showing quite distinct histological patterns, with only an equivocal intermediate transitional zone between them, are always detected [8], whereas in our case Paget cells were intimately present among atypical keratinocytes. It is worth noting that the association of VPD is more likely with the well-differentiated variant of VIN that, similar to VPD, is not related to HPV infection [4,9]. Moreover, well-differentiated VIN and VPD share other features, including the long clinical course before becoming invasive [1,10], the multifocality [4,1l] and the follow-up after primary treatment (36 and 40% of recurrences, respectively) [2,5]. All these findings support the hypothesis of a real mixed carcinoma in situ of vulvar skin originating from the same multipotential basal cell. Additional cases need to be described for a better characterization of this new entity, with particular reference to clinical history and the presence or absence of HPV nucleic acids.

Preeclampsia is a severe multisystem disorder, and its pathophysiology is still not completely understood. Autophagy, a recycling process that maintains cellular homoeostasis during differentiation and development, is controversial regarding increased or decreased autophagic activity in preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to determine whether autophagy is increased in the placentas of women with preeclampsia by examining the protein levels of autophagy markers (Beclin 1 and SQSTM1/p62) and phosphorylation of cyclin E. For this purpose, placentas from preeclampsia (n=10) and control (n=10) pregnancies were included in this study. The protein expression of autophagy-related markers Beclin1, SQSTM1/p62 and phosphorylation status of cyclin E were detected by Western blot. Our data showed that the protein levels of both Beclin 1 and SQSTM1/p62 were significantly increased, while the phosphorylation level of cyclin E was significantly decreased in placentas with preeclampsia compared to those derived from controls. The results of this study suggest that the autophagic activity is perpetually increased in preeclampsia and cyclin E protein stabilisation might be involved in the induction of autophagy.

Introduction: COVID-19 is a viral disease generated by a new coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2. The consequences of this virus on the human placenta and the newborn are still unclear. IL-6 can disturb the placenta's immunological homeostasis and be employed as an inflammatory marker for the poor prognosis of COVID-19 infection. Bax has some features like being a key protein regulating apoptotic mechanisms and plays an important role in both maintaining dynamic balance and integrity in the placenta as in many tissues. This study aims to indicate the impact of COVID-19 on inflammation and apoptotic pathways in the placenta by using IL-6 and Bax antibodies. Material and Method: COVID-19 positive (n:10) and COVID-19 negative (n:10) normotensive placentas were included. Haematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining (IL-6 and Bax antibodies) were applied. Statistical data of immunohistochemical (IL-6 and Bax expression) staining results were assessed by analyzing the H-score. Biochemical parameters were recorded. Group means were analyzed with a nonparametric Kruskal Wallis Test. Results: In the COVID-19 group, increased syncytial knots, fibrin deposition, inflammation, fibrinoid necrosis, neutrophil accumulation were observed. The COVID-19 group had considerably higher levels of IL-6 and Bax expression than the control group. Furthermore, COVID-19 patients had statistically lower WBC and higher CRP values than normotensive patients. Conclusion: COVID-19 has been linked to placental inflammation and trophoblast cell damage, both of which can result in major maternal and fetal problems during pregnancy. We found intense IL-6 expression in the placentas of pregnant women with COVID-19 infection. A rise in IL-6 levels triggers CRP production, and this increase is linked to the severity of COVID-19 as a risk factor. Also, we suggested that COVID-19 infection triggers the apoptotic process in placental tissue by increasing the expression of the proapoptotic Bax protein. It is clinically very significant to follow up COVID-19 positive pregnancies for maternal and fetal health. During this follow-up, IL-6 and Bax expression levels in the placenta, together with histopathological findings and serum CRP levels, can guide the evaluation of the prognosis, severity and response to treatment of the disease.

Introduction: It is known that COVID-19 in pregnancy causes some negative consequences. Although some studies have been conducted on the possible effects of COVID-19 seen in late pregnancy, its effects in the previous trimesters are not clearly known. This study aimed to examine the umbilical cords of pregnant women who did not have COVID-19 and those who had in the second and third trimesters, after delivery using histopathological and immunohistochemical methods. Material and Method: The study included 27 pregnant women who had never had COVID-19 (n:9), who had had COVID-19 in the second trimester (n:9) and had had COVID-19 in the third trimester (n:9). After delivery, sections were taken from the umbilical cords of the pregnant women and examined with histopathological and immunohistochemical (VEGF and vimentin antibodies) methods. H-scores were determined for statistical analysis of immunohistochemical staining results. Group means were analyzed using the non-parametric Kruskal Wallis Test. Results: In cases that had COVID-19 in the third trimester of pregnancy, histopathological findings were more significant than in the other groups. Hemorrhage, thinning of the tunica intima layer, and deterioration in its integrity were observed in the umbilical vascular structures of this group. VEGF and vimentin expression levels were higher in the third-trimester group than in the other groups. Conclusion: The COVID-19 disease has both acute and long-term effects. The presence of histopathological and immunohistochemical findings in the umbilical cord during the third trimester of pregnancy supports this information. Moreover, the high levels of expression of VEGF and vimentin in the umbilical cords of pregnant women may contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and the post-acute effects of these proteins.

Purpose: It was aimed to investigate the biochemical and immunohistochemical effects of ephedrine (EPH) in bilateral ovariectomized rats. Methods: Twenty-four Sprague Dawley female rats were divided into three groups: control group: The abdomen was opened and closed without any treatment; ischemia-reperfusion (IR) group: 2 h of ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion were allowed to cause IR injury; IR+EPH group: oral EPH solution (5 mg/kg) was administered for 28 days. Results: Biochemical parameters were statistically significant in group comparisons. Increased interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression, degenerative preantral and antral follicle cells and inflammatory cells around blood vessels were seen in IR group. Negative IL-6 expression was observed in seminal epithelial cells, preantral and antral follicle cells in IR+EPH group. While caspase-3 activity increased in granulosa cells and stromal cells in IR group, caspase-3 expression was negative in preantral and antral follicle cells in the germinal epithelium and cortex in IR+EPH group. Conclusions: The effect of apoptosis, which occurs with the signaling that starts in the cell nucleus, caused the cessation of the stimulating effect at the nuclear level after EPH administration, and a decrease in the antioxidative effect in IR damage and inflammation in the apoptotic process.