Concentrations In Women Research Articles

Cell-free pregnancy-associated microRNAs in blood plasma as potential biomarker in early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is one of the life-threatening disorders in early pregnancy and current strategies are inadequate in its clinical management. There is a need to identify more accurate biomarkers for early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. This case-control study was conducted in a group of 35 women diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy and 31 women with a normal singleton pregnancy. Patients' characteristics including the level of β-hCG, age, body mass index (BMI), and gestational age have been recorded. The plasma levels of cell-free hsa-miR-411, hsa-miR-433, and hsa-miR-524 were examined by qRT-PCR using specific primers. There was no statistically significant difference in maternal age, gestational age, and BMI between the two groups. β-hCG concentrations in EP were significantly lower than normal pregnancy group. Cell-free hsa-miR-411 and hsa-miR-433 had statistically significant differences in concentrations in women with EP and normal pregnancy. hsa-miR-411 and hsa-miR-433 had better diagnostic values for discriminating EP from normal pregnancy. Moreover, hsa-miR-411 and hsa-miR-433 showed a specificity of 61% and 53%, and a sensitivity of 72% and 79%, respectively. hsa-miR-411 and hsa-miR-433 microRNAs concentrations in plasma have potential as a predicting biomarker for early diagnosis of EP. However, further research is needed before using miRNAs in clinical practice for both diagnostic and therapeutic goals.

Peripartum allopregnanolone blood concentrations and depressive symptoms: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.

Neuroactive steroids including allopregnanolone are implicated in the pathophysiology of peripartum depressive symptoms (PDS). We performed a systematic review searching PubMed/Embase/PsychInfo/Cinhail through 08/2023 (updated in 07/2024), and conducted a random-effects meta-analysis of studies comparing allopregnanolone blood concentrations in women with versus without PDS at various timepoints during the 2nd and 3rd trimester and the postpartum period, calculating standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Meta-regression and subgroup analyses included age, diagnoses of affective disorders before pregnancy, antidepressant treatment, analytical methods, and sample type. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa-scale. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42022354495). We retrieved 13 studies with 2509 women (n = 849 with PDS). Allopregnanolone concentrations did not differ between women with versus without PDS at any timepoint (p > 0.05). Allopregnanolone concentrations assessed during pregnancy did not differ for women with versus without PDS at postpartum follow-up (p > 0.05). Subgroup analyses indicated higher allopregnanolone concentrations in women with versus without PDS at gestational weeks 21-24 and 25-28 (SMD = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.04, 2.11 and SMD = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.26, 1.59 respectively). Moreover, we reported differences between studies using mass-spectrometry combined with chromatography versus immunoassays at gestational weeks 25-28 (p = 0.01) and plasma versus serum samples at gestational weeks 21-24 (p = 0.005). Study quality was rated as poor, good, and fair for two, one and ten studies respectively. PDS were not associated with differences for allopregnanolone concentrations. The use of heterogenous peripartum time points, study cohorts, depression symptom measures and analytical methods has hampered progress in elucidating neuroactive steroid signaling linked to PDS.

The gendered effects of parenthood on career outcomes: Do family gaps explain gender differences along the science pipeline?

This study, based on data from 2225 faculty members at a Portuguese research-intensive university, investigates the combined impact of gender and parental status on academic rank and salary. Parenthood significantly influences women's concentration at lower tenure-track ranks, leading to wage gaps that disadvantage mothers. However, the impact of family status on women's career progression shows that while having young children initially hinders their transition to the tenure track, it does not significantly reduce their chances of earning tenure or reaching higher academic ranks. Lower wages for mothers result from slower academic grade advancement, not within-rank disparities, which poses barriers to progression. The study illuminates the interplay of gender and parenthood, shifting the focus from individual factors to gendered institutional processes shaping career trajectories, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the persistent gender gap in academia.

