Cervical Mucus Research Articles

Lipidomic profiling of cervical mucus reveals the potential role of pro-inflammatory derived metabolites on sperm transport across the ovine cervix

Internationally, cervical artificial insemination (AI) in sheep yields low pregnancy rates when frozen-thawed semen is used. An exception to this is in Norway where vaginal AI of frozen-thawed semen to a natural oestrus yields non-return rates in excess of 60%, which has been attributed to the ewe breed used in Norway. This study used both metabolomics and an RNA-sequencing approach to assess the lipid production and composition from cervical mucus and tissue of four European ewe breeds (n = 28–30 ewes per breed) with previously reported differences in pregnancy rates following cervical AI with frozen-thawed semen. These breeds included Suffolk (exhibiting low fertility), Belclare (medium fertility) as well as Norwegian White Sheep and Fur (both with high fertility and pregnancy rates >60%) at both a synchronised and natural oestrous cycle. The aim was to explore the differences between ewe breeds in the lipidomic profile and to identify candidate biomarkers associated with an optimal environment for cervical sperm transport. The results revealed the identification of 255 lipids, of which 170, 102 and 83 were different between ewe breeds, types of cycle and affected by their interaction, respectively (P < 0.05). Reduced levels of lipids involved in the resolution of inflammation (i.e. 14-HDoHE,17-HDoHE, 15-HETE) were identified in the low-fertility Suffolk breed compared to high-fertility ewe breeds. However, there was an up-regulation of the COX pathway accompanied by increased levels of prostaglandins in the Suffolk breed. These findings indicated a sub-optimal and pro-inflammatory environment that could have a negative effect on cervical sperm transport.

Embryo Transfer Procedural Parameters Do Not Predict IVF Cycle Outcome.

this study aims to assess the effect of embryo transfer (ET) performance parameters of a technical nature on IVF outcome. A total of 1417 ETs from a single IVF center were included in this prospective observational study. The parameters investigated were as follows: the presence of cervical mucus post catheter withdrawal, the presence of blood, catheter reload, the employment of a tenaculum and stylet, catheter resistance as experienced by the physician and patient discomfort. When ET performance parameters were associated with clinical outcomes on a singular level, none of the ET parameters presented with any statistical significance. The evaluation of covariates indicated that the number and the quality of transferred embryos, as well as maternal age, exerted a statistically significant effect on clinical outcomes. In a multivariate analysis, only the presence of mucus along with significant catheter resistance presented with statistical significance; however, when adjusting for covariates, this combination showed no statistically significant effect on clinical outcomes. the results indicate that the time-consuming process of recording and analyzing ET performance parameters fails to offer any additional value in predicting the cycle's outcome, while factors like embryo quality and number, as well as maternal age, seem to be the sole robust predictive factors of an IVF cycle.

Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Cervical Mucus in Repeat Breeder Crossbred Cows Following Ceftiofur Therapy

The present study was carried out to investigate physio-biochemical attributes of cervical mucus following treatment of repeat breeder crossbred cows (HF×K) with ceftiofur crystalline free acid @ 6.6 mg/kg body weight administer separately in two groups of cows through intramuscular (Group-I) and subcutaneous route (Group-II). Each group included 15 repeat breeder cows whose selection was random and based on history of conception failure, gyneco-clinical observation of genitalia and number of artificial insemination per conception. The findings envisaged higher percentage of thick consistency (53.33%) and cloudy colored cervical mucus (93.33%) which returned to their normal characteristics of thin and clear type at post-treatment oestrus in both groups (60.00 and 80.00 %, Group-I; 66.67 and 93.33%, Group-II). The calcium and inorganic phosphorus contents of cervical mucus were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) at post-treatment oestrus in repeat breeders of Group-I and II whereas total cholesterol declined following treatment (24.05±1.85 and 23.45±1.91 mg/dl) then pre-treatment values (31.12±2.68 and 35.40±4.74 mg/dl) in two groups of repeaters but difference was significant only in Group-I. On the other hand, cervical mucus concentration of sodium, potassium and acid phosphates decreased while total lipids and alkaline phosphatase increased non-significantly at post-treatment oestrus in repeat breeder cows of both groups.&#x0D; It is concluded from the finding that ceftiofur therapy of repeat breeder cows was beneficial to restore normalcy of physio-biochemical properties of cervical mucus in both groups.

