lesion to enlarge.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Endometriosis is an oestrogen-dependent, progressive disease. Carbamazepine (CMZ) is known to increase oestrogen degradation by activating the cytochrome P450-3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme. CMZ can be used in the treatment of endometriosis because it increases oestrogen breakdown in tissues.What do the results of this study add? CMZ can protect the endometrium against hyperplasia by increasing the amount of CYP3A4 enzyme in the endometrium. This effect could not be demonstrated in the endometriotic implants. The presence of CYP3A4 enzyme less in the endometriotic implants than in the endometrium may explain this situation. In addition, the fact that CMZ does not increase the enzyme in the endometriotic implants may contribute to this situation.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? CMZ may not be a suitable alternative in the treatment of endometriosis. However, it may protect against endometrial hyperplasia. Clinical studies are needed for this effect.

Carbamazepine protects the endometrium against negative effects of estrogen in rats.

Carbamazepine (CMZ) increases estrogen metabolism by inducing cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4). We investigated whether CMZ is protective against endometrial hyperplasia (EH). We used 32 female Wistar albino rats divided into four equal groups: the control group received drinking water, the estradiol valerate (EV) group was given EV, the CMZ group was given CMZ, and the EV + CMZ group was given both EV and CMZ. After 30 days the uteri of the rats were removed and serum estrogen and progesterone levels were measured, and endometrial tissue characteristics were evaluated. CYP3A4 expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Serum estrogen levels were lowest in the EV group and highest in the CMZ group. Serum progesterone levels were similar among all groups. Glandular density, a proxy measure of EH, was highest in the EV group and lowest in the EV + CMZ group. EH was detected in six of eight rats (75%) in the EV group and two of eight rats (25%) in the EV + CMZ group. Immunohistochemical staining revealed no significant difference in CYP3A4 expression among the four groups. CMZ reduced the negative effect of high dose estrogen that is not balanced by progesterone on the endometrium in rats. The effect likely is probably due to the CYP3A4 enzyme activator effect. CMZ may be protective against EH in high risk women, although confirmation is required.

Histopathological Examination of the Mucosal Effects of Obstetric Gel on Vaginal Wound Healing in an Incision-Inflicted Rat Model.

Background and objective The present study intended to investigate the histopathological efficacy of obstetric gels on the healing of vaginal lacerations in rats. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such study. Materials and methods Twenty-one female Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups, comprising seven animals per group. The first group (group 1) was the control group, the second (group 2) was the polyvinyl iodine (PI) group, and the third group (group 3) was the obstetric gel (OG) group. In all three groups, a vaginal incision was made with a No. 10 scalpel, and the incision site was sutured with a 3-0 Vicryl suture. In the control group, the incision site was left for routine healing. The incision site was washed with PI in the PI group and with OG in the OG group. After 15 days, vaginal tissues were obtained from all three groups for histopathological examination. In addition, immunohistochemistry staining was performed using caspase 3 and fibrillin 1 antibodies. Results There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of congestion, vascular proliferation, and inflammation stages in the examinations performed on the vaginal wall. However, the amount of collagen and elastic fibers increased during the remodeling and fibrosis phase, and the fibrillin 1 score increased in immunohistochemistry staining (p < 0.001). Conclusion It has been shown in rat vaginal tissue that obstetric gels do not have negative effects on wound healing; however, they contribute to wound healing by positively affecting the fibrosis stage.

Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 ion channel activity in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome physiopathology