Correlation between diet, body mass index, and lipid profile in Kosovar women treated for primary infertility

The increasing prevalence of female fertility requires the identification of potentially modifiable factors and non-pharmacological treatments. There is strong evidence that healthy preconception dietary patterns of women of reproductive age have a beneficial effect on fertility. In accordance with the hypothesis, the aim of the study is to evaluate the influence of diet on overweight and obesity in infertile women as well as the correlation of serum lipid concentration by making a comparison between three observed groups with different body mass index (BMI). A total of 107 women who were treated for infertility were investigated. Diet and food pattern survey, BMI, and lipidogram determination from venous blood samples were carried out. The determination of lipidogram parameters was carried out by enzymatic colorimetric test with the COBAS INTEGRA 400 apparatus. From the total number of patients included in the study (107), infertile women with abnormal BMI accounted for 26.16%, while fertile women with normal BMI accounted for 73.83% (p<0.001). The total cholesterol value for groups with BMI>25 kg/m2 was 6.78 mmol/L (p=0.031). High triglycerides with increased BMI were observed (2.27 mmol/L versus 2.68 mmol/L) (p=0.028). Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol had higher concentrations in obese women (n=28), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol had lower concentrations in women with BMI>25 km2 (p<0.05). Western dietary patterns of nutrition results in obesity and increased BMI values in infertile women. Increased BMI has a positive correlation with lipid profile in obese infertile women.

Vitamin D concentration in the blood of women with twin pregnancies and in the umbilical cord blood of newborns in relation to environmental factors.

There is a huge gap in the knowledge of the body's nutrient resources in women with multiple gestations. Due to the increased demand hypothesis and taking into account common vitamin D deficits in women with singleton pregnancies, this issue should also be investigated in twin pregnancies. This study evaluated blood vitamin D concentration in women with twin pregnancies and in the umbilical cord blood of their newborns as well as analyzed environmental factors that may affect the level of this nutrient. The study included 56 women with twin pregnancies. Venous blood samples were collected from the women before delivery and umbilical cord blood at delivery to determine the total 25(OH)D concentration. The women were interviewed by a dietitian to collect data on their diet and lifestyle. The average maternal 25(OH)D concentrations were 38.4 ± 11.0 ng/mL vs. 23.7 ± 6.1 ng/mL determined in the umbilical cord blood of the newborns. The concentration of 25(OH)D in the umbilical cord blood was strongly correlated with the concentration in the mother (p < 0.001). Vitamin D deficiency was found in 7% of women and 21% of newborns. Factors increasing the risk of too low 25(OH)D concentration in the mothers were age below 27 years (p = 0.002) and short duration of pregnancy (p = 0.011). In newborns, the risk factors included low maternal concentrations (p < 0.001) and delivery before 36 weeks of gestation (p = 0.008). The mean cord blood 25(OH)D levels were almost identical in both twins and amounted to 24.0 ± 6.1 ng/mL in the first-born and 23.4 ± 6.1 ng/mL in the second-born infant. Vitamin D supplementation was declared by 98% of the women, with 85% taking ≤2,000 IU vitamin D daily. Only a small percentage of women with twin pregnancies presented with vitamin D deficiency, which was probably related to the widespread supplementation of this nutrient. It can therefore be assumed that a dose of 2,000 IU vitamin D currently recommended for pregnant women may also be appropriate for twin gestations, although further research is required to validate this finding.

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the effects of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).MethodsA total of 60 PCOS women with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized to vitamin D group (2000 IU/day) or control group. The observational parameters were measured at baseline and after treatment, including body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin release test, and lipid metabolism parameters.ResultsThe serum 25(OH)D concentrations at different time points after vitamin D supplementation were significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.05). The BMI, WHR, insulin concentrations, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations in women of Vitamin D group after 12 weeks of treatment were significantly lower than that in women of control group (P < 0.05). The serum insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR at different time points of OGTT, serum TG, TC and LDL-C concentrations in women of vitamin D group (obesity) were significantly lower compared with control group (obesity) (P < 0.05). The BMI, WHR, TG, TC and LDL-C concentration in women of vitamin D group (IR) were significantly lower compared with control group (IR) (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in metabolic parameters between vitamin D group (non-obesity) and control group (non-obesity) (P > 0.05), and these differences of metabolic parameters were also not observed between vitamin D group (non-IR) and control group (non-IR) (P > 0.05).ConclusionVitamin D supplementation had beneficial effects on metabolic parameters in PCOS women, especially in women with obesity or insulin resistance.

