UĞURCAN ZORLU

Evaluation of metabolic uptake in gynecological organs using FDG-PET in women diagnosed with non-gynecological malignancies

Gynecological malignancies, including those affecting the uterus, cervix, vagina, vulva, and adnexa, pose significant physical and psychosocial burdens. Early detection and effective management of these malignancies are critical for improving outcomes. This study aims to evaluate metabolic uptake patterns in gynecological organs using fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and to analyze their malignancy potential in women with nongynecological cancers. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 221 women with nongynecological malignancies who exhibited pathological FDG uptake in gynecological organs on FDG-PET/CT imaging. Lesions were evaluated based on the standardized uptake value maximum (SUVmax), morphological characteristics on contrast-enhanced CT, and further gynecological assessment using ultrasonography, biopsy, and endometrial sampling. Statistical analyses, including the receiver operating characteristics curve and descriptive statistics, were performed using SPSS software, with significance set at p 10.11 predicted malignancy in uterine lesions with 86% sensitivity and 82% specificity. Among patients with uterine involvement, malignancy was confirmed in 10 cases, all of whom were on tamoxifen therapy. Endometrial thickness was significantly higher in malignancy cases (10.6 mm vs. 5.8 mm, p = 0.014). Ultrasonography and biopsy findings largely confirmed the benign nature of other lesions, highlighting the role of multimodal diagnostic approaches. FDG-PET imaging is a valuable tool for identifying metabolic activity in gynecological organs and for differentiating malignant lesions from benign ones. High SUVmax values and endometrial thickness are significant indicators of malignancy, particularly in patients undergoing hormonal therapy. This study underscores the importance of integrating metabolic imaging with clinical and morphological assessments for the early detection and management of gynecological malignancies.

Measurement of thiol/disulfide homeostasis and ischemic modified albumin levels in patients with uterine leiomyomas

AbstractObjectiveThe aim is to contrast the serum levels of thiol‐disulfide homeostasis and ischemic modified albumin between patients with leiomyoma and healthy individuals and to assess the impact of oxidative stress on the etiopathogenesis of leiomyoma.MethodsIn this prospective case‐control study, a total of 154 participants were included, consisting of 77 cases diagnosed with leiomyoma and 77 healthy individuals without leiomyoma. The demographic characteristics and ultrasonographic findings of the participants were recorded, and parameters such as albumin, ischemia‐modified albumin, and thiol‐disulfide homeostasis were evaluated. The results obtained from the analyses were compared between the two groups.ResultsNo significant differences were observed in the demographic characteristics between the groups. A significant difference was observed between the leiomyoma and control groups regarding serum albumin parameters, serum ischemic modified albumin, and serum dynamic thiol‐disulfide parameters (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found in the ratios of disulfide/total thiol, disulfide/native thiol, native thiol/total thiol (P > 0.05).ConclusionThere was a notable contrast in the levels of albumin, ischemic modified albumin, albumin/ischemic modified albumin ratio, total thiol, native thiol, and disulfide between individuals with uterine leiomyomas and healthy individuals in the control group. Oxidative stress is believed to play a causative role in the etiopathogenesis of uterine leiomyomas.