Melatonin levels and microRNA (miRNA) relative expression profile in the follicular ambient microenvironment in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization process.

Purpose: Intrafollicular fluid (IFF) melatonin plays a decisive role in maintaining granulosa cells' DNA integrity and protects them against apoptosis. It reduces oxidative stress and improves the oocyte quality with a higher fertilization rate.

Method: This prospective study investigated the antioxidant property of IFF melatonin and its impact on IVF outcome parameters.

The predictive role of sTWEAK levels in pregnant women with first-trimester vaginal bleeding.

Purpose: To investigate the relationships of TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK), a cytokine related to the TNF superfamily, its newly described soluble receptor sCD163, and the sTWEAK/sCD163 ratio with perinatal outcomes in women with first-trimester vaginal bleeding.

Materials And Methods: Seventy (41 threatened abortion and 29 control) gestational-age-matched (6-14 weeks) pregnant women were included in the study. Antenatal complications (gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, oligohydramniosis, polyhydramniosis), and perinatal outcomes (delivery mode, birth weight, delivery week) were recorded.

Effects of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant (Implanon) on bone metabolism during lactation: a prospective study.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant (Implanon) on bone metabolism in lactating women using markers for bone formation and resorption.

Study Design: This single-centre, prospective cohort study was conducted in Turgut Ozal University Medical Faculty Obstetrics and Gynecology Department with healthy lactating women aged between 24 and 38 years to compare the effect on bone metabolism of 6 months' use of either the implant or a non-hormonal contraceptive method. The study group (=25) used an implant and the control group (=25) used a non-hormonal contraceptive intrauterine device inserted 40 days' postpartum.

Levels of thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor and platelet-activating factor in recurrent pregnancy loss patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with thrombosis that may contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss (habitual abortion), specifically differences in serum levels of platelet-activating factor and thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (carboxypeptidase B2) between women with a history of recurrent miscarriage and those with no recurrent miscarriage history.

Materials And Methods: A case-controlled, prospective study design was adopted to compare women with a history of two or more first-trimester miscarriages (n = 42) with those with no history of recurrent miscarriage (n = 36). Participants were recruited from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Turgut Ozal University Hospital.

G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor-30 gene polymorphisms are associated with uterine leiomyoma risk.

The G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPR30, GPER-1) is a member of the G-protein-coupled receptor 1 family and is expressed significantly in uterine leiomyomas. To understand the relationship between GPR30 single nucleotide polymorphisms and the risk of leiomyoma, we measured the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) levels of 78 perimenopausal healthy women and 111 perimenopausal women with leiomyomas. The participants' leiomyoma number and volume were recorded.

Is the level of maternal serum prohepcidin associated with preeclampsia?

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare pro-hepcidin, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, hematocrit (Hct), C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6 and iron status parameters in preeclamptic (PE) and healthy pregnant women, and to examine the relationship between serum pro-hepcidin levels and iron parameters of preeclampsia (PE).

Methods: In a prospective controlled study, we collected serum from women with normal pregnancy (n = 37) and from women with PE (n = 30) at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Turgut Ozal University between February 2010 and January 2013. Pro-hepcidin, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, hematocrit (Hct), CRP, IL-6 and iron status parameters were measured in all patients and compared between groups.

Changes of sFas and sFasL, oxidative stress markers in serum and follicular fluid of patients undergoing IVF.

Purpose: The Fas-Fas Ligand interaction is one of the essential events for the induction of apoptosis whereas the exact role of their soluble forms in the reproductive system is still not fully understood. Also oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of infertility causing diseases in women and has been suggested as one of the important factors that negatively affect IVF outcome. In this study, our aim was to evaluate serum and follicular fluid levels of soluble Fas soluble Fas Ligand, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity in patients undergoing IVF and compared with controls.

Hepcidin, iron status, and inflammation variables among healthy pregnant women in the Turkish population.

Purpose: To investigate hepcidin levels in each trimester and their association with other haematological variables and inflammation markers during normal pregnancy among low-risk pregnant women in rural Turkey.

Method: The series comprised 103 healthy Turkish primigravida women with a normal pregnancy. Blood samples were obtained at 11-14, 24-28 and 30-34 weeks of gestation.

Impact of inherited thrombophilias on first and second trimester maternal serum markers for aneuploidy.

Objective: To evaluate first and second-trimester maternal serum markers in pregnancies complicated with inherited thrombophilias.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted in 50 pregnancies complicated with hereditary thrombophilia and 100 control pregnancies.

Results: Each woman with inherited thrombophilia received low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) throughout her pregnancy.

First trimester volumetric measurements: relation with hormone levels and fetal heart rate.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine two-dimensional ultrasound (2D US) volumetric measurements of 1st trimester structures and their relationship with β-hCG, progesterone, and fetal heart rate (FHR) in 6-10 weeks healthy pregnant women.

Methods: Using conventional 2D transvaginal ultrasound imaging, the crown rump length (CRL), yolk sac (YS) and gestational sac (GS) were measured in 80 women. Volumetric measurements were done in 32 cases that were selected among 80 women, using a simplified formula for the volume of a prolate ellipsoid: V = 0.

Evaluation of risk factors in cesarean delivery among multiparous women with a history of vaginal delivery.

Objective: To predict the risk of cesarean delivery (CS) for multiparous women who have undergone previous vaginal delivery.

Material And Methods: A prospective observational study was performed, among multiparous pregnancies that were between 38 and 41 gestational weeks and had a singleton, vertex presentation fetus. Women's physical activity score, obstetric history, intrapartum and postpartum events were assessed.

