Browsing by Author "Artunc Ulkumen B."
Now showing 1 - 18 of 18
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Platelet distribution width (PDW): A putative marker for threatened preterm labour(Professional Medical Publications, 2014) Artunc Ulkumen B.; Pala H.G.; Calik E.; Oruc Koltan S.Objective: To determine the alterations of mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet level and hemoglobin level in pregnancies with threatened preterm labor (TPL). Methods: The retrospective analysis of 201 pregnant women with threatened preterm labour admitted to our clinic between 2009 and 2013 and 192 healthy pregnancies was conducted. The data regarding the maternal age, hemoglobin level, platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) was evaluated. Results: The mean MPV and hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in TPL group (p=0.001 and p=0.01, respectively). PDW levels were significantly higher in TPL group (p=0.05). (p=0.01). Regarding the platelet count, there was no statistically significant difference between the TPL and control groups. ROC curve analysis for PDW revealed an area under curve (AUC) 66.8%. By using a cut-off value 16.15 for PDW, sensitivity was 76.1% and specificity was 43.5% for TPL. Conclusion: MPV seems to be lower in threatened preterm deliveries, whereas PDW levels were increased suggesting the possible high grade inflammation and platelet activation in the pathology. Anemia occurs more frequently in threatened preterm delivery. Increased PDW levels especially > 16.15 may alert the obstetrician for the risk of the preterm delivery. However, further studies are needed to state the usefulness of the platelet indices in the diagnosis and clinical follow-up of preterm labor.Item Ductus venosus doppler flow velocity after transplacental and non-transplacental amniocentesis during midtrimester(Professional Medical Publications, 2014) Artunc Ulkumen B.; Pala H.G.; Bulbul Baytur Y.; Koyuncu F.M.Objective: We aimed to evaluate ductus venosus Doppler waveforms before and after amniocentesis in order to investigate any effect of amniocentesis on fetal myocardial hemodynamics. We also evaluated the umbilical artery, uterine artery and fetal mid-cerebral artery Doppler waveforms in order to investigate any relationship with ductus venosus Doppler changes. Methods: The study population consisted of 56 singleton pregnancies having genetic amniocentesis. Twenty seven of them had transplacental needle insertion; whereas 29 of them had non-transplacental amniocentesis. Uterine artery, umbilical artery, mid-cerebral artery and ductus venosus pulsatiliy index and resistance index were measured just before and after amniocentesis. Results: Amniocentesis does not cause any significant changes in fetal ductus venosus Doppler waveforms. There is also no significant changes in uterine artery, umbilical artery, mid-cerebral artery pulsatility and resistance index. Conclusion: Amniocentesis-whether transplacental or not- does not cause any significant effect on fetal myocardial hemodynamics.Item The protective effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on endometrium and ovary in a rat model of diabetes mellitus(S. Karger AG, 2014) Pala H.G.; Pala E.E.; Artunc Ulkumen B.; Aktug H.; Yavasoglu A.; Korkmaz H.A.; Erbas O.Aims: To evaluate the effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on the endometrium and ovaries in an experimental diabetes mellitus (DM) rat model. Methods: A total of 18 female Sprague-Dawley albino mature rats (8 weeks, 200-220 g) were used in this study. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozocin randomly in 12 rats. No drug was administered to the remainder of the rats (control group, group 1, n = 6). The other 12 rats were randomly divided into 2 groups; 1 ml/kg i.p. saline was given as vehicle to group 2 (diabetic nontreated control group, n = 6) and 100 μg/kg/day of i.p. G-CSF was given to group 3 (G-CSF-treated group, n = 6) for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, blood samples were collected and hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy was performed for histopathological examination. Results: The mean endometrial gland degeneration and stromal fibrosis scores were significantly higher in group 2 compared with groups 1 and 3. Ovarian follicle degeneration, stromal