Bacterial vaginosis and related sexually transmitted diseases as a risk factor for tubalperitoneal infertility (literature review)

The article presents a review of the literature on a pressing problem in clinical medicine — risk factors for tubo-peritoneal infertility. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the factors of increased risk of tubo-peritoneal infertility. Presumably, there are two mechanisms of tubo-peritoneal infertility associated with BV: firstly, the increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, resulting in the attack of seminal fluid, and secondly, the cleavage of cervical mucus by bacterial mucinases, which improves adhesion by pathogenic microorganisms, contributing to colonization with a further tendency to diseases of the upper reproductive tract, including infertility. Women who have BV are more likely to suffer from inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs caused by C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae, which leads to tubo- peritoneal infertility. Therefore, timely detection and treatment of BV is crucial.

Copper levels in cervical mucus of copper intrauterine device users versus non-users.

SynopsisWe found higher copper levels in the cervical mucus of Cu‐IUD users compared with non‐users.

Successful postcoital testing of Ovaprene: An investigational non-hormonal monthly vaginal contraceptive

ObjectiveEvaluate reduction in progressively motile sperm per high power field (HPF) in midcycle cervical mucus after intercourse with Ovaprene: an investigational monthly non-hormonal vaginal contraceptive consisting of a vaginal ring and mechanical barrier, releasing spermiostatic ferrous gluconate. Study designOpen-label, multicenter study enrolling heterosexually-active women with previous permanent contraception. Participants underwent a baseline postcoital test cycle with no device to confirm the presence of sperm, followed by one diaphragm postcoital test cycle, one Ovaprene safety cycle, and two Ovaprene postcoital test cycles. In each postcoital test cycle, participants underwent a midcycle cervical mucus evaluation to confirm an Insler score ≥10 and absence of sperm, and then returned two to four hours after vaginal intercourse for repeat cervical mucus evaluation. We considered <5 progressively motile sperm/HPF indicative of preliminary contraceptive effectiveness. ResultsWe enrolled 38 participants; 23 completed the study. All participants had ≥5 progressively motile sperm/HPF in the baseline cycle and <5 progressively motile sperm/HPF in all 49 Ovaprene cycles and all 35 diaphragm cycles, meeting the definition of a successful postcoital test. This was true regardless of examiner blinding, prior vaginal delivery or vaginal ring use, body mass index, or dislodgements noted by the participant or investigator. The mean of 27.2 (±17.9) progressively motile sperm/HPF in baseline postcoital test cycles was reduced to 0.5 (±1.1) and 0.5 (±1.3) progressively motile sperm/HPF in the first and second Ovaprene cycles, respectively. Ovaprene fit all participants and all could insert, position, and remove it. ConclusionUse of Ovaprene resulted in meeting the prespecified criterion for contraceptive effect by all participants during all postcoital test cycles. ImplicationsThe finding that use of Ovaprene, an investigational monthly non-hormonal vaginal contraceptive, resulted in postcoital testing of cervical mucus that met the pre-specified definition of success (<5 progressively motile sperm/HPF) supports further evaluation of contraceptive efficacy of the device in users at risk for pregnancy.

Understanding Fertile Window: A Key to Pregnancy as well as Contraception

Abstract: Though population explosion is a major problem of the world today, infertility also exists and needs attention. Understanding reproductive health, the menstrual cycle, and adopting natural methods by couples can manage both fertility as well as infertility. During the preparation of the present review article, several search engines, such as Research Gate, Google Scholar, shodhganga, Scopus, emerging source citation index, chemical abstract services, academic journals database, open access medical journals, scirus, journal informatics, and various referred and nonreferred journals were used for the extraction of scientific information. Hence, this article has been prepared meticulously, which would help married couples in adopting an effective life plan for managing their reproductive activities. It explains about means of avoiding unwanted pregnancies using some naturally proven methods available. It also addresses issues related to infertility. Understanding ovulation symptoms and the fertile window is the key to determining the right time for intercourse in order to avoid or plan pregnancy. The ovulation technique uses the indicators of ovulation to determine the fertile window. A rise in body temperature and changes in cervical mucus (wet, clear, slippery) are the best indicators of ovulation. Understanding the concept of the fertile window enables women to strategically plan the timing of intercourse in order to either facilitate conception or prevent it.