O-013 Population pharmacokinetics of follitropin delta during ovarian stimulation

Abstract Study question Which patient characteristics affect serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations in women undergoing ovarian stimulation (OS) with follitropin delta, a human cell line derived FSH? Summary answer Body weight is the main determinant of serum FSH concentrations during OS. Renal function, race, ethnicity, hepatic function and age have at most small influence. What is known already The pharmacokinetics of FSH have been studied in dedicated studies with serial blood sampling, typically conducted in healthy subjects. Such studies are designed to provide detailed pharmacokinetic profile information but lack the statistical power for identifying individual patient characteristics affecting FSH exposure. Population pharmacokinetic modelling enables evaluating the influence of patient characteristics based on few FSH measurements per patient if data from many patients are available. Study design, size, duration Serum FSH concentrations were assessed by immunoassay in seven randomized, controlled, blinded, multicentre trials of follitropin delta in women undergoing an assisted reproductive technology program. The trials were conducted in the United States, Canada, Europe, Brazil, and Asia. In all, 2,721 women treated with follitropin delta contributed to the evaluation with 6,952 FSH measurements. Participants/materials, setting, methods FSH concentrations were described with a pre-specified one-compartment population pharmacokinetic model. The key model parameters were the apparent total clearance (CL/F) of follitropin delta, the interindividual variability in CL/F and the effects of baseline values of body weight, age, race, ethnicity, renal and hepatic function on CL/F. Renal function was assessed using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and hepatic function by alanine transaminase (ALT) and bilirubin levels. Main results and the role of chance Area under the FSH concentration-time curve during a dosing interval (AUC) was derived from dose and CL/F. Body weight had the most pronounced effect on AUC, both in terms of effect magnitude and statistical significance. AUC was 1.28-fold higher (90% confidence limits: 1.25; 1.30) in women with a body weight of 47 kg (5th percentile) compared to women with a median body weight of 62 kg. The effect estimates of eGFR, Asian race and Black race on CL/F were within the bioequivalence limits of 0.80 and 1.25, but with 90% confidence limits not including a value of 1. The effect of Black race was estimated to be a 1.19 fold (90% confidence limits: 1.12; 1.26) higher AUC, as compared to White race. Despite this, the individual estimates of AUC were close to identical comparing these patient populations (mean (SD) relative to a typical study participant: 1.00 (0.25) and 0.97 (0.23), respectively). This is likely due to the mean body weight being higher in Black trial participants compared to White trial participants (78.3 kg compared to 68.2 kg). The effects of age, ethnicity and the hepatic function markers ALT and bilirubin were well within the bioequivalence range of 0.80 – 1.25. Limitations, reasons for caution Potential effects of subject characteristics on PK parameters such as subcutaneous absorption rate or volume of distribution could not be evaluated due to the number of serum FSH concentration measurements available per patient. Wider implications of the findings After follitropin delta administration, serum FSH concentrations are inversely related to body weight; this may be helpful for determining whether there is a need to consider body weight when selecting dose. Trial registration number NCT01426386, NCT02309671, NCT01956110, NCT03228680, NCT03296527, NCT03740737, NCT03738618, NCT03809429

Women’s Agency and HIV/AIDS Knowledge Deprivation: An Analysis of Married Women in Bangladesh

HIV/AIDS knowledge deprivation fosters fear, discrimination, and stigma and, thus, reduces the impact of prevention efforts. This article investigates the socioeconomic determinants of HIV/AIDS knowledge deprivation in Bangladesh, a country largely affected by HIV incidence, using the 2011 and 2014 waves of the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. To analyze the factors impacting the unequal distribution of HIV/AIDS knowledge deprivation among socioeconomic groups, the study proposes a multidimensional knowledge deprivation index and constructs a knowledge deprivation concentration index. Results show that the concentration of knowledge deprivation among the most disadvantaged groups (those with low household wealth) significantly correlates with the concentration of women’s empowerment among the least economically disadvantaged. These findings highlight the role of institutional support for programs improving women’s agency as an important complement to programs that focus on traditional forms of deprivation and disadvantage. HIGHLIGHTS In Bangladesh, women are disproportionally exposed to the risk of HIV/AIDS. Multidimensional HIV/AIDS knowledge deprivation is concentrated among disadvantaged women. Key prevention strategies are those focused on knowledge deprivation. Policies targeting women’s education and employment will reduce the risk of infection. Women’s empowerment and agency improve HIV/AIDS knowledge deprivation.