degeneration and stromal fibrosis scores were significantly higher in group 2 compared with groups 1 and 3. Plasma TGF-β and malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower in groups 1 and 3 compared with group 2. Antimüllerian hormone levels were significantly lower in group 2 compared with groups 1 and 3. Conclusion: Glucose toxicity occurred severely in the ovaries and endometrium of the DM rats. After G-CSF treatment, ovarian and endometrial injury and fibrosis scores decreased significantly. The effects of G-CSF in rat models give hope to improved treatment of human DM complications such as premature ovarian failure and endometrial dysfunction. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.Item Therapeutic effect of sunitinib on diabetes mellitus related ovarian injury: An experimental rat model study(Informa Healthcare, 2015) Erbas O.; Pala H.G.; Pala E.E.; Artunc Ulkumen B.; Akman L.; Akman T.; Oltulu F.; Aktug H.; Yavasoglu A.The aim of our study is to investigate the effect of sunitinib on diabetes mellitus related-ovarian injury and fibrosis in rat models. An experimental diabetes mellitus model was created in 16 rats, and eight rats with normal blood glucose levels were included in control group (Group-1). The diabetic rats were divided into two groups:diabetic control group (water given)-Group-2 and sunitinib treatment group-Group-3. After four weeks, bilateral oophorectomy was performed and ovaries were examined histologically. The groups were compared by Student's t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Mann-Whitney's U-test. There was a significant increase in no-medication (water given) diabetic rat's ovary (Group-2) in terms of follicular degeneration, stromal degeneration, stromal fibrosis and NF-kappaB immune-expression compared with control group normal rats' ovary (Group-1) (p < 0.0001). Stromal degeneration (p = 0.04), stromal fibrosis (p = 0.01), follicular degeneration (p = 0.02), NF-kappaB immune-expression (p = 0.001) significantly decreased in sunitinib-treated diabetic rat's ovary (Group-3) when compared with no-medication (water given) diabetic rat's ovary (Group-2) (p < 0.05). When we used sunitinib in the treatment of diabetic rats, ovarian injury, fibrosis and NF-kappaB immunoexpression decreased significantly. The effects of sunitinib in rat models give hope to the improved treatment of premature ovarian failure due to diabetes mellitus in humans. © 2015 Informa UK Ltd. All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.Item Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: An atypical complication of postpartum wound infection(Informa Healthcare, 2015) Pala H.G.; Baris M.M.; Artunc Ulkumen B.; Gurkan M.A.; Pala E.E.[No abstract available]Item The assessment of placental volume and mean gray value in preeclamptic placentas by using three-dimensional ultrasonography(Informa Healthcare, 2015) Artunc Ulkumen B.; Pala H.G.; Uyar Y.; Koyuncu F.M.; Bulbul Baytur Y.Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the placental volume and placental mean gray value in preeclampsia and healthy placentas by using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography and Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL). Methods: This case-control prospective study consisted of 27 singleton pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia and 54 healthy singleton pregnancies matched for gestational age, maternal age and parity. Placental volume and placental volumetric mean gray values were evaluated. The placental volume (cm) was analyzed using the VOCAL imaging program, and 3D histogram was used to calculate the volumetric mean gray value (%). Results: Preeclamptic and control group consisted of 27 (mean age: 28.90±5.95 years, mean gestation: 32.0±4.55 weeks) and 54 (mean age: 29.48±5.78 years, mean gestation: 32.61±4.23 weeks) singleton pregnancies, respectively. Placental volume was significantly smaller in preeclampsia (250.62±91.69 versus 370.98±167.82cm; p=0.001). Volumetric mean gray value of the placenta was significantly higher in preeclampsia (38.24±8.41 versus 33.50±8.90%; p=0.043). Placental volume was significantly correlated with the estimated fetal weight (r=0.319; p=0.003). There was negative significant relation between placental volume and umbilical artery pulsatility