The Effect of Synchronizing with the PGF2α hormone on the Estrus Activity of Madura Cows

This research aims to determine the biological response of administering the PGF2α hormone to the estrous activity of Madurese cows. This research method uses two observation techniques, namely estrus synchronization by administering the PGF2α hormone “Alfaglandin® C (Cloprostenol)” and observing natural estrus. The data were analyzed by using the t test using the Software for Research statistix 10. The results showed that the frequency of estrus at the same time of observation was not significantly different from the two treatments (p&gt;0.05), the highest frequency of estrus occurred at 18.00-20.00 in synchronized cows or not. The results of visualization of estrus showed cervical mucus, swollen vulva, and vaginal pH had the same percentage, while the vaginal temperature and duration of estrus had different percentages. The conclusion of this study is the frequency of estrous events, estrus visualization (cervical mucus discharge, swollen vulva, vaginal pH, and length of estrus), and the appearance of cervical ferning has the same response, while estrus temperature has a variable response.

Содержание цитокинов различных групп в цервикальной слизи при интраэпителиальной неоплазии шейки матки

Abstract Aim. Evaluation of cytokine profile in cervical mucus of patients with different degrees of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Design. One-central prospective open cohort incomed intervention study Materials and methods. Thirty female patients aged 18 to 49 years were included in the study. The control group (А) consisted of 10 HPV-negative patients without cervical pathology. Group B included 10 patients with low grade squamous cell intraepithelial lesion of the cervix (LSIL). Group C included 10 patients with high grade squamous cell intraepithelial lesion of the cervix (HSIL). Cervical mucus was collected from all the study participants to determine the levels of various cytokines. Cytokine content was determined using Bio-Plex Pro Human Cytokine 27-plex Assay Bio-Plex Pro™ commercial kit using Bio-Plex Pro™ commercial kit manufactured by Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (USA) on a Luminex 200 analyzer (Luminex Corporation, USA). Statistical processing was performed using Excel 365 and SPSS 20.0 software package. Differences were recognized as statistically reliable (the null-hypothesis was rejected) at p &lt; 0.05. Results. Evaluating the obtained data of the level of cytokines and growth factors in cervical mucus, numerous differences were found between the control group and patients with CIN of different severity. In group B compare to control group was observed statistically significant decrease from 2 to 100 times of the content of EOTAXIN, Interleukin-17α (IL-17α), IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, Interferon-gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10), Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB). Between group C and control group were found statistically essential differences in the values of 21 out of 27 factors: granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17α, IL-1ra, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, PDGF-BB, Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were elevated. In contrast, the concentrations of other cytokines: Fibroblast growth factor (FGF), Interferon-γ (IFN- γ), IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IP-10 and MCP-1 in cervical mucus were significantly lower compared to controls. In addition to the described differences, similar changes in cytokine content were found in groups B and C. In both mild and severe cervical changes the concentration of IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IP-10 and MCP-1 in the mucus was significantly lower than in the control group. At the same time, differences of the opposite nature were also observed. In particular, the level of IL-17α and PDGF-BB in the studied material in patients with severe CIN was significantly higher compared to the control group, and in case of mild changes — significantly lower. Conclusion. Thus, the concentration of cytokines in the cervical mucus of patients with CIN is significantly different from the local cytokine profile of healthy women. Further studies of cytokine involvement in the development of CIN will allow to characterize more precisely the mechanisms of carcinogenesis of the female reproductive system. Key words: cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, cytokine profile, immune response, immunosuppressive cytokines, keratinocytes.

190 Modulation of dysbiotic vaginal complications by cervical mucus revealed in linked human-vagina and cervix-chips

190 Modulation of dysbiotic vaginal complications by cervical mucus revealed in linked human-vagina and cervix-chips

The differences of electrical resistance values of vaginal mucus (ERVM) in yearling and mature saanen goats

It has been reported that during the oestrous cycle, an increase in the volume of cervical mucus occurs due to the influence of high oestrogen concentration on vaginal vasodilation, leading to a decrease in the electrical resistance of vaginal mucus (ERVM) as the goat approaches estrus. The present study aims to understand the differences between yearling (n:14) and mature (n:22) Saanen goats when continuous measurements of ERVM were taken by using the digital Draminski® device (Draminski Electronics, Poland). Oestrus was synchronized using intravaginal sponges and the ERVM measurement was taken every 6 hours right after the sponge removal until insemination. The results indicate that ERVM measurements for mature Saanen goats were significantly lower at 0, 6, 12, 30, 36, and 42 hours compared to those of yearling Saanen goats. Additionally, within the yearling Saanen group, there was a significant difference between the measurement taken at the 18th hour and the measurements taken at other time points. Furthermore, as goats approached estrus, the differences in ERVM measurements between mature and yearling Saanen goats disappeared. Based on these results, the ERVM values in yearling Saanen goats can be reliably used for predicting time of estrus, while a more cautious approach should be taken for mature Saanen goats.