MTHFR gene polymorphisms and serum homocysteine concentration in women with recurrent miscarriages

MTHFR gene polymorphisms and serum homocysteine concentration in women with recurrent miscarriages

PACAP-38 and sex hormones in women with migraine: exploratory analysis of a cross-sectional, matched cohort study

BackgroundEndogeneous and exogeneous sex hormones can impact the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we investigate the relationship between female sex hormones and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide-38 (PACAP-38) concentrations in plasma of women with migraine and healthy controls, aiming to elucidate potential hormonal influences on PACAP dynamics and their relevance to migraine pathophysiology.MethodsThis analysis is part of a cross-sectional, matched-cohort study. We recruited two groups of women with episodic migraine: one with a regular menstrual cycle (M-RMC) and another undergoing combined oral contraceptive treatment (M-COC). Additionally, we included corresponding age-matched control groups without migraine for both categories (C-RMC and C-COC). For participants with a RMC, the study visits were scheduled during the perimenstrual period (menstrual cycle day 2 ± 2) and periovulatory period (day 13 ± 2). Participants using COC were examined at day 4 ± 2 of the hormone-free interval and between day 7–14 of the hormone intake phase. During these visits, PACAP-38 concentrations in plasma were measured using a commercial Enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit.ResultsThe study included 120 women, with 30 participants in each group. Women with migraine and a RMC had significantly higher PACAP-38 plasma concentrations compared to healthy controls at both study visits [day 2 ± 2: M-RMC: 2547.41 pg/ml (IQR 814.27 – 4473.48) vs. C-RMC: 1129.49 pg/ml (IQR 257.34 – 2684.88), p = 0.025; day 13 ± 2: M-RMC: 3098.89 pg/ml (IQR 1186.29 – 4379.47) vs. C-RMC: 1626.89 (IQR 383.83 – 3038.36), p = 0.028]. In contrast, PACAP-38 levels were comparable between migraine and control groups receiving COC. Women with migraine and a RMC exhibited higher PACAP-38 concentrations during menstruation compared to those using COC during the hormone-free interval.ConclusionSystemic PACAP-38 concentrations in women vary based on the presence of migraine diagnosis and their hormonal status.

Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and kidney stone: a cohort study in the UK Biobank.

To investigate the association between serum 25(OH)D and kidney stone disease (KSD) in participants from the UK Biobank. We used data from the UK Biobank. Our analysis involved Cox proportional hazards models to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to estimate the association between serum 25(OH)D levels (measured at the time of recruitment) and the risk of KSD, which was determined using hospital records. This study involved 444,343 participants, with 4,458 cases of KSD identified during an average follow-up period of 12.6years. Higher 25(OH)D levels were not associated with developing kidney stones in general population model 3 (HR = 0.88 [95% CI 0.77-1.01]). Interestingly, higher serum 25(OH)D concentrations in women over 60years old were associated with a lower risk of kidney stone disease. The multivariate HRs and 95% CIs for participants who had serum 25(OH)D ≥ 50nmol/L or ≥ 75nmol/L, compared with those who were severely deficient (25[OH]D < 25nmol/L), were 0.74 (0.58-0.95), 0.60 (0.43-0.85) for KSD, respectively (P for trend < 0.01). However, this trend was not statistically significant in the subgroup analysis of serum calcium ion concentration. High 25(OH)D levels were not associated with a higher incidence of kidney stones if serum calcium levels are within a normal range. The findings alleviate physiological concerns regarding the supplementation of vitamin D alone to raise serum 25(OH)D concentration.

Xenoestrogen concentration in women with endometriosis or leiomyomas: A case-control study.