index, resistance index and systolic/diastolic ratio (r=-0.244, p=0.024; r=-0.283, p=0.005; r=-0.241, p=0.024, respectively). Conclusions: Placental volume diminishes significantly in preeclampsia, whereas volumetric mean gray values increases. This may reflect the early alterations in preeclamptic placentas, which may help to understand the pathophysiology better. © 2014 Informa UK Ltd. All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.Item Three-dimensional placental volume and mean grey value: Normal ranges in a Turkish population and correlation with maternal serum biochemistry and Doppler parameters(Informa Healthcare, 2015) Pala H.G.; Artunc Ulkumen B.; Uyar Y.; Koyuncu F.M.; Bulbul Baytur Y.The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound measurements of placenta at 11136 weeks' gestation and maternal serum levels of pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), free beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (fβhCG), Doppler parameters in early pregnancy. This prospective study consisted of 334 singleton pregnancies at 11136 weeks' gestation. Placental volume and placental volumetric mean grey values were evaluated. The placental volume (cm3) was analysed using the Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL) imaging program and 3D histogram was used to calculate the volumetric mean grey value (%). Mean maternal age was 28.35 ± 7.55. Mean gestational age was 12.29 ± 0.68 weeks. Placental volume was 77.04 ± 35.74 cm3. Mean grey value of the placenta was 34.38 ± 8.02%. Correlation analysis revealed that placental volume was significantly correlated with the crown-rump length (r = 0.173, p = 0.002), gestational week (r = 0.116, p = 0.036), ductus venosus pulsatility index (r = 0.101, p = 0.04) and maternal weight (r = 0.099, p = 0.037). There was a significant relation between the mean grey value of the placenta and maternal age (r = 0.131, p = 0.02), nuchal translucency (r = 0.109, p = 0.048), PAPP-A (r = 0.108, p = 0.04) and fβhCG (r = 0.104, p = 0.042). Volumetry of the placenta can be carried out with a high percentage of 1st trimester pregnancies. Volumetry during the 1st trimester could be helpful because of the less advanced state of placentation. This examination is easy to perform and the measurements can be acquired correctly and quickly. © 2015 Informa UK, Ltd.Item Foetal axillary lymphangioma with ipsilateral pes equinovarus: Pitfalls in sonographic differential diagnosis (Axillary Lymphangioma & Pes Equinovarus)(Taylor and Francis Ltd, 2015) Bulbul Baytur Y.; Artunc Ulkumen B.; Pala H.G.[No abstract available]Item The alteration in placental volume and placental mean grey value in growth-restricted pregnancies assessed by 3D ultrasound(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2015) Artunc Ulkumen B.; Pala H.G.; Uyar Y.; Koyuncu F.M.; Bulbul Baytur Y.We aimed to evaluate the volumetric and echogenic alterations in placentas between the intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and normal pregnancies using three-dimensional ultrasound and virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL) software. This case-control prospective study consisted of 48 singleton pregnancies complicated by IUGR and 60 healthy singleton pregnancies matched for maternal age, gestational age and parity. Placental volume (PV) and placental volumetric mean grey values (MGV) were evaluated. PV (cm3) was analysed using the VOCAL imaging analysis program, and 3D histogram was used to calculate the volumetric MGV (%). PV was 278.50 ± 63.68 and 370.98 ± 97.82 cm3 in IUGR and control groups, respectively (p = 0.004). MGV of the placenta was 38.24 ± 8.41 and 38.24 ± 8.41 in IUGR and control groups, respectively (p = 0.30). receiver operator curve (ROC) curve analysis revealed that area under curve was 0.731 for PV. Correlation analysis revealed that PV was significantly associated with estimated fetal weight (r = 0.319, p = 0.003), biparietal diameter (r = 0.346, p = 0.002), head circumference (r = 0.269, p = 0.019), abdominal circumference (r = 0.344, p = 0.002) and femur length (r = 0.328, p = 0.004). PV was inversely related to the umbilical artery pulsatility index (r =-0.244, p = 0.017). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating volumetric MGV in IUGR placentas by comparing them with healthy pregnancies. Our study showed that PV diminishes significantly in IUGR pregnancies, whereas volumetric MGV does not alter significantly. © 2015 © 2015 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.Item A case of antenatal diagnosis and postnatal characteristics of ıdiopathic ınfantile arterial calcification (IIAC and prenatal diagnosis)(Taylor and Francis Ltd, 2016) Pala H.G.; Bilgili G.; Artunc Ulkumen B.; Alkan F.; Coskun S.[No abstract available]Item Pregnancy rhinitis in Turkish women: Do gestational week, BMI and parity affect nasal congestion?(Professional Medical Publications, 2016) Ulkumen B.; Artunc Ulkumen B.; Pala H.G.; Celik O.; Sahin N.; Karaca G.; Demirdag M.Objective: To determine the cumulative incidence of pregnancy rhinitis along with prevalence in different trimesters and to find out whether gestational age, BMI and parity have any effect on pregnancy related nasal congestion. Methods: In the prospective protocol at the obstetrics outpatient clinic, 167 pregnant women were enrolled consecutively. According to exclusion criteria, 67 of them were excluded. Visual-Analogue-Scale (VAS), Nasal-Obstructive-Symptom-Evaluation (NOSE) scale and Discharge-Inflammation-Polyps/Oedema (DIP) scoring were utilized for diagnosis of pregnancy rhinitis. Besides, weight, length, age, parity and week of pregnancy were recorded. Results: Total prevalence of pregnancy rhinitis was 17.17% and cumulative incidence was 38.89%. Our study revealed significant relation of NOSE score with both gestational week (r=0.474, p=0.001) and BMI (r=0.301, p=0.003). VAS score was significantly related with gestational week (r=0.409, p=0.001) and BMI (r=0.270, p=0.007). DIP score was found to be correlated only with gestational week (r=0.375, p=0.001). Conclusion: Cumulative incidence of pregnancy rhinitis was 38.89%. Nasal congestion was significantly associated with BMI and gestational week. Patients should be informed about unfavorable fetal and maternal outcomes of pregnancy related nasal congestion which is triggered by obesity and excessive weight gain in pregnancy. © 2016, Professional Medical Publications. All rights reserved.Item Decreased maternal serum cortistatin levels in pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus(Taylor and Francis Ltd, 2020) Akbas M.; Koltan S.O.; Koyuncu F.M.; Artunc Ulkumen B.; Taneli F.; Ozdemir H.Objective: To investigate serum cortistatin levels in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Material and methods: This case-control study consisted of 40 pregnancies with GDM and 41 healthy singleton pregnancies matched for maternal and gestational age. The maternal serum levels of cortistatin were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared between groups. Results: Cortistatin levels were significantly lower in GDM group (48.85 ± 20.18 versus 65.84 ± 33.98 ng/ml, p =.008). There was a statistically significant difference in cortistatin levels between different treatment modalities and control group (χ2(2) = 8.828, p =.012). Pairwise comparisons showed that diet group had significantly lower CST levels than control group (p =.012). Serum cortistatin levels were negatively correlated with serum insulin and glucose levels and HOMA-IR (r = −0.358, p =.001; r = −0.303, p =.006; r = −0.444, p <.001, respectively). Conclusion: Cortistatin levels were significantly lower in GDM pregnancies and related to serum insulin and glucose levels and HOMA-IR in pregnancy. This may help to better clarify the mechanism of GDM pathogenesis. © 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Item Protective effects of dichloroacetic acid on endometrial injury and ovarian reserve in an experimental rat model of diabetes mellitus(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2021) Pala H.G.; Pala E.E.; Artunc Ulkumen B.; Erbas O.Aim: To study (1) ovarian and endometrial damage caused by the hyperglycemia and (2) the effects of dichloroacetic acid (DCA) on follicular reserve and endometrial damage in streptozocin induced diabetic rats. Methods: This study consisted 24 rats randomly separated into three groups. A diabetes model was achieved in 16 rats experimentally, and normoglycemic eight rats were assigned as control group (Group 1). The rats with diabetes were randomly separated to two groups: 1 mL/kg/day intraperitoneal 0.9% NaCl was given to eight rats as