Background/aim: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a complication of ovarian stimulation with increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular permeability in the ovarian tissue. Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is known to be associated with angiogenesis and vascular permeability. In this experimental study, we aimed to investigate the activity of TRPM2 in the development of OHSS. Materials and methods: Fourteen immature female rats were divided into two groups. Group 1 was the control group, and Group 2 was the OHSS group that was exposed to 10 IU of subcutaneous application of FSH for four days and 30 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the 5th day. At the end of the experiment, the ovaries were removed. The right ovarian tissues were stored in 10% formol for histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. The left ovarian tissues were stored at ­80 °C for biochemical examinations. VEGF, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF­α) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in the ovarian tissue. Congestion, edema, apoptosis and TRPM2 immunoreactivity were evaluated. Results: There was a significant increase in ovarian weight in the OHSS group compared to the control group. There was a significant increase in congestion, edema, apoptosis and TRPM2 immunoreactivity in the OHSS group. A significant increase in tissue levels of VEGF, TNF­α and MDA was also found in the OHSS group compared to the control group. Conclusion: As a result of our experiment, it was found that increased TRPM2 immunoreactivity on hyperstimulated rat ovary may be the reason or result of edema and congestion. Further studies are needed to discuss our results.

The Effect of Tourniquet Usage and Anesthesia Method on Prognosis in the Treatment of Dorsal Wrist Ganglion Cysts by Open Surgery.

Introduction Ganglion cysts are the most common soft tissue masses seen on the wrist, which often cause pain or cosmetic complaints. The treatment of these masses includes intra-cystic injections or surgery. Recurrence rates are very high in surgical or non-surgical treatment. Inadequate excision for recurrence after surgery is blamed; however, the reasons for the recurrence still remain mysterious. Objectives In this study, the effect of anesthesia selection and tourniquet use on the dorsal wrist ganglion cysts in open surgery was investigated. Materials and methods Patients with dorsal wrist ganglion cysts, who were operated with open surgery between 2015 and 2018 and who had at least six months after the surgery, were examined. The patients were divided into two groups: patients who underwent surgery without tourniquet with local anesthesia and patients operated with tourniquet with general or regional anesthesia. Age, sex, cause of operation, visual analog scale (VAS) scores before and after surgery, limitation of movement, postoperative complications, and recurrence were compared. Results There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of causes of surgery, recurrence rates, preoperative and postoperative limitations of movement, and complications. In terms of age, the group operated with local anesthesia and without tourniquet was significantly larger. There was also no significant difference between the groups in terms of preoperative pain. Postoperative pain was significantly less in the group operated by tourniquet with general-regional anesthesia. Conclusion There is no significant difference in the recurrence and complications between patients operated under local anesthesia without tourniquets and patients operated with tourniquets under general or regional anesthesia during the open excision of the dorsal wrist ganglion cysts. However, it should be kept in mind that postoperative pain does not diminish in later ages, especially in cases of ganglion cysts, and other pathologies may also potentially cause pain in the wrist.

Findings in Appendectomies with Enterobius vermicularis Infection: Pinworm Is Not A Cause of Appendicitis

Objective: To evaluate the histopathological findings in appendectomy materials with E. vermicularis infection. Methods: Appendectomy materials with E. vermicularis infection of 24 cases were evaluated for the presence of acute inflammation, congestion, hemorrhage, perforation, lymphoid hyperplasia (LH), necrosis, granuloma, fecalith, obliteration, hyalinization, eosinophilic infiltration and mucosal architectural distortion. Results: The frequency of E. vermicularis among 3222 appendectomies that were scanned for the study was 0.74% (24/3222). Female: male ratio was 1:1 and the median age was 12±9.34 years. The most common findings were LH (100%), and congestion (91.7%) Acute inflammation was found in one third (n=8), with phlegmonous inflammation and/or periappendicitis in 4 of them. The patients with periappendicitis were significantly younger (mean age 4 vs. 14.2 years, p=0.008). Feces was present in the lumen in 79.1% of the patients (fecalith in 25%, soft feces in 29.1% and feces mixed with blood and/or suppuration in 25%). In 6 cases (25%), only E. vermicularis was observed in the lumen, with acute appendicitis in 2 of them. Appendiceal lumen was completely obstructed in 12.5% (n=3), while it seemed narrow due to extensive LH in 3 (12.5%) cases. Fibrous obliteration was seen in 4 patients and it was correlated with age and eosinophil count in lamina propria p<0.05. Conclusion: While E. vermicularis infection appears to be an incidental finding in appendectomies rather than being a cause of appendicitis, it probably stimulates LH which may mimic acute appendicitis clinically.