Xenoestrogens are synthetic or naturally occurring chemicals capable of altering the endocrine system of humans and animals owing to their molecular similarity to endogenous hormones. There is limited data regarding their effects on women´s health. Chronic exposure to xenoestrogens can promote the development of estrogen-related diseases. To examine xenoestrogen concentration (TEXB-α) differences between women with leiomyomas or endometriosis and control women, and to study the relationship between the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of these patients and their xenoestrogen levels. Prospective case-control study. We selected 221 women who underwent surgery at Quironsalud Madrid University Hospital between 2017 and 2021. The cases included 117 patients: 74 women who underwent surgery for uterine leiomyomas, 21 with endometriosis, and 22 with both pathologies. The control group comprised 104 healthy women who underwent surgical procedures for other reasons. TEXB-α was determined in the omental fat of all patients. Using a questionnaire and reviewing the patients' medical records, we collected sociodemographic data and other relevant variables. A significant majority of study participants (68.8%) had detectable levels of xenoestrogens. We found no association between TEXB-α levels in omental fat and the presence of myomas or endometriosis. In the case group, women living or working in Madrid Community exhibited, on average, 3.12 Eeq pM/g higher levels of TEXB-α compared to those working in other areas (p = 0.030). Women who referred to the use of estrogen-containing hormonal contraceptives had, on average, 3.02 Eeq pM/g higher levels of TEXB-α than those who had never used them (p = 0.022). This study found no association between omental xenoestrogen levels and leiomyomas or endometriosis. However, their presence in most participants and their association with highly polluted areas emphasizes the importance of limiting environmental exposure to these substances. We also identified an association between hormonal contraceptive use and xenoestrogen concentration.

Transcutaneous evaluation of hemoconcentration response to hypoxia simulated and hypobaric hypoxia of 5050 m

Objective: To evaluate the effect of normobaric and hypobaric hypoxia of 5050 m on hemoconcentration response in population without experience to hypoxia and acclimatized population to chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (CIHH). Materials and Methods: 16 subjects without experience to altitudes over 1500 m (9 women/7 men) and 39 subjects acclimatized workers to CIHH at high altitude (5050 m, 9 women/32 men) were recruited. Normobaric hypoxia were performed in 3 steps: 5 min breathing ambient air, 20 min breathing hypoxic air (11,5% O2, equivalent to 5050 m) and 5 min of recovery breathing ambient air. CIHH condition represents a normal exposure characterized by 8 days working at high altitude and 6 days resting at low altitude (&lt;1500 m). Subjects were evaluated at sea level and 5-6th day of exposure to CIHH at 5050 m. In each condition, Hemoglobin concentration (Hb), Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), Methemoglobin (MetHb), Pulse oximetry (SPO2), heart rate (HR) were measured using a transcutaneous sensor (Rad 67 pulse Co-Oximeter, Masimo). Results: In evaluations performed at sea level, both groups of hypoxia (normobaric and CIHH) exhibited a lower hemoglobin concentration in women in comparison with men. During exposure to simulated hypoxia, a significative increase in hemoglobin concentration was showed, associated to decrease in SpO2 and increase in HR. However, an increased level of MetHb in women and men and only increased level of COHb in women were observed. During hypobaric exposure, Hb concentration increased, with reduced SpO2, and increased HR in comparison to sea level. Lower HR was observed in men respect of women. Lower level of COHb was observed in men respect of women. In addition, in women was observed an increase of level COHb related with time of exposure, in contrast, a tendency to reduction in level of COHb and MetHb in men was observed. Conclusion: The use of transcutaneous sensor to measure SpO2 and Hb showed an increase in hemoglobin concentration in normobaric and hypobaric hypoxia, in agreement with previous results from our laboratory. In addition, we reported new information about level of COHb and MetHb in two different model of exposure simulated hypoxia and hypobaric hypoxia at extreme altitude. SUSESO ACHS 279-2022. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Ferroportin concentration in women with asymptomatic pregnancy loss

Ferroportin concentration in women with asymptomatic pregnancy loss

Association of serum vitamin D concentration and miscarriage rate in women with first-trimester threatened miscarriage