diabetic vehicle (Group 2) and 10 mg/kg/day DCA was given to other eight rats as DCA treated group (Group 3). Hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy was performed for histopathological evaluation and blood samples were collected after 4 weeks. Results: Diabetes caused ovarian and endometrial damage (p < 0.0001). Pentraxin-3 (PTX-3), lactic acid, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were higher (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.0001, respectively), whereas anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) was lower in diabetic rats (p < 0.05). These findings reflected the diabetic damage in the genital tract and diminished ovarian reserve occurred via fibrosis, severe inflammation, and oxidative stress. DCA improved the histopathological fibrosis and degeneration in the ovaries and endometrium (p < 0.05). There was a concominant decrease of TGF-β and lactic acid levels with DCA treatment (p < 0.05). DCA also improved ovarian reserve with higher AMH levels (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The several unfavored changes in the endometrium and ovaries due to diabetes have been determined in this present study. DCA might provide the continuity of the endometrial cycle, physiological endometrial structure, ovarian follicular growth, oocyte maturation, and physiological ovarian function by decreasing the lactate levels via inhibiting pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase enzyme. © 2021 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.Item Use of the modified myocardial performance index for evaluating fetal cardiac functions in pregestational diabetic pregnancy babies(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2021) Oncel Alanyali M.; Alkan F.; Artunc Ulkumen B.; Coskun S.The aim of this study is assessment of importance of use of the modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) for the evaluation of foetal cardiac function in foetuses of women with pregestational diabetes mellitus (PDM). In this study, data of 30 pregnant patients aged 18–45 years diagnosed with PDM and 30 pregnant women aged 18–45 years with normal pregnancy and their babies were evaluated. Foetal echocardiographic and doppler measurements, foetal biometric measurements, umbilical artery and ductus venosus pulsatility indexes were measured in both PDM and control groups. The Mod-MPI was significantly higher in foetuses of PDM women. Many influences especially cardiac and postpartum complications are observed in infants of PDM women. The Mod-MPI is a simple and useful method for assessing foetal ventricular function. Our study has shown that PDM is associated with foetal ventricular dysfunction.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Although MPI is frequently used in routine clinical assessment of neonates, it is not used adequately in foetuses. Many influences especially cardiac and postpartum complications are observed in infants of PDM women. However, there are few studies focussed specifically on the assessment of foetal cardiac function in PDM. What do the results of this study add? MPI, which shows both diastolic and systolic functions is independent of ventricular anatomy and foetal heart rate, was found significantly higher in diabetic mother foetuses, can be said to be a valuable parameter in evaluating foetal cardiac functions globally. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our study has shown that foetuses PDM are associated with foetal ventricular dysfunction. For this MPI measurement can be routinely performed at foetal cardiac measurements in foetuses of PDM mothers. © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Item Impact of Pregnancy and Glucocorticoid Treatment on NF-κB and MUC5AC in Mucosa of Rat Larynx(Mosby Inc., 2021) Ulkumen B.; Artunc Ulkumen B.; Batir M.B.; Pala H.G.; Vatansever S.; Cam S.Objective: The aim of this study is to reveal physiological expression and distribution of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and MUC 5 subtype AC (MUC5AC) in rat laryngeal mucosa and to find out the effect of pregnancy and glucocorticoid treatment on these biomolecules. Methods: This animal experiment was done in Experimental Animals Research and Application Center of Manisa Celal Bayar University in accordance with the accepted policy on