SummaryOsteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by decreased bone mass, destruction of the microarchitectonics of bone structure and a high risk for fracture. One of the criteria for altered bone homeostasis includes the changes in serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The purpose of this study was to determine the serum concentrations of calcium (Ca 2+ ), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg 2+ ), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and MMP-9 in ovariectomized rats. We used 35 female Wistar rats at reproductive age (2 months) divided into 2 groups: a control group (G1-SHAM) -20 animals subjected to "false" ovariectomy and placebooperation, and an ovariectomized group (G2-OVX) -15 animals subjected to bilateral ovariectomy. Blood was collected from the abdominal aorta for testing levels of Ca 2 + , P, Mg
2+, ALP and MMP-9. No statistically signi cant differences in serum concentrations of 2+ , P and Mg
2+were found between G2 and G1 ( >0.05). The values of ALP and MMP-9 in rats of G2 were statistically signi cantly increased, as compared to G1 (p<0.05). The serum activity of ALP, which is a marker for bone formation, was increased in OVX-induced osteoporosis. Elevated serum MMP-9 levels in G2 con rmed the hypothesis that it is a marker for osteoclast activity.
Selenium (Se) is an exogenous antioxidant that performs its function via the expression of selenoproteins. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of varying Se intake on the redox status of the aortic wall in young spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Sixteen male Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats and nineteen male SHR, 16-week-old, were tested after being given diets with different Se content for eight weeks. They were divided into 4 groups: control groups of WKY NSe and SHR NSe on an adequate Se diet and groups of WKY HSe and SHR HSe that received Se supplementation. The Se nutritional status was assessed by measuring whole blood glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1) activity. Serum concentration of lipid hydroperoxides and serum level of antibodies against advanced glycation end products (anti-AGEs abs) were determined. Expression of GPx-1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were examined in aortic wall. Se supplementation significantly increased GPx-1 activity of whole blood and in the aortas of WKY and SHR. Decreased lipid peroxidation level, eNOS-3 expression in the aortic wall, and serum level of anti-AGEs abs were found in SHR HSe compared with SHR NSe.
In conclusion, Se supplementation improved the redox status of the aortic wall in young SHR.
A 68-year-old female presented to the Gynecologic Oncology Clinic with a right-lower quadrant abdominal mass 3 × 4 cm in diameter palpable on pelvic examination. Her routine laboratory tests were normal. Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed a cystic mass in the right adnexa 3.9 cm in diameter, which was thought to arise in the ovary. At the time of laparoscopy, a 3 × 4 cm tumor arising from the distal end of the appendix was noted. A laparoscopic appendectomy with tumor removal was performed. Histologic examination of the surgical specimen revealed a mucocele of the appendix (AM). Although rare, this tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a right adnexal mass. These tumors can be identified laparoscopically and removed by minimally invasive surgery.
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