The poly(A)-binding protein genes, <Emphasis Type="Italic">EPAB</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">PABPC1</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">PABPC3</Emphasis> are differentially expressed in infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia

Purpose

Azoospermia is one of the major causes of male infertility and is basically classified into obstructive (OA) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). The molecular background of NOA still largely remains elusive. It has been shown that the poly(A)-binding proteins (PABPs) essentially play critical roles in stabilization and translational control of the mRNAs during spermatogenesis.

Methods

In the present study, we aim to evaluate expression levels of the PABP genes, EPAB, PABPC1, and PABPC3, in the testicular biopsy samples and in the isolated spermatocyte (SC) and round spermatid (RS) fractions obtained from men with various types of NOA including hypospermatogenesis (hyposperm), RS arrest, SC arrest, and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCO).

Results

In the testicular biopsy samples, both PABPC1 and PABPC3 mRNA expressions were gradually decreased from hyposperm to SCO groups (P?<?0.05), whereas there was no remarkable difference for the EPAB expression among groups. The expression levels of cytoplasmically localized PABPC1 and PABPC3 proteins dramatically reduced from hyposperm to SCO groups (P?<?0.05). In the isolated SC and RS fractions, the EPAB, PABPC1, and PABPC3 mRNA expressions were gradually decreased from hyposperm to SC arrest groups (P?<?0.05). Similarly, both PABPC1 and PABPC3 proteins were expressed at higher levels in the SC and RS fractions from hyposperm group when compared to the SC and RS fractions from either RS arrest or SC arrest group (P?<?0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that observed significant alterations in the PABPs expression may have an implication for development of different NOA forms.

     

Evaluation of linagliptin and insulin combined therapy on unfolded protein response in type 1 diabetic mouse heart

The aim of this study is to reveal the effects of the use of linagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor due to its beneficial cardiovascular effects, on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) signaling, which is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular complications related to type 1 diabetes. BALB/c female mice (n = 72) were divided into six groups: control, diabetes+insulin, diabetes+linagliptin, diabetes+linagliptin+insulin, diabetes+TUDCA, and diabetes+TUDCA+insulin. Immunohistochemistry and western blot method, qRT-PCR, ELISA method, and malondialdehyde (MDA) measurements were performed. Linagliptin administered to the type 1 diabetic mouse heart significantly reduced the expression levels of the total and cleaved forms of ATF6, ATF4, and p-JNK, caspase 3. Immunohistochemical and western blot analyses revealed that cleaved caspase 3 protein expression was significantly increased in the diabetes+insulin group compared to the other groups. According to ELISA findings, TUDCA was more effective in reducing NOX 1 and MDA levels than linagliptin. While linagliptin decreased the Chop mRNA level, no change was observed in the Grp78 mRNA level. Our findings showed that there was not much difference between the administration of linagliptin alone or in combination with insulin. Our study reveals that linagliptin is an effective therapeutic agent on ERS and apoptotic UPR in type 1 diabetic hearts.     

Bleaching and desensitizer application effects on shear bond strengths of orthodontic brackets

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of bleaching and desensitizer application on shear bond strengths of orthodontic brackets. MATERIALS AND MEthods: Forty-eight extracted human premolar teeth were randomly assigned to 4 groups of 12 each. The first group of teeth was bleached with a 35% hydrogen peroxide office bleaching agent. The second group was bleached the same as the first group and UltraEZ desensitizer was applied. No bleaching procedures were applied on the third and fourth groups. UltraEZ desensitizer alone was applied to teeth in the third group. The fourth group served as control. Orthodontic brackets were bonded with a LC (light cure) composite resin and cured with a halogen light. After bonding, the shear bond strengths of the brackets were tested with a Universal testing machine. RESULTS: The results showed that bleaching, bleaching plus desensitizer, and desensitizer procedures significantly reduced the bonding strengths of the orthodontic brackets (P < .05, P < .001, and P < .01, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found between bleaching, bleaching plus desensitizer, and desensitizer groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Because bleaching and desensitizer application significantly affected shear bond strengths of orthodontic brackets on human enamel, they should be delayed until the completion of orthodontic treatment.     

The relationship among PDX1, CDX2, and mucin profiles in gastric carcinomas; correlations with clinicopathologic parameters

Purpose  

Several studies performed on pancreatic-duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1) have demonstrated a loss of expression and negative tumor modulator effect in gastric carcinoma. Relations between PDX1 and gastric metaplasia, differentiated type of gastric carcinoma, and the early stage of the disease have been exhibited in previous reports. The aim of this study was to examine expressions of PDX1, caudal type homeobox 2 (CDX2) and mucin (MUC) profiles to address the role of PDX1 in gastric carcinogenesis and its relationship with CDX2.     

Cost of acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in Turkey

Objective

The aim of this study is to examine the direct medical costs and outcomes of patients with stroke.

Material and methods

The records of the patients admitted with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke to the University of Trakya, School of Medicine, Department of Neurology were reviewed retrospectively in year 2007. Direct medical costs (total costs, radiological, laboratory, medicine, and other) were calculated, additionally cost per life saved and per life-year saved were calculated for stroke patients.

Results

The study group consisted of 328 patients (169 male/159 female) and mean age was 66.5 ± 12.4 years. Length of hospital stay was 10.7 ± 7.5 days. Mortality rate was 20.4% and the mRS score of the patients was 3.2 ± 2.1. The average cost of stroke was US$ 1677 ± 2964 (29.9% medicine, 19.9% laboratory, 12.8% neuroimaging, and 38% beds and staff). Cost per life saved and per life-year saved were US$ 2108 and US$ 1070, respectively.

Conclusion

This is the first study in order to determine direct medical cost of stroke in Turkey, therefore, it may be guideline for disease-cost management of stroke.