Browsing by Author "Koc, Emine Rabia"

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An Experimental Comparison of the Effects of Propolis, Curcumin, and Methylprednisolone on Crush Injuries of the Sciatic Nerve
(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2015) Yuce, Serdar; Gokce, Emre Cemal; Isikdemir, Ahmet; Koc, Emine Rabia; Cemil, Duran Berker; Gokce, Aysun; Sargon, Mustafa F.
Background: Propolis and curcumin have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective features. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of propolis and curcumin on nerve healing in rat sciatic nerve crush injuries and to compare these effects with results obtained using steroid treatment. Methods: In the sham group, the right sciatic nerves of rats were dissected and exposed, and the skin was closed without any additional manipulation. In the control group (group C), after the right sciatic nerves of rats were exposed, crush damage was inflicted using a surgical clamp. In the control-methylprednisolone group, crush injuries were inflicted on sciatic nerves as in group C. After injury, 1-mg/kg methylprednisolone was administered daily for 6 days and was then tapered for 4 days. In the curcumin group, crush injuries were inflicted on sciatic nerves as in group C. Then, 100-mg/kg curcumin was given every day. In the propolis group, crush injuries were inf licted on sciatic nerves as in group C. Then, 200-mg/kg propolis was given every day. Rats were evaluated after 28 days using functional (walking track analysis and electrophysiological measurements), histomorphometric, electron microscopic, and muscle weight measurements. Results: Compared to the control groups, the curcumin and propolis groups had better functional (walking track analysis and electrophysiological) results after experimental peripheral nerve crush injury. Conclusions: Curcumin and propolis, 2 traditional drugs, had a positive effect on nerve crush injuries. We are convinced that they can be used to support routine treatment in such nerve injuries.
Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Eculizumab in AQP4-IgG Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
(Springer Heidelberg, 2026) Koc, Emine Rabia; Yetkin, Mehmet Fatih; Saridas, Furkan; Turan, Omer Faruk; Sevim, Serhan; Terzi, Murat; Siva, Aksel
Objective: To evaluate the real-world effectiveness and safety of eculizumab in patients with AQP4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and to identify predictors of disability outcomes.MethodsThis multinational, retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 46 patients across 26 centers. The outcomes included the annualized relapse rate (ARR), relapse-free status, change in expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores, and adverse events. To identify predictors of EDSS improvement or worsening, patients were stratified into subgroups (improved vs. stable/worsened) at each follow-up time point and compared based on demographic, clinical, and radiological variables.ResultsThis retrospective cohort study included 46 patients with AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD from 26 centers, followed for a mean of 27.3 months. The mean ARR significantly decreased from 1.1 in the 2 years pre-treatment to 0.1 during eculizumab therapy. The relapse-free rate increased from 6.5% pre-treatment to 80.4%. Mean EDSS scores improved from 4.2 at baseline to 3.6 at 24 months. The presence of area postrema syndrome was associated with a favorable prognosis, while the presence of spinal attacks was associated with a poor prognosis at 12 months. Adverse events occurred in 7 patients (18.9%), leading to permanent discontinuation in only two.ConclusionEculizumab demonstrated robust real-world effectiveness in reducing relapse rates and stabilizing disability, with an acceptable safety profile. Clinical outcomes may be influenced by attack phenotype, underscoring the importance of early intervention.
Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Eculizumab in Aqp4-IgG Positive Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: A Multicenter Observational Study
(Sage Publications Ltd, 2025) Koc, Emine Rabia; Yetkin, Mehmet Fatih; Saridas, Furkan; Turan, Omer Faruk; Sevim, Serhan; Terzi, Murat; Siva, Aksel