Gyneco-clinical and microbiological characteristics of cervical mucus in repeat breeder crossbred cows following ceftiofur therapy

Gyneco-clinical and microbiological characteristics of cervical mucus in repeat breeder crossbred cows following ceftiofur therapy

Зміни рівнів про- і протизапальних цитокінів у жінок із хронічним ендометритом та можливість медикаментозної корекції цих рівнів на преконцепційному етапі

The incidence of chronic endometritis is more than twice higher the prevalence of other clinical forms of intrauterine pathology, leading to infertility, unsuccessful attempts of in vitro fertilization and spontaneous abortion. There is a lack of data on the alteration of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production in chronic endometritis and their role in the subsequent development of miscarriage. Purpose - to investigate the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interferon gamma (INF-γ), as well as the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10) in cervical mucus of women with chronic endometritis and to assess the impact of the developed comprehensive preconception treatment on normalizing cytokine disorders in these women. Materials and methods. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and INF-γ, as well as the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method in the cervical mucus of 426 women with chronic endometritis who were planning pregnancy. Among them, 168 patients (the Group I) received preconception comprehensive treatment, which included broad-spectrum antibacterial agents (azithromycin), hormonal estrogen-progestin therapy (Femoston 2/10) and L-arginine. The remaining 258 women (the Group II) did not receive treatment for chronic endometritis at the preconception stage. The control group consisted of 30 healthy individuals. Data analysis was performed using mathematical statistical methods, calculating the mean sample values (M), variance (σ) and standard errors of the mean (m). The Student’s t-test was applied, and probabilities were determined using the statistical program «STATISTICA» (StatSoft Inc., USA). Results. In the cervical mucus of women with chronic endometritis, an increase in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines INF-γ by 2.8 times (p&lt;0.001) and TNF-α by 2 times (p&lt;0.001) was detected, along with a 2-fold decrease in the concentration of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (p&lt;0.001). The shift in the cytokine balance towards pro-inflammatory cytokines is associated with a high frequency of miscarriage in these women. After the treatment of chronic endometritis, women had a 2.6 times lower level of INF-γ (p&lt;0.05), a 2 times lower level of TNF-α (p&lt;0.01), and a 1.7 times higher level of IL-10 (p&lt;0.05) compared to untreated patients. Conclusions. Women with chronic endometritis experience a cytokine imbalance, characterized by an excessive increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and a decrease in anti-inflammatory cytokines. Women with chronic endometritis who are planning pregnancy require comprehensive preconception treatment, which includes the administration of azithromycin, femoston 2/10 and L-arginine in addition to traditional preconception folate prophylaxis. This treatment, by promoting improved conditions for implantation, leads to a 15% increase in the pregnancy rate and a 1.9-fold reduction in the frequency of spontaneous abortion. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Chronic Pelvic Pain, Vulvar Pain Disorders, and Proteomics Profiles: New Discoveries, New Hopes.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is generally defined as non-cyclic pain perceived in the pelvic area that has persisted from three to six months or longer and is unrelated to pregnancy. The etiology of CPP is complex, multifactorial, with heterogeneous presentation, and includes several diseases such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. It may also be associated with sexual dysfunction, musculoskeletal disorders, and comorbid psychiatric symptoms. Vulvar pain disorders (VPDs) are typically categorized separately from chronic pelvic pain; among all VPDs, vulvodynia is a chronic vulvar pain of unknown etiology, lasting at least 3 months and that might be associated with other potentially linked factors. Proteomics represents a useful approach to study the proteome profiles of clinical samples. In this review, we have considered a selection of articles that have analyzed the protein abundance and novel protein species from various biological samples, including eutopic/ectopic endometrium, urine, serum, follicular, peritoneal fluid, and cervical mucus, potentially involved in the pathogenesis and progression of CPP and VPDs. These findings could represent valuable targets for paving the way for the differential diagnosis and therapeutic management of CPP and VDPs, thereby optimizing both the prevention and treatment of these conditions.

A Glimmer of Hope for Patients with a T3 Transformation Zone: miRNAs Are Potential Biomarkers for Cervical Dysplasia.

