Diagnostic value of signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 as an early and late biochemical marker in the ovarian torsion rat model.

Aims: Signal peptide-CUB-EGF (epidermal growth factor-like protein) domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1) is an experimental marker of ischemia that has been previously studied both in rat models and humans. In this study, we aim to investigate the importance of SCUBE1 levels in ovarian torsion using an ovarian torsion model in rats.

Methods: A total of 18 Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into three groups. Group 1 (n = 6) was the Sham group and was only given a laparotomy procedure. Group 2 (n = 6) underwent bilateral ovarian torsion and ovarian ischemia lasting 8 h. Group 3 (n = 6) was subjected to bilateral ovarian torsion and ischemia lasting 24 h. Blood samples were collected from all three groups after the operations, and SCUBE1 levels were studied. Ovarian samples were collected, and microscopic evaluation was performed. The correlation of SCUBE1 levels and histopathological findings were investigated.

Results: The mean SCUBE1 level of group 3 was statistically higher than other groups (P < 0.01). Follicular degeneration and infiltration of inflammatory cells were, respectively, statistically significant in groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.002 and P = 0.045, respectively).

Conclusion: SCUBE1 can be useful in diagnosing ovarian torsion during the first 24 h, but more randomized controlled studies are necessary in order to implement it in clinical settings.