Research questionIs low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) associated with an increased risk of miscarriage in women who presented with threatened miscarriage to the Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic (EPAC)? DesignThis was a secondary retrospective analysis using archived serum samples from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Stored serum samples from 371 women presenting to the EPAC with threatened miscarriage during the first trimester were assayed for 25(OH)D by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. ResultsThe overall miscarriage rate was 45/371 (12.1%) in the whole cohort. After grouping vitamin D insufficiency and vitamin D sufficiency together into a ‘non-deficient’ group and excluding participants who underwent termination of pregnancy, there was no difference in the miscarriage rate between those who were vitamin D deficient compared with those who were not (25/205, 12.2% versus 20/157, 12.7%, P= 0.877, odds ratio 0.951, 95% CI 0.507–1.784). When analysed according to the number of gestational weeks, the miscarriage rate was significantly higher in the vitamin D non-deficient group than the vitamin D-deficient group in women who presented at 6 gestational weeks or earlier (13/33 [39.4%] versus 10/58 [17.2%], P= 0.019), but there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups presenting at later gestations. There was no difference in the vitamin D level in women who had a miscarriage compared with those who had a live birth (48 [37–57] versus 47 [37–58] nmol/l, P= 0.725 median [25th–75th percentile]). ConclusionsA low serum vitamin D concentration was not associated with an increased risk of miscarriage in women with threatened miscarriage presenting to the EPAC.

Correlation between anti-müllerian hormone in polycystic ovarian syndrome with metformin: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective This study aims to examine the short-term effects of oral metformin (MET) on serum anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and to verify its impact on AMH concentrations in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods The literature search, extending from January 2000 to April 2023, was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central, resulting in the inclusion of 20 studies. These selected studies, evaluated for quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, investigated changes in AMH levels before and after treatment, with durations ranging from less than three months to over six months. The reported outcomes were quantified as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the registration number CRD42023420705. The statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4.1. Results ① The study incorporated 20 articles, consisting of 12 prospective studies, 7 randomized controlled trials (RCT), and 1 cross-sectional study. ② Serum AMH levels in patients with PCOS diminish subsequent to the oral administration of MET. ③ Across the spectrum of studies analyzed, a pronounced degree of heterogeneity is evident, potentially ascribed to differential parameters including body mass index (BMI), daily pharmacological dosages, the temporal extent of treatment regimens, criteria of PCOS, and detection Methods. ④ The impact of MET on AMH levels exhibits a dose-responsive trend, with escalating doses of MET being associated with progressively greater declines in AMH concentrations in the patient population. ⑤ For women with PCOS receiving MET therapy, a minimum treatment duration of three months may be necessary to observe a reduction in serum AMH levels. Conclusions The results of this meta-analysis indicate that MET treatment exerts a suppressive effect on serum AMH levels in women with PCOS. It appears that a treatment duration of at least three months is required to achieve a significant decrease in AMH concentrations. Furthermore, the influence of MET on AMH is dose-dependent, with higher doses correlating with more pronounced reductions in AMH levels among the patients studied.

Validation of a Model for Predicting Magnesium Concentration in Women with Preeclampsia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

To validate a model for predicting magnesium concentration in magnesium sulfate treatment in preeclampsia. Retrospective cohort study. Setting. Three secondary care hospitals, one accepting neonates from gestational week 28 + 0. Population. Women with preeclampsia undergoing magnesium sulfate treatment. Subjects initially received Zuspan treatment (4 g bolus and 1 g/h maintenance dose), commonly increased by individual titration. Main Outcome Measures. Difference in mean between measured and predicted magnesium concentration. Proportion of women reaching target concentration (>2 mM) in 25 h. 56 women were included, with 356 magnesium measurements available. Mean magnesium concentration was 1.82 mM. The prediction model overestimated magnesium concentration by 0.10 mM (CI 0.04-0.16) but exhibited no bias for weight, creatinine, or treatment duration. Weighted mean infusion rate was 1.22 g/h during 30 hours. Overall success rate in reaching target concentration was 54%, decreasing to 40% in women > 95 kg. Overall success rate at 8 hours was 11%. No toxic concentrations were found. Zuspan regimen is very safe, but slow to reach therapeutic concentrations-despite efforts of individual titration. Success rate is lower in heavy women, which is of particular importance considering their predisposition to develop preeclampsia. The validated pharmacokinetic model performs well and may be used to individually tailor treatment from the outset.

