Raheleh Jabini; Arezoo Mirbolouk; mohamadreza farzanehfar
Abstract
Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) in ascites caused by various diseases. Moreover, it was attempted to investigate its usefulness in the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign ascites.
Methods: A total of 52 ascitic fluid samples ...
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Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) in ascites caused by various diseases. Moreover, it was attempted to investigate its usefulness in the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign ascites.
Methods: A total of 52 ascitic fluid samples were collected from cirrhotic patients referred to Ghaem Hospital affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashad, Iran. Subsequently, the samples were divided into two experimental groups, namely benign ascites (n=26) and malignant ascites (n=26). Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was utilized to determine the presence of Cox-2 mRNA in samples.
Results: According to the results, the mean age of the patients was 56.94±12.04 years (age range: 30-80 years), and the majority of the patients were male (1.88 to 1). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age and gender. The Cox-2 mRNA was detected in 4 (15.4%) and 15 (57.7%) patients from the benign and malignant groups, respectively (P=0.003). Moreover, the sensitivity, specificity, as well as positive and negative predictive values of Cox2 to differentiate malignant from benign ascites were estimated at 57.7%, 84.6%, 78.9%, and 66.7%, respectively.
Conclusion: The Cox2 mRNA expression assessed by RT-PCR could be a useful method in differential diagnosis and screening of malignant ascites.
Raheleh Jabini; Seyed Musa al-Reza Hosseini; Maryam Shirdeli; Ali Alabaf Yousefi; Mohamadreza Farzanehfar
Abstract
Introduction: Gallbladder stone and sludge are common diseases worldwide. The causes of gallbladder stone and sludge are numerous. Since some studies have reported the effects of thyroid hormones on the function of the sphincter of Oddi and biliary discharge, the present study aimed to evaluate hypothyroidism ...
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Introduction: Gallbladder stone and sludge are common diseases worldwide. The causes of gallbladder stone and sludge are numerous. Since some studies have reported the effects of thyroid hormones on the function of the sphincter of Oddi and biliary discharge, the present study aimed to evaluate hypothyroidism as a risk factor for gallbladder stone formation.Methods: This case-control study was conducted on patients whose sonography indicated gallbladder sludge or stone and those referring to our clinic with pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. All the patients were initially examined by a sonologist to confirm gallbladder stone and sludge. Afterwards, thyroid function tests (TSH, T4, and T3RU via radioimmunoassay) were requested for the patients, and the results were analyzed and compared with the control group.Results: Among 318 patients, 171 (53.77%) were male. In the case group, six females (8.4%) and 10 males (11.2%) had hypothyroidism. Overall, 9.9% of the patients (n=16) had hypothyroidism. In the control group, the prevalence of hypothyroidism was 2.5% (n=4) (OR: 2.082; 95% CI: 1.022-11.046; P=0.017). In the case group, 4.3% (n=7) had subclinical hypothyroidism, and 5.6% (n=9) had clinical hypothyroidism, while in the control group, only 1.9% of the patients (n=3) showed signs of subclinical hypothyroidism, and 0.6% (n=1) showed signs of clinical hypothyroidism. In the patients with gallbladder sludge and stone, the prevalence of clinical hypothyroidism was higher than subclinical hypothyroidism.Conclusion: According to the results, hypothyroidism was prevalent in the patients with gallbladder stone and sludge. Therefore, it is recommended that the thyroid function of patients with gallbladder stone and sludge be examined even if the patients do not harbor any other risk factors for the disease.
Mohamadreza Farzanehfar; Homeyra Ommati; Raheleh Jabini; Mahdi Zardadi
Abstract
This study aimed to describe the case of a young woman presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting three month after intragastric balloon placement. The patient was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis based on clinical findings, laboratory data, and imaging results. During endoscopy, the balloon ...
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This study aimed to describe the case of a young woman presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting three month after intragastric balloon placement. The patient was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis based on clinical findings, laboratory data, and imaging results. During endoscopy, the balloon was dislodged and obstructed in the second portion of the duodenum. After the removal of the balloon, all the symptoms of the patient were resolved, and she was discharged.