This pilot study assesses the potential use of miRNAs in the triage of colposcopy patients with type 3 (nonvisible) cervical transformation zone (TZ). Type 3 TZ is a constitutional finding associated with many problems and controversies in colposcopy patient management. Here, we present miRNAs as a potential biomarker for the detection of CIN3 in these cases. Cervical mucosa samples (CMS) were collected from patients presenting with T3 transformation zone during routine workup using the Cytobrush. Depending on the histological and cytological result, as well as the result of the routinely performed HPV PCR, patients were divided into three groups: patients with a high-grade intraepithelial lesion (CIN3) and a positive high-risk HPV test (CIN3 group), patients without an intraepithelial lesion and a positive high-risk HPV test (HPV group), and healthy controls (N = no intraepithelial lesion and negative HPV test). The cervical mucus samples included in the study were tested for their expression levels of distinct miRNAs using qPCR. All investigated miRNAs were consistently detectable in every sample. The CMSs of histologically graded CIN 3 showed consistently high expression levels of all eight miRNAs, whereas the CMSs from healthy patients (N) show generally lower expression levels. However, CMSs from patients of the HPV group represented a very heterogeneous group. The data presented here can provide a solid basis for future research into a triage test for patients with a T3 transformation zone on the basis of commonly used clinical equipment.

Electro-rheological flow of seminal fluid (K-L MODEL) induced by movement of cilia in a circular conduit

The current study deals with the flow of seminal fluid through the ductus efferentes owing to electro-osmotic force and motion of cilia. The constitutive equation of semen liquid has been assumed to be described as a K-L (Kuang and Luo) fluid model. The main equations of the ciliary flow of K-L model are solved by considering the supremacy of viscous upshot over inertia influence assuming the state of long wave-length number. The analytic expressions for velocity profile, flow rate and flow impedance are derived. This is the first time to bring out to the lime light that the flow impedance is decreased and the plug core radius is enlarged with the introduction of electric force in the ciliary flow system. The effects of pertinent physiological parameters on the time-mean flow rates of rhesus monkey and human semen are thoroughly investigated. The computational mean flow rate's value over the period of time of the current mathematical model has been well matched with the corresponding experimentation values of the time-mean flow rates of rhesus monkey and humanoid semen in the path of generative and the vas deferens of the path of generative of male. Introduction of electric field into the flow ciliary system and the rheology of semen fluid described as K-L fluid model (for the values of rheological parameters of K-L fluid are considered) reduce the flow resistance, which in turn elevates the flow velocity of seminal fluid, which activates the significant and favorable changes for Oocytes getting fertilized within hours of ovulation by means of reasonable volume of semen transport into the female reproductive tract to partake a quick contact with cervical mucus and enter the cervix.

Стан локального цервікального імунітету в жінок із непліддям

Purpose - to study certain indicators of local immunity in women with infertility of various origins and early cervical lesions Materials and methods. The state of local cervical immunity was examined in 496 women, who were divided into groups depending on the cause of infertility, and each group was divided into subgroups A and B depending on the presence of cervical epithelial lesions. 128 women in the Group I had an endocrine cause, 122 patients in the Group II had a tubal-peritoneal factor of infertility, and 121 patients in the Group III had a male factor of fertility disorder. 125 healthy women formed the control group (CG). Subgroup A included women with NILM liquid cytology results: IA - 100 women, IIA - 70, IIIA - 68, GCA - 88. Subgroups B included women with ASC-US (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance), LSIL (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) and HSIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion): IB - 28 patients, IIB - 52, IIIB - 53, CGB - 37. In all patients, the content of interleukin-8 and -6 (IL-8, IL-6), lactoferrin and secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor in the material obtained for liquid cytology was determined by polymerase chain reaction. Results. In all patients with infertility, an increased concentration of secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor (from 314.1 to 398.7 pg/ml) and a decreased lactoferrin content (from 13.6 to 28.6 pg/ml) were found compared to the group of healthy women (114.8 and 64.8 pg/ml, respectively). In women with tubal and peritoneal infertility and male infertility, higher concentrations of IL-8 were found (659.9 to 878.8 pg/ml) than in the group of endocrine infertility (302.9 pg/ml) and in the group of healthy women (282.4 pg/ml). Conclusions. IL-8 content in cervical mucus is probably higher in women with tubal-peritoneal infertility (838 pg/ml) and male infertility (659.9 pg/ml) than in healthy women (289.4 pg/ml) and in women with endocrine infertility (302.3 pg/ml). The content of secretory inhibitor of leukocyte proteinase in cervical mucus was increased in all patients with infertility, regardless of its cause (from 314.1 pg/ml to 398.9 pg/ml), in the group of healthy women - 144.8 pg/ml. 3. The content of lactoferrin in the mucus of the cervical canal was reduced in all patients with impaired fertility (from 13.6 pg/ml to 28.6 pg/ml), in the group of healthy women - 64.8 pg/ml. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the author.