the use of animals. A total of 30 young, adult Wister albino female rats were randomized into a control group (group A), a pregnant group (group B), and a steroid administered group (group C). Sacrification was done by injection of sodium-pentobarbitone (400 mg/kg) solution via intraperitoneal route in all groups. Serum estradiole (E2) and progesterone (PG) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relative expression and distribution of NF-κB and MUC5AC in laryngeal mucosa was studied both by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction testing. Expression and immunohistochemical localization of NF-κB and MUC5AC was evaluated by light microscopy (Olympus BX41). In statistical analyses; relative expression of NF-κB and MUC5AC were compared on group basis. The effect of E2 and PG levels on these biomolecules was also evaluated. Results: NF-κB was found to be significantly low both in group B (P < 0.05) and C (P < 0.001) when compared with group A, while MUC5AC was found to be significantly high both in group B (P < 0.05) and group C (P < 0.05) when compared with group A. Concerning IHC; NF-κB was found to be expressed in epithelium and lamina propria. MUC5AC was found to be expressed particularly in the epithelial layer in all groups. Statistically significant negative correlation between PG and NF-κB expression (P = 0.048), but no correlation between PG and MUC5AC expression (P = 0.487) were revealed. On the other hand, no correlation was found between E2 and the expression of relevant biomolecules (NF-κB [P = 0.270], MUC5AC [P = 0.829]). We also did found a significant negative correlation between the expression of NF-κB and MUC5AC (P = 0.031). Conclusions: In this study, the physiological expression of NF-κB and MUC5AC in rat laryngeal mucosa was shown for the first time both by polymerase chain reaction and IHC. The impact of pregnancy and glucocorticoid treatment on the expression and distribution of these biomolecules was also revealed. The expression of NF-κB was found to be decreased while the expression of MUC5AC was found to be increased both by pregnancy and glucocorticoid treatment. The inhibitory effect of serum PG on NF-κB expression in rat laryngeal mucosa was also shown for the first time. The expression of MUC5AC was found to be increased both in pregnant and glucocorticoid administered group. Negative correlation between NF-κB and MUC5AC expression was also revealed in rat larynx for the first time. These findings may partially unclose the histochemical background of voice changes caused by pregnancy and as well as by glucocorticoid treatment. © 2019 The Voice FoundationItem Role of VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors in the etiology of pregnancy rhinitis: an experimental study in rats(Elsevier Editora Ltda, 2022) Ulkumen B.; Batir M.B.; Artunc Ulkumen B.; Pala H.G.; Vatansever S.; Cam S.Introduction: Pregnancy rhinitis is a common sex hormone-related otorhinolaryngological disorder. There are some epidemiological and physiological studies on pregnancy rhinitis, but histopathological and biomolecular changes have not been studied thoroughly. Objectives: The receptors VPAC1 and VPAC2 are known for their roles in allergic rhinitis. On the other hand, activation of subclinical allergy has been suggested in the pathophysiology of pregnancy rhinitis. Therefore, we aimed to compare the physiological and gestational pattern of VPAC1 and VPAC2 expression in rat nasal mucosa. Methods: Twenty adult Wister albino female rats were enrolled into the study. Two groups constituted as 10 control (group A) and 10 pregnant (group B) rats. They were fed ad libitum and sheltered at room temperature (22°±2 °C). The rats were sacrificed at the 20th day of gestation by intraperitoneal injection of 400 mg/kg Na-pentobarbitone. Then, 10 − 15 mL of blood was taken, and samples were reserved for the detection of serum estradiol and progesterone levels by ELISA test. The nasal septum was resected and divided in half for immunohistochemical analyses and real time polymerase chain reaction testing of VPAC1 and VPAC2. Results: VPAC1 and VPAC2 were found to be in all layers of septal specimens, but the immunostaining of surface epithelium was more distinct in specimens of both groups. We demonstrated higher overall staining intensity in the pregnant group. PCR