Background: Recently, the possible use of laboratory parameters such as full blood count, neutrophil count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), thrombocyte count (PLT), and mean thrombocyte volume (MPV) have been investigated in diagnosis of acute appendicitis and the prediction of complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of the platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) value as a biomedical marker in the prediction of acute appendicitis and perforated appendix. Patients and Methods: The data were retrieved from the hospital records related to age, gender, length of stay in hospital, MPV, leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and thrombocyte counts measured in the peripheral venous blood sample on presentation, NLR and PLR values, and the pathology results. The patients were grouped according to the pathology results as follows: group 1 (normal appendix, n = 86); group 2 (acute appendicitis, n = 458); group 3 (perforated appendicitis, n = 14). Results: The study included a total of 558 patients (308 males; 250 females) with a mean age of 34.24 ± 14.27 years. The mean length of stay in hospital was 2.12 days. The leukocyte and neutrophil count values of group 1 were lower than group 2 and group 3 values (p < 0.001). The lymphocyte count values of group 1 were higher than those of the other groups (p < 0.001). The NLR and PLR values of group 1 were lower than group 2 and group 3 values (p < 0.001). The length of stay in hospital was shorter in group 1 than in group 2 and group 3 (p = 0.42). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve test results showed that PLR and NLR values were sensitive and specific to differentiate normal appendix, acute appendicitis, and perforated appendicitis. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that PLR value, such as NLR, could be evaluated as a new biomarker that could be valuable in the differentiation of normal appendix from acute appendicitis and in the differentiation of acute appendicitis from perforated appendicitis.

Background: The present study investigated the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in wound healing suppressed by corticosteroid in rats. Methods: Forty rats were separated into four groups. To disrupt the wound-healing processes, intraperitoneal single dose 10 mg/kg methylprednisolone was administered to all rats with the exception of Sham-S group. Then, full-thickness incision was performed to the abdominal skin of all animals, and PRP or MSCs were applied to the incision line except the Sham-S and Sham-M group animals. Ten days later, all animals were sacrificed to investigate: tissue collagenization, inflammation, and re-epithelialization grades histopathologically; and tissue hydroxyproline (HP), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α levels biochemically. Results: Collagenization (p = 0.003) and inflammation grade (p = 0.002) values were higher in PR group. Tissue HP level value was found to be high in MC group (p < 0.001). Tissue IL-1β level value of Sham-M group was lower than those of other groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This preliminary study revealed that PRP could improve the histopathological grades in wound healing which was suppressed by corticosteroid in rats, while MSCs could show their therapeutic effects via biochemical route. These positive effects were more salient in PR group.

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the clinical and laboratory features affecting mortality in Fournier gangrene. Patients and Methods: This retrospective case control study was designed to evaluate patients treated for Fournier gangrene in our center between 2010 and 2018. Those patients were divided into two groups: discharged patients (group 1) and deceased patients (group 2). Comparisons were made regarding clinical and demographic features; leukocyte, neutrophil and lymphocyte count results; neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR); Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI) scores; number of debridements; complications; and mortality rates. Results: Twenty-three patients (19 males, 4 females) were evaluated; mean age was 65.91 ± 16.34 years. The most common cause of the disease and comorbidity were perianal abscess (n = 14; 60.9%) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (n = 11; 47.8%), respectively. Escherichia coli was the pathogen identified most often (n = 17; 73.9%). The total mortality rate was 21.7% (n = 5). Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, FGSI, number of debridements, and complication rates were higher in group 2 (p < 0.05). There was a substantial difference between the groups regarding perianal abscess in group 1 and rectum cancer in group 2 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, it was believed that the mortality rate could be predicted by combining the NLR value with the FGSI score.

Background/Aims: Complete liver regeneration may not always be possible after liver injuries and/or partial liver resection. The present study investigated the effects of dexpanthenol, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and thymoquinone on liver regeneration in rats after partial hepatectomy (PH). Materials and Methods: A total of 34 Wistar albino rats, each weighing 250-280 g, were randomly separated into four groups. PH was performed, and except for the control group, intraperitoneal dexpanthenol, PRP, or thymoquinone was administered to the relevant groups for 7 days. All rats were then sacrificed, and the liver tissues were examined histopathologically and biochemically. Results: PRP reduced all oxidant-antioxidant parameters in rats that experienced liver regeneration, but did not create histopathological improvement in the liver tissue. Dexpanthenol had a histopathological improving effect on the liver tissue, but had no effect on biochemical parameters. Thymoquinone showed no histopathological or biochemical effects on liver regeneration. Conclusion: Although dexpanthenol did not affect biochemical oxidative parameters, it was considered to have improving effects on liver regeneration histopathologically. In addition, it was thought that PRP may be used for treatment of ischemia-reperfusion injury and cholestatic damage of the liver. Nevertheless, further studies are required on these subjects.

Background: In this study, the effectiveness of dexpanthenol and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on the healing of ischemic colon anastomosis was investigated. Methods: Forty eight male Wistar Albino rats were divided into four equal groups (Sham-S, Sham-I, DXP, Q10). Following full layer colon resection, single layer colon anastomosis, without creating ischemia, was performed on the Sham-S group. The same experimental model was performed on remaining groups after ischemia was created. Intraperitoneal dexpanthenol and CoQ10 was administered to the DXP and Q10 groups once a day for three days. Ten days later, all colon anastomoses were investigated histopathologically and biochemically, as well as their burst pressure values, in all sacrificed rats. Results: The highest burst pressure value was observed in the Sham-S group, decreasing from high to low in the DXP, Q10, and Sham-I groups, respectively (p = 0.008). Furthermore, tissue hydroxyproline (p = 0.001) level values were significantly different among the groups. Additionally, histopathological analysis revealed a significant difference among groups regarding reepithelization (p = 0.027) and polymorphonuclear leukocyte density (p = 0.022). Conclusions: This preliminary study has shown that ischemia-reperfusion injury may impair the healing of colon anastomosis and it has been concluded that dexpanthenol and CoQ10 may have positive effects on the healing of ischemic colon anastomosis in rat, although re-epithelization may be adversely affected using CoQ10.