Study of Cervical Mucus Cytology and Serum Inflammatory Biomarkers in Preterm Labour Compared to Term Pregnancy Cases in a Tertiary Care Center of Western Uttar Pradesh (UP), India.

The onset of labor prior to 37 weeks of gestation is preterm labor. Incidence ranges from 5% to 7% of live births in developed countries, but higher in developing countries (10-13%). Preterm birth is a major threat in perinatal health care, as well as a risk factor for neurological impairment and disability. Considering that infection is the major risk factor for preterm labor in rural areas, this study was performed to assess the cytological changes in the cervical mucus of normal-term and preterm labor cases. A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at a tertiary care center in western Uttar Pradesh (UP), India. The sample size calculated was 90. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in cervical mucus, along with serum inflammatory biomarkers such as CRP and serum alkaline phosphatase, were compared in both groups. The incidence of preterm labor increased with an increase in parity, and progression to preterm delivery is faster in the higher parity group. C-reactive protein (CRP) (pvalue= < 0.001) and serum alkaline phosphatases (taking 220IU/L as the cutoff value), as well as the NLR (pvalue < 0.001) in cervical mucus in preterm labor, are significantly higher than those in term labor cases, which can be used to predict preterm labor. Higher levels of serum alkaline phosphatase (> 220 IU/L) and CRP positivity can be used as prognostic markers. Using a cutoff value of 5 for the NLR in the cervical mucusof preterm labor patients proved to be a highly accurate predictor (82.2%) for preterm labor diagnosis.

The effects of long-chain fatty acids supplemented to rations during the transition and early lactation periods on reproductive performance in Simmental cattle with low estrus signs

This study is based on the hypothesis that adding rumen bypass unsaturated fatty acids to rations during the transition and early lactation periods will reduce metabolic stress, milk fat synthesis, and milk fat concentration, increase the prevalence of estrus signs and fertilization rates and facilitate the implantation of the embryo. Thus, it was aimed to reveal the effects of calcium soap of long-chain fatty acids (CSFA) added to rations during the transition and early lactation periods in Simmental cattle with low estrus signs. Primiparous and multiparous Simmental cattle were used in the study. The animals were divided into two groups by random sampling, including 62 animals in the CSFA diet group and 44 animals in the basal ration (control; C) group. The modified Ovsynch protocol was used as the synchronization protocol. Pre-ovulatory follicle and uterine tension values were not significantly different between the CSFA and C groups (p>0.05). The rates of both the standing reflex and cervical mucus were greater in the CSFA group than in C (p<0.05). Conception rates on the 30th-35th and 60th-65th days were greater in the CSFA diet group than in C (p<0.05). Consequently, in this study, a positive correlation was identified between the appearance of estrus signs at the time of TAI application and conception outcomes. It was determined that supplementing 800 g/day CSFA to the rations of Simmental cattle with low rates of estrus signs in the transition and early lactation periods increased estrus signs and conception rates.

CHANGES IN CYTOKINE BALANCE IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH CHRONIC ENDOMETRITIS IN THE PAST MEDICAL HISTORY AND THEIR ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PREECLAMPSIA