revealed significant increase in expression of VPAC1 (p = 0.023) and VPAC2 (p = 0.021) in pregnant group when compared with control group. In addition, we demonstrated upregulatory effect of estradiol and progesterone on the vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor expression. Conclusions: Gestational up-regulation of nasal VPAC1 and VPAC2 was shown both by PCR and immunohistochemical analysis. These findings support the hypothesis that PR is caused by the activation of subclinical allergy that is present before pregnancy. © 2020 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-FacialItem The Role of TREK-1 and AQP5 in Gonadocorticoid-Related Voice Disorders(Elsevier Inc., 2022) Ulkumen B.; Artunc Ulkumen B.; Batir M.B.; Cam S.; Vatansever S.Objectives: TWIK-related potassium channel-1 (TREK-1) and Aquaporin 5 (AQP5) are involved in epithelial integrity and fluid transport, respectively. In this study, we aimed to compare physiological and gestational patterns of TREK-1 and AQP5 location and expression in rat larynx. Our secondary objective was to reveal the effect of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (PG) on these two biomolecules. Methods: This study was conducted on 20 Wister albino female rats which were assigned as control (group A) and pregnant group (group B). The rats were sacrificed at 20th day of pregnancy. Blood was obtained directly from the ventricle for detection of serum E2 and PG levels. Larynx was resected for immunohistochemical analyses and real-time polymerase chain reaction testing for detection of TREK-1 and AQP5 staining and expression, respectively. Results: Relative TREK-1 (P = 0.035) and AQP5 (P = 0.019) expression was found to be significantly high in group B when compared with group A. We found positive correlation between serum E2 levels and both biomolecules (TREK-1; P = 0.018, AQP5; P = 0.016). We also found positive correlation between serum PG levels and both biomolecules (TREK-1; P = 0.001, AQP5; P = 0.019). TREK-1 immunostaining was found to be higher in surface epithelium and lamina propria of vocal cord mucosa. AQP5 was particularly found to be located in basement membrane and adjacent superficial lamina propria. We revealed the physiological and gestational pattern of laryngeal TREK-1 and AQP5 expression for the first time. Gestational expression of both TREK-1 and AQP5 was found to be increased. Stimulatory effect of E2 and PG on laryngeal TREK-1 and AQP5 expression was also revealed. Conclusions: We revealed upregulatory effect of E2 and PG on laryngeal TREK-1 and AQP5 expression. Based on this finding, it can be suggested that TREK-1 and AQP5 play role in biomolecular processes leading gonadocorticoid-related voice changes. © 2020 The Voice FoundationItem Evaluation of the effect of gestational diabetes mellitus on fetal cardiac functions with Myocardial Performance Index(Edizioni Minerva Medica, 2023) Alkan F.; Oncel Alanyali M.; Artunc Ulkumen B.; Coskun S.BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the fetal cardiac functions with Myocardial Performance Index (MPI) in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: In this study, 35 patients who were diagnosed with GDM, and 35 pregnant without glucose intolerance and their babies were evaluated. Fetal echocardiographic, biometric measurements, umbilical artery pulsatility indices (UAPI) and ductus venosus pulsatility indices (DVPI) measurements were performed to evaluate fetal well-being between the groups. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of UAPI, DVPI, systolic functions, the mode of delivery and 5-minute APGAR scores (P=0.849, P=0.485, P=0.770, P=0.060, P=0.587). There was statistically significant difference between the isovolumetric relaxation time and isovolumetric contraction time of groups (P=0.006, P=0.03). The MPI results were statistically different between the groups (P=0.000). Postpartum need for hospitalization was more frequently observed in GDM than the control group (P=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: MPI, which is independent of the ventricular anatomy and fetal heart rate, showing both diastolic and systolic functions, was found significantly higher in GDM. We recommend performing MPI measurement routinely to fetal cardiac functions in GDM. Copyright © 2023 Edizioni Minerva Medica.