Selin Demirer

Bio: Selin Demirer is an academic researcher from Istanbul University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Gestational diabetes & Abdominal wall. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 5 publications receiving 29 citations.

Identification of miR-16-5p and miR-155-5p microRNAs differentially expressed in circulating leukocytes of pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome and gestational diabetes

Abstract: Pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at increased risk of gestational diabetes (GDM). We aimed to assess the expressions of candidate microRNAs (miRs) in leukocytes of pregnant ...

Quercetin improves metabolic sequels and placental morphology in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Abstract: Objective: Quercetin (QE) is a flavonoid widely distributed in nature. This experimental study was designed to evaluate the effect of QE on the placenta in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Thirty virgin female Wistar rats (200–250 g) were mated with 15 males for at least 12 h. From the onset of pregnancy, the rats were divided equally into three experimental groups including control, streptozotocin (STZ)-treated, and STZ+QE-treated. Pregnant rats were sacrificed on day 21 of pregnancy and the placental tissue was harvested. Placental tissues and blood samples in all groups were processed for biochemical and histological analysis. Results: QE treatment gave rise a sharp decrease in the elevated serum glucose levels and an increased in the lowered serum insulin concentrations in STZ-induced diabetic rats (p<0.05). Placental malondialdehyde (MDA) level was considerably reduced in rats treated with QE when compared to untreated group (p<0.05). QE treatment produced a significant increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities compared with the diabetic untreated group (p<0.05). On the diabetic group, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunolabeling intensities decreased and TUNEL positive cells in the placenta of rats was found to increased. Conclusion: Quercetin has a protective effect in diabetes by decreasing oxidative stress and apoptosis, and by preservation of plasental morphology. QE gives hope to improve treatment diabetes mellitus in pregnancy.

Abdominal wall endometriosis in patients with a history of cesarian section.

Abstract: Objective The aim of this study is to review the characteristics, intraoperative and radiological findings of abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE). Methods This retrospective observational cohort study was executed through analysis of the medical records of patients who underwent excision of AWE between January 2000 and June 2017. All the diagnoses were confirmed pathologically. Characteristics, intraoperative and radiological findings of patients with AWE were and analyzed. Results Each of the 20 patients had a history of at least one prior cesarean section. The main presenting symptoms were pain (70%). Ultrasonography and/or magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 95% and 45 % of the patients, respectively. One patient (5%) was investigated by 18 Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography - computed tomography. The preoperative radiological diagnosis was correcting in 55 % of the cases. The mean diameter of the masses was 4.7 ± 1.53 cm. Recurrence was found only in one patient during 36-month follow-up. Discussion Meticulous anamnesis, accurate clinical examination and proper imaging studies, are important guides for diagnosis. Conclusion AWE should be kept in mind when pain or mass is detected on the abdominal wall of women who have cesarean section history. Key words Abdominal wall endometriosis, Cesarean section, Radiology, Scar endometriosis.

MicroRNAs: Target Recognition and Regulatory Functions

Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous ∼23 nt RNAs that play important gene-regulatory roles in animals and plants by pairing to the mRNAs of protein-coding genes to direct their posttranscriptional repression. This review outlines the current understanding of miRNA target recognition in animals and discusses the widespread impact of miRNAs on both the expression and evolution of protein-coding genes.

Predictive and diagnostic biomarkers for gestational diabetes and its associated metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as the presence of high blood glucose levels with the onset, or detected for the first time during pregnancy, as a result of increased insulin resistance. GDM may be induced by dysregulation of pancreatic β-cell function and/or by alteration of secreted gestational hormones and peptides related with glucose homeostasis. It may affect one out of five pregnancies, leading to perinatal morbidity and adverse neonatal outcomes, and high risk of chronic metabolic and cardiovascular injuries in both mother and offspring. Currently, GDM diagnosis is based on evaluation of glucose homeostasis at late stages of pregnancy, but increased age and body-weight, and familiar or previous occurrence of GDM, may conditionate this criteria. In addition, an earlier and more specific detection of GDM with associated metabolic and cardiovascular risk could improve GDM development and outcomes. In this sense, 1st–2nd trimester-released biomarkers found in maternal plasma including adipose tissue-derived factors such as adiponectin, visfatin, omentin-1, fatty acid-binding protein-4 and retinol binding-protein-4 have shown correlations with GDM development. Moreover, placenta-related factors such as sex hormone-binding globulin, afamin, fetuin-A, fibroblast growth factors-21/23, ficolin-3 and follistatin, or specific micro-RNAs may participate in GDM progression and be useful for its recognition. Finally, urine-excreted metabolites such as those related with serotonin system, non-polar amino-acids and ketone bodies, may complete a predictive or early-diagnostic panel of biomarkers for GDM.