Few data regarding the levels of TNF-α, INF-γ and IL-10 in the cervical mucus of pregnant women with the past medicalhistory of chronic endometritis have been found. The abovementioned cytokines have the impact on the course of pregnancy as well as the processes of trophoblast invasion into the spiral arteries of the uterus. Deviations in their levels at the early stages of pregnancy may be associated with the development of preeclampsia at later stages.Purpose: to assess the levels of TNF, INF-γ and cytokine IL-10 in the cervical mucus of pregnant women with a past medicalhistory of chronic endometritis. Additionally, the study aims to determine their role in the development of preeclampsia andevaluate the eff ectiveness of comprehensive preconception treatment in preventing cytokine imbalance and the occurrence of gestational complications.Method and Materials. 135 pregnant women with the past medical history of chronic endometritis have been supervisedduring their pregnancy and received preconception treatment (Group I), as well as 168 women, whose pregnancy occurred in the presence of untreated chronic endometritis (Group II). The control group (CG) involved 20 healthy women. Preconception treatment included the administration of azithromycin, hormonal therapy with Femoston- Comb 2/10, and L-arginine aspartate in combination with folate prophylaxis. During the study, the principles of patient- centered care were followed in accordance with the requirements of the Tokyo Declaration of the World Medical Association, the International Recommendations of the Helsinki Declaration on Human Rights, the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine of the Council of Europe, the Laws of Ukraine, the Orders of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the requirements of the Ethical Code of the Ukrainian physician. The cytokine (TNF-α, INFγ, IL-10) analysis in the cervical mucus was performed at 5-, 17-18 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, using the enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay method with corresponding standard commercial reagent kits from the «Vector BEST» company. The obtained data were processed using mathematical statistical methods, calculating the mean sample values (M), variance (σ) and standard errors of the means (m). Student’s t-test was used for assessment and the likelihood ratio was calculated using the «STATISTICA» software (StatSoft Inc., USA).The paper is an excerpt from the initiative scientifi c research project of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology No.2 at Poltava State Medical University, entitled «Optimization of approaches to the management of pregnancy in women at high risk of obstetric and perinatal pathology» (State registration number 0122U201228, duration:10.2022-09.2027).Results. In pregnant women with a past medical history of chronic endometritis an increase in the levels of INF-γ in cervicalmucus by 2.1 times at 5-6 weeks (p&lt;0.001), by 2.4 times at 17-18 weeks (p&lt;0.001) and by 1.7 times at 32 weeks of pregnancy(p&lt;0.001) compared to corresponding levels of this cytokine in healthy pregnant women, has been detected. Similarly, TNF-αwas by 4.3 times greater at 5-6 weeks of pregnancy compared to the values in the control group (p&lt;0.001), by 3.3 times greater at 17-18 weeks of pregnancy (p&lt;0.001) and by 4.4 times at 32 weeks of pregnancy (p&lt;0.001). All pregnant women with a past medical history of chronic endometritis who had levels of INF-γ in the cervical mucus greater than 66.4 pg/ml and/or levels of TNF-α greater than 90.9 pg/ml at 5-6 weeks of pregnancy subsequently manifested preeclampsia (OR 2.01; 95 % CI [1.1-7.12]; p&lt;0.05 and OR 1.8; 95 % CI [1.2-6.29]; p&lt;0.05 respectively). The level of IL-10 in their cervical mucus was by 4 times higher than the control values at 5-6 weeks of pregnancy (p&lt;0.0001); by 3.1 times higher at 17-18 weeks of pregnancy (p&lt;0.0001) and by 3 times higher at 32 weeks of pregnancy (p&lt;0.0001). This compensates for the increase in pro-infl ammatory cytokines, allowing the TNF-α/IL-10 ratio to remain at a level characteristic of healthy women throughout pregnancy. In treated women, the concentration of INF-γ is by 1.8 times lower than in untreated patients at 5-6 weeks of pregnancy (p&lt;0.0001), by 2.1 times at 17-18 weeks of pregnancy (p&lt;0.0001), and by 1.4 times at 32 weeks of pregnancy (p&lt;0.0001). Similarly, TNF-α in cervical mucus was found to be lower by 3.6 times (p&lt;0.01), 2.6 times (p&lt;0.0001), and 4 times (p&lt;0.001) respectively, in the specifi ed terms. This helps to avoid excessive production of the anti-infl ammatory cytokine IL-10.Conclusions. In women who got pregnant with untreated chronic endometritis, an increased production of cytokines INF-γand TNF-α at the early stages of pregnancy has been established. Comprehensive pregravidar treatment of chronic endometritis allows for the normalization of levels of anti-infl ammatory cytokines INF-γ and TNF-α at the beginning of gestation, which creates conditions for preventing the development of preeclampsia. This leads to a 1.9 times reduction in the frequency of this complication (OR 2.3; 95 % CI [1.25-4.31]; p&lt;0.05), a 1.8 times decrease in the frequency of severe forms of preeclampsia (OR 4.64; 95 % CI [1.23-17.48]; p&lt;0.05) and a delay in the average onset of its manifestations by 4.9 weeks (p&lt;0.0001).