Folic Acid–Fortified Iodized Salt and Serum Folate Levels in Reproductive-Aged Women of Rural India

India has a disproportionately high prevalence of neural tube defects, including spina bifida and anencephaly (SBA), causing a high number of stillbirths, elective pregnancy terminations, and child mortality; India contributes a large proportion of the global burden of SBA. Thirty years after folic acid was shown to be effective in reducing SBA prevalence, only about one-quarter of such births are prevented globally through cereal grain fortification. To determine the association of folic acid-fortified iodized salt with serum folate concentrations among nonpregnant and nonlactating women of reproductive age. This nonrandomized controlled trial using a preintervention and postintervention design was conducted in 4 rural villages in Southern India from July 1 to November 30, 2022. All households in the villages agreed to participate in the study. Preintervention and postintervention serum folate levels were analyzed among study participants at baseline and after 4 months, respectively. Consumption of approximately 300 µg/d of folic acid using double fortified salt (folic acid plus iodine). Median serum folate concentrations were assessed at baseline and 4 months. Change in median serum folate levels between baseline and study end point as the primary outcome of the study. A total of 83 nonpregnant nonlactating women aged 20 to 44 years (mean [SD] age, 30.9 [5.1] years) were eligible for the study and provided serum samples for analysis at baseline and the end point of the intervention. The median serum folate concentration increased from 14.6 (IQR, 11.2-20.6) nmol/L at baseline to 54.4 (IQR, 43.5-54.4) nmol/L at end of study, a 3.7-fold increase from baseline to study end point. Two-tailed Wilcoxon signed rank test showed the median difference in preintervention and postintervention serum folate concentrations to be highly significant (P < .001). The participants found the salt acceptable in color and taste. Use of folic acid-fortified iodized salt was associated with increased serum folate concentrations in women of reproductive age. This novel evidence can inform public health policy to accelerate SBA prevention. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06174883.

Evaluation of normal range of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin d in iraqi healthy adults: demographic and socioeconomic effects.

Aim: To determine the normal range of serum levels of total 25(OH)VD in Iraqi healthy adult subjects and to relate its level with demographic profile and socioeconomic status.. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out at Iraq and the samples were collected during the period from August 2019 to January 2020. It included 649 adult subjects apparently healthy, from three governorates (Baghdad, Al-Anbar and Al-Basrah), Investigations included serum measurement of total 25(OH)D in all included individuals by using ELISA technique. Age, gender, marital state, blood pressure, smoking, sunshine exposure (%), hours of exposure/day, percentage of body surface area exposed, body mass index (BMI) subgroups, waist circumference (WC) subgroups, diet type, sport type and time, geographic factor (governorate) were measured and / or calculated and the levels of 25(OH)D were studied according to each of these factors. Results: The mean ± SD level of 25(OH)D in total (n=649) studied Iraqi subjects was (16.29 ± 8.22 ng/ml), with women were significantly deficient than men (15.76 ± 6.89 ng/ml, 17.14 ± 6.85 ng/ml; p < 0.01 respectively). However, there was no significant differences in mean values of serum 25(OH)D levels among studied governorates, subgroups of BMI, WC, marital status, smokers and nonsmoker and subgroups of age. The mean value of serum 25(OH)D was found to be decreased in January, October and November as well as according to diet and sport types. There was significant positive correlation between total 25(OH)D and sun exposed surface area, sun exposure duration and with sun exposure area. Conclusions: The mean (±SD) value of serum total 25(OH)D in Iraqi healthy subjects was 16.29 ng/ml (±8.22) reflecting the actual body status of this vitamin with lower concentration in women than in men. Type and time of sport and diet type were the major vitamin D dependent factors.

The Impact of Folic Acid-Fortified Iodized Salt on Serum Folate Concentration in Women of Reproductive Age- A Longitudinal Interventional Study Based in South India

The Impact of Folic Acid-Fortified Iodized Salt on Serum Folate Concentration in Women of Reproductive Age- A Longitudinal Interventional Study Based in South India