Non-Coding RNA: Role in Gestational Diabetes Pathophysiology and Complications

Abstract: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is defined as glucose intolerance that develops in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. GDM can lead to short-term and long-term complications both in the mother and in the offspring. Diagnosing and treating this condition is therefore of great importance to avoid poor pregnancy outcomes. There is increasing interest in finding new markers with potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic utility in GDM. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs, are critically involved in metabolic processes and their dysregulated expression has been reported in several pathological contexts. The aberrant expression of several circulating or placenta-related ncRNAs has been linked to insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction, the key pathophysiological features of GDM. Furthermore, significant associations between altered ncRNA profiles and GDM-related complications, such as macrosomia or trophoblast dysfunction, have been observed. Remarkably, the deregulation of ncRNAs, which might be linked to a detrimental intrauterine environment, can lead to changes in the expression of target genes in the offspring, possibly contributing to the development of long-term GDM-related complications, such as metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, all the recent findings on ncRNAs and GDM are summarized, particularly focusing on the molecular aspects and the pathophysiological implications of this complex relationship.

Abdominal wall endometriosis (a narrative review).

Abstract: One of the rarest forms of endometriosis is abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE), which includes caesarean scar endometriosis. AWE remains a challenging condition because some issues related to this topic are still under debate. The increasing number of caesarean sections and laparotomies will expect to increase the rate of AWE. The current incidence in obstetrical and gynaecological procedures is still unknown. The disease is probably underestimated. The pathogenic mechanism involves local environment at the implant site including local inflammation and metalloproteinases activation due to local growth factors, estrogen stimulation through estrogen receptors and potential epigenetic changes. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully explained, and we need more experimental models to understand them. The clinical presentation is heterogeneous; the patient may be seen by a gynaecologist, an endocrinologist, a general surgeon, an imaging specialist, or even an oncologist. No particular constellation of clinical risk factors has been identified, and the histological report is the major diagnostic tool for confirmation. Surgery is the first line of therapy. Further on we need protocols for multidisciplinary investigations and approaches.

The Predictive Value of miR-16, -29a and -134 for Early Identification of Gestational Diabetes: A Nested Analysis of the DALI Cohort.

Abstract: Early identification of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) aims to reduce the risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Currently, no circulating biomarker has proven clinically useful for accurate prediction of GDM. In this study, we tested if a panel of small non-coding circulating RNAs could improve early prediction of GDM. We performed a nested case-control study of participants from the European multicenter 'Vitamin D and lifestyle intervention for GDM prevention (DALI)' trial using serum samples from obese pregnant women (BMI ≥ 29 kg/m2) entailing 82 GDM cases (early- and late- GDM), and 41 age- and BMI-matched women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) throughout pregnancy (controls). Anthropometric, clinical and biochemical characteristics were obtained at baseline (<20 weeks of gestation) and throughout gestation. Baseline serum microRNAs (miRNAs) were measured using quantitative real time PCR (qPCR). Elevated miR-16-5p, -29a-3p, and -134-5p levels were observed in women, who were NGT at baseline and later developed GDM, compared with controls who remained NGT. A combination of the three miRNAs could distinguish later GDM from NGT cases (AUC 0.717, p = 0.001, compared with fasting plasma glucose (AUC 0.687, p = 0.004)) as evaluated by area under the curves (AUCs) using Receiver Operator Characteristics (ROC) analysis. Elevated levels of individual miRNAs or a combination hereof were associated with higher odds ratios of GDM. Conclusively, circulating miRNAs early in pregnancy could serve as valuable predictive biomarkers of GDM.