Analysis of NKX3.1 expression in prostate cancer tissues and correlation with clinicopathologic features

This study aimed to analyze NKX3.1 expression in tissue samples of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and in three different prostate cancer categories. The correlation of NKX3.1 expression with clinical and pathologic features of patients having undergone radical prostatectomy also was investigated. NKX3.1 expression was determined in tissue samples obtained from four different histopathological categories: (1) from patients treated with transurethral prostatectomy for BPH (n = 26), (2) localized prostate cancer patients subjected to radical prostatectomy (n = 38), (3) biopsy samples from prostate cancer patients who were metastatic at the initial admission (n = 10), and (4) tissue samples of prostate cancer patients administered antiandrogens, but who had undergone transurethral prostatectomy for infravesical obstruction (n = 11). Standard immunohistochemical staining was performed using an antiserum raised against recombinant human NKX3.1. Staining was seen in all categories of prostatic tissues. Immunohistochemistry staining scores were lower in prostate cancer patients. The staining scores were significantly higher in patients with BPH compared to metastatic or localized prostate cancer patients. Staining scores of patients with BPH and of those under antiandrogen therapy were similar. No significant correlation was found between NKX3.1 expression and tumor volume, Gleason sum scores, the presence of extraprostatic extension, tumor stage, or serum PSA. NKX3.1 expression is significantly decreased in prostate cancer patients when compared to BPH. However, the decline of NKX3.1 expression was not correlated with prostate cancer progression and was not associated with advanced stage. Thus, NKX3.1 expression is not a clinically valuable prognostic factor.     

Effect of polylactide/glycolide (PLGA) membranes loaded with metronidazole on periodontal regeneration following guided tissue regeneration in dogs

BACKGROUND: Bioabsorbable membranes have been successfully used for guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and local delivery systems because they are biocompatible and do not require second surgery for removal. Several studies have demonstrated that metronidazole, when applied topically, produced immediate effects on microbiological and clinical parameters, most notably a reduction in probing depth and loss of attachment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the regenerative potential of a metronidazole-loaded biodegradable (polylactide/glycolide) (PLGA) GTR membrane in dogs. METHODS: Six male adult dogs with 36 created osseous defects were enrolled. Bilateral dehiscence type defects in 5 mm diameter were created at buccal aspect of the alveolar bone in maxillary premolar teeth. After full thickness flap elevation, exposed root surfaces were thoroughly planed. In the experimental sites, PLGA membranes with or without metronidazole were fitted and placed over the defects. On the control defects only root planing was performed. Gingival flaps were replaced slightly coronal to the cemento-enamel junction. Animals were sacrificed at 60 days. The histometric analysis was evaluated with the following parameters: defect height (DH), apical extension of junctional epithelium (AEJE), new cementum height (NCH), new bone height (NBH), and new gingival connective tissue height (NCTH). RESULTS: Postoperative clinical healing was similar in the 3 groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 experimental groups in any parameters. Statistically significant differences were observed for AEJE, NCH, NBH, and NCTH in experimental groups when compared with the controls. Statistically significantly greater NCH, NBH, and NCTH were seen in the experimental groups than the controls and control defects showed longer AEJE than the experimental defects. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that PLGA membranes with and without metronidazole may have a beneficial effect on periodontal regeneration.     

Comparison of traditional risk factors, natural history and angiographic findings between coronary heart disease patients with age <40 and >or=40 years old.

OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to examine the angiographic findings, traditional risk factors and natural history of Turkish patients <40 and >or=40 years old with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: The records of 491 patients with stable angina pectoris or acute coronary syndrome (ACS), who had undergone coronary angiography (CAG) were reviewed. The patients <40 years (group 1) and >or=40 years (group 2) were compared. RESULTS: The study population was classified as group 1 with 240 patients (mean age 35.7+/-3.4 years) and group 2 with 251 patients (mean age 61.0+/-9.7 years). Smoking, family history, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were more prevalent in group 1 while diabetes mellitus, hypertension was higher in group 2. The common presentation among <40 years patients was ACS whereas stable angina was the most common presentation in patients >or=40 years old. Patients in group 1 showed a preponderance of single-vessel disease whereas patients of group 2 showed dominance of multivessel disease. Early clinical course of patients with ACS in group 1 was better than in group 2. CONCLUSION: Our study shows a significantly different clinical, angiographic and biochemical profile in <40 years patients with CHD compared with >or=40 years patients. Dominance of smoking and dyslipidemias that are the preventable risk factors in premature CHD patients is an important threat for our community health. Healthy life styles should be encouraged beginning from young ages and new precautions about smoking must be taken.     

Pleural fluid and serum procalcitonin as diagnostic tools in tuberculous pleurisy

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of tuberculous pleuritis is difficult because of its nonspecific clinical presentation and decreased efficiency of traditional diagnostic methods. We investigated the use of procalcitonin (PCT) concentration in tuberculous pleuritis diagnosis. METHODS: A prospective clinical study was performed with two different patient groups. A total of 28 patients were included: 18 with tuberculosis and 10 with nontuberculous pleurisy. Serum and pleural fluid PCT concentrations were evaluated before treatment. RESULTS: Serum and pleural fluid PCT concentrations were statistically different between tuberculous and nontuberculous pleurisy groups (P = 0.012 and P = 0.004, respectively), even though they were not elevated in relation to the cut-off level of 0.5 ng/mL. A positive and significant correlation was detected between serum and pleural fluid PCT levels (r = 0.49, P = 0.008). Diagnostic specificity and sensitivity values for serum and pleural fluid PCT in discriminating tuberculous from nontuberculous pleurisy were 80% and 72.2%, and 90% and 66.7% at the 0.081 and 0.113 ng/mL cut-off values, respectively. CONCLUSION: Relative to the current cut-off level of 0.5 ng/mL, PCT concentration is not a useful parameter for the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy. Because there were PCT levels in patients with tuberculous pleurisy that were below the current cut-off level but were significantly different from those of the nontuberculous group, the use of PCT should be further investigated.     

Resveratrol Triggers Apoptosis Through Regulating Ceramide Metabolizing Genes in Human K562 Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells

Cancer is a major worldwide health problem and one of the leading causes of death either in developed or developing countries. Plant extracts and derivatives have always been used for various disease treatments and many anticancer agents issued from plants and vegetables are clinically recognized and used all over the world. Lycium europaeum (Solanaceae) also called “wolfberry” was known since ancient times in the Mediterranean area as a medicinal plant and used in several traditional remedies. The Lycium species capacity of reducing the incidence of cancer and also of halting or reserving the growth of cancer was reported by traditional healers. In this study, the antiproliferative capacity, protective properties, and antioxidant activity of the hydro-alcoholic fruit extract of Lycium europaeum were investigated. Results showed that Lycium extract exhibits the ability to reduce cancer cell viability, inhibits proliferation, and induces apoptosis in A549 human lung cancer cells and PC12 rat adrenal medulla cancer cells, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Cytotoxic effect on normal rat cerebellum granule cells was assessed to be nonsignificant. Results also showed that Lycium fruit extract protected lipids, proteins, and DNA against oxidative stress damages induced by H₂O₂ via scavenging reactive oxygen species.     

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm developing as a late complication of coronary artery bypass grafting with apicoseptal plication

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is a false aneurysm, which results from a left ventricle rupture contained by adherent pericardium or scar tissue. The most common etiology of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is acute myocardial infarction but one-third of pseudoaneurysms develop following surgery. We present a case report of a patient who developed a false aneurysm of the left ventricle 2 months following surgical repair of a left ventricular aneurysm with a concomitant coronary bypass.