Evaluation of risk factors and effect of physical activity in caesarean section in nulliparous women.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for caesarean section (CS) in nulliparous women and to determine the effect of physical activity on ease of labour.

Methods: A prospective observational study, including 282 nulliparous women at 37-41 gestational weeks was conducted. Maternal demographic characteristics, obstetric history and Modified Grimby scale for evaluation of physical activity were noted.

First trimester maternal serum PAPP-A and free β-HCG levels in hyperemesis gravidarum.

Objective: To evaluate whether hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) affects first-trimester maternal serum PAPP-A and free β-hCG levels.

Method: An observational study was conducted in 115 cases of HG and 110 control pregnancies who attended the first-trimester prenatal screening program between January 2006 and July 2010.

Results: Maternal serum TSH levels were lower and free T4, and transaminases (ALT, AST) levels were higher in pregnancies complicated with HG compared with controls (p < 0.

Fetal magnetic resonance imaging in obstetric practice.

Ultrasonography (USG) is the primary imaging method for prenatal diagnosis of fetal abnormalities since its discovery. Although it is the primary method of fetal imaging, it cannot provide sufficient information about the fetus in some conditions such as maternal obesity, oligohydramnios and engagement of the fetal head. At this stage, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facilitates examination by providing more specific information.

Nifedipine for the treatment of preterm labor in twin and singleton pregnancies.

Purpose: To investigate the outcomes of singleton and twin pregnancies that were complicated by spontaneous preterm labor and received nifedipine tocolysis.

Methods: We identified the following subjects from a computerized, hospital database: 58 singleton and 32 twin pregnancies that were between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation, admitted for spontaneous preterm labor without rupture of the membranes, and receiving tocolysis with nifedipine. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, the Mann-Whitney test, and the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

Serum platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase activity: relationship with metabolic syndrome in women with history of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) activity in euglycaemic women with history of gestational diabetes (GDM), and to explore whether this activity is associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) in this group of women.

Methods: The cross-sectional study included 36 women with history of GDM and 40 women with history of normal glucose tolerance in pregnancy (control group).

Results: Compared to the controls, the GDM group had significantly higher mean values for serum glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, triglyceride, GGT and plasma PAF-AH activity, and a statistically higher prevalence of MS.

Transient tachypnea of the newborn: effects of labor and delivery type in term and preterm pregnancies.

Purpose: To determine whether timing or type of delivery affects the incidence of transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) in late preterm and term pregnancies.

Methods: The cases of 85 newborns delivered at Fatih University Hospital and diagnosed with TTN between January 2006 and March 2009 were reviewed. For every newborn with TTN, four infants who were not transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (n = 340) were randomly selected and adjusted for year of delivery.

Oxidant/antioxidant status in premenstrual syndrome.

Purpose: To investigate oxidant/antioxidant status in premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Methods: Study group (n = 20) consisted of PMS and control group (n = 21) consisted of normal menstruating women. The serum oxidant status was assessed by the lipid hydroperoxide (LHP), malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC); the antioxidant status was assessed by the total thiol (T-SH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC).

Etonogestrel contraceptive implant (Implanon): analysis of patient compliance and adverse effects in the breastfeeding period.

Objective: To analyse the compliance of patients and side effects of Implanon® during breast feeding.

Material And Methods: Prospective study of 61 postpartum women who chose Implanon® for long term contraception between April 2007 and December 2009. Compliance, side effects and removals were recorded.

First-trimester ultrasonography revealed a gestational sac featuring cystic spaces and no visible embryo: a case of trisomy 7.

Ultrasound examination in early pregnancy has steadily gained importance and is now routine for most women in the first trimester. The sonographic features of early trisomy 7 pregnancies are not well characterized. We present a case of trisomy 7 in which early pregnancy ultrasound revealed a gestational sac featuring cystic spaces and no visible embryo.

Effect of genistein therapy on plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine in healthy postmenopausal women: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pure genistein therapy on asymmetric dimethylarginine in healthy postmenopausal women. Healthy postmenopausal women received pure genistein (n=21) or placebo (n=17) for 6 months, and no statistically significant effects on plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine levels were found with pure genistein treatment.

Does glomerular hyperfiltration in pregnancy damage the kidney in women with more parities?

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the glomerular hyperfiltration due to pregnancy in women with more parities.

Methods: Five hundred women aged 52.57 +/- 8.

Acute urinary retention caused by a large impacted leiomyoma.

Objective: Both acute urinary retention (UR) and impacted pelvic mass are rare events in women. We report a case of complete UR caused by impaction of a large myomatous uterus.

Case: A 36-year-old virgin woman presented to the outpatient clinic of our department for further investigation of her pelvic mass.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and fibrocystic breast disease: is there any association?

Objective: We aimed to investigate the association between a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fibrocystic breast disease.

Methods: A total of 93 women, aged between 17 and 36 years, not using oral contraceptives, were entered in this case-control study. Laboratory, clinical and ultrasound findings were used to diagnose PCOS.

Familial mediterranean fever: a diagnostic challenge in pregnancy.

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disease which is characterized by recurrent, self-limiting, short attacks of serositis while abdominal pain is the most common symptom. The underlying clinical and pathological picture is that of acute peritonitis. These abdominal signs are often so striking that they mimic an acute abdominal calamity suggesting several possible gastrointestinal, gynecologic or urologic diagnoses.