Background: This study aims to demonstrate the efficacy of rivaroxaban’s pharmacokinetic effects on myocardial mitophagy in rats by inducing apoptosis. Methods: In this double-blind experiment, Wistar albino male rats were randomly divided into three groups for an experimental ischemia model: the sham group (Group 1; n=7), the control group (Group 2; n=7), and the drug group (Group 3; n=7). Rivaroxaban was perorally administered with gavage at 2 mg/ kg/day for 28 days in Group 3. The heart was surgically exposed, and ischemia was achieved by compressing the vessel around the proximal part of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 10 min. The heart tissue was then transected, removed, and morphologically and immunohistochemically examined under a light microscope. Results: Heart sections were immunohistochemically marked with caspase 3, caspase 9, APAF1, and Bcl-2 antibodies. Group 1 was compared to the rivaroxaban-treated group, and the pathways inducing apoptosis was increased (caspase 3, caspase 9, APAF1; p<0.015, p<0.004, and p<0.01, respectively) and Bcl-2, the molecule that inhibits apoptosis, was decreased (p<0.01) in Group 3. Conclusion: The present study provides an evidence that the mitophagy response is less in rivaroxaban-treated rats, showing the protective effect of rivaroxaban against acute ischemia. Rivaroxaban-treated rats may have reduced cell death in cardiomyocytes during myocardial infarction and thus have reduced damage to the heart tissue caused by myocardial infarction.

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the specialization theses in the field of cardiovascular surgery in Türkiye, and examine their rates of conversion to scientific publications.Material and Methods: Specialization in medicine theses in the field of cardiovascular surgery published in Türkiye from 2015 to 2020 were evaluated using the Council of Higher Education Thesis Center database. For each specialization thesis, details such as the year, institution, city, study design, advisor’s title, and author information were recorded. The conversion of theses into scientific publications was assessed using Google Scholar, PubMed, Dergipark, and TR Index databases based on the thesis title, advisor, and author information. Results: A total of 204 specialization theses in medicine were examined in the study. Of the thesis authors, 171 were men (83.3%) and 33 were women (16.2%). When categorized by institutions, 130 theses (63.7%) were affiliated with institutions in the three major cities. It was observed that 79 of the evaluated theses (38.7%) were turned into scientific publications. The conversion rate into scientific publications was significantly higher in institutions affiliated with the University of Health Sciences (p=0.002). A significant relationship was observed between the study design, the index of the publishing journal, and the citation status (p=0.029, p<0.001, respectively).Conclusion: The findings obtained in the present study showed that the majority of specialization theses in cardiovascular surgery were not turned into scientific publications. We believe that collaboration with professional associations and the Medical Specialty Board may contribute positively to the publication rate of specialization theses.

Aim: Intimal hyperplasia causes vascular occlusion and its optimal treatment is unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of Apixaban and Rivaroxaban treatment for preventing intimal hyperplasia in rabbits. Material and Methods: The rabbits (n = 15) were randomly divided into three groups. Reanastomoses are applied to the carotid artery. All groups received 100 U/kg heparin sodium during the operation period. Group A (n = 5) as a control group had no medication. Group B (n = 5) was given Rivaroxaban 3 mg/kg/day. In-group C (n = 5) Apixaban was administered per orally 10 mg/kg. At the end of the treatment on the 28th day, carotid artery specimens were excised and evaluated histologically.Results: Increased intima thickness was observed in the control group than the drug groups (P=0.019, P=0.007). It was found that there was no difference between groups in terms of lumen diameter, lumen area, tunica media area and tunica media thickness. There was difference between groups in terms of caspase 3 or TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling) staining (p<0.05). Conclusion: Apixaban and Rivaroxaban may have protective efficacy against intimal hyperplasia after vascular surgical intervention.