Control Group Of Healthy Women Research Articles

Evaluation of Renin Level and Some Hormones in Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most frequent gynecological endocrinopathy that occurs in premenopausal females. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between PCOS and Renin Angiotensin Aldosteron system, by measuring the levels of renin, ACE, Kallikren5, FSH and LH in follicular and luteal phase, in addition to evaluating the level of kallikrein 5, which belongs to the kallikrein-kinin system associated with the renin system. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is well known as regulator of electrolytes and blood pressure. Renin is previously considered a major enzyme in this system. The study included 90 blood samples for married women of childbearing age between (18-45) years. These samples included 70 samples for women with polycystic ovary syndrome, which were divided into two groups (35 samples in each one), the first was withdrawn in the follicular phase, named PA, and the second in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle named PB. As for the remaining 20 samples, they represented the control group of healthy women, which were also divided into two groups (CA and CB) as happened with the patient group. In this study, the levels of serum Renin, ACE, LH, FSH and Kallikren5 were evaluated in PCOS patients and compared with the control group in both phases. The results were analyzed by T-Test and ROC. There were no significant differences between patients and the control group in terms of ACE activity or FSH (P>0.05). The results demonstrated that LH, Renin, and Kallikren5 were higher in patient group in both phases (P<0.05). Renin Angiotensin system was affected by PCOS.

Comparative Characterization of Procalcitonin (Sensitivity, Specificity, Predictability, and Cut-Off Reference Values) as a Marker of Inflammation in Odontogenic Abscesses of the Head and Neck in the Female Population.

Introduction Odontogenic abscesses of the head and neck can lead to serious complications and even end in death. This requires healthcare professionals to have a good knowledge of all the markers of inflammation that can be used in their diagnosis and treatment. Such markers that we use in our daily medical practice are leukocytes (WBC), neutrophils (Neu), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Somehow, in the background is procalcitonin (PCT), which has not been studied in detail in this type of purulent infection. The aim of the present study is to investigate and analyze PCT in odontogenic purulent infections of the head and neck in the female population and to compare it with already proven markers of inflammation such as CRP, WBC, and Neu. For the first time in the literature, as per our knowledge, the sensitivity, specificity, and predictability of PCT were determined when using it as an independent indicator of inflammation, and its cut-off reference values were determined in women with odontogenic abscesses of the head and neck. Materials and methods This is a prospective study, in which the CRP, WBC, Neu, and PCT of 30 women with odontogenic abscesses of the head and neck with a mean age of 47 (18-81) years were examined and analyzed. As a control group, we included 30 healthy women with a mean age of 48 (18-80) years, in whom there was no anamnestic and physical evidence of the presence of any infection in the last three months. The four markers were measured for the control group too. Results In the clinical group of women with odontogenic abscesses of the head and neck, the average values of CRP, WBC, Neu, and PCT were significantly higher (p<0.0001) compared to the same in the control group of healthy women; CRP: 95.46±76.41 mg/l vs. 0.63±0.37 mg/l, WBC: 10.44±2.97x103/L vs. 6.5±1.49x103/L, Neu: 7.92±2.93x103/L vs. 4.03±1.07x103/L, PCT: 0.74±0.69 ng/ml vs. 0.14±0.08 ng/ml. Discussion PCT, as well as CRP, WBC, and Neu, increases its plasma concentration in women with odontogenic abscesses of the head and neck and is extremely well positively correlated with them, with a high correlation with CRP and a significant correlation with WBC and Neu. In addition, PCT has a number of advantages over the other markers; it begins to increase its plasma concentration faster, reaches its maximum plasma concentration faster, normalizes its concentration faster after the infection subsides, and increases its blood level only in bacterial infection genesis. Conclusions PCT as a marker of inflammation not only positively correlates well with CRP, WBC, and Neu but also, with its advantages over them, it appears to be the most accurate indicator in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of odontogenic head and neck abscessesin the near future; not only in women but also in the male and children's population. Its sensitivity, specificity, and predictability as an independent indicator of inflammation are 80%, 76.7%, and 83%, respectively, and its cut-off value of 0.225 ng/ml is lower than the generally accepted 0.5 ng/ml.

The anti-Müllerian hormone: A useful tool for diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent endocrine disorder that affects reproductive-age women with important long-term health implications. As such, the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was proposed as a helpful test to identify women with PCOS. The aim of this study was to determine an AMH cut-off value for the diagnosis of PCOS. This was a two-year cross-sectional study including women of reproductive age, diagnosed with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria (2003). The control group of healthy women was age-matched. AMH was performed using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. AMH levels were compared and evaluated with the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. A total of 130 women were enrolled in this study. Of these, 65 were diagnosed with PCOS, and 65 were healthy. No significant difference was detected in body mass index between the two groups. AMH levels were significantly higher in women with PCOS (p =<0.001). No significant difference in AMH levels was detected between PCOS phenotypes. A cut-off of 25.1 pmol/L (3.5ng/mL) could discriminate women with PCOS from controls with a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 72.3%. The area under the curve was 0.811 (95% CI: 0.73-0.88). Our study suggests that AMH had good diagnostic potential as a complement to Rotterdam criteria for PCOS diagnosis in reproductive-age women of Tunisian origin.

Analysis of oxidative stress and antioxidative potential in premature ovarian insufficiency.

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterized by an early decline in ovarian function, inducing secondary amenorrhea. While the cause of POI has not yet been identified, the function of mitochondria in the ovaries and the cytotoxicity associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in follicle pool depletion and a decline in follicle quality. Recently developed tests have enabled easy measurement of diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP). The combination of these two tests is used to comprehensively assess oxidative stress in the blood. To comprehensively assess the oxidative stress of d-ROMs and BAP in POI. Participants were classified into two groups: A POI group of 11 women aged < 40 years examined between January 2021 and June 2022 with a history of secondary amenorrhea for at least 4 mo in our hospital and an FSH value of ≥ 40 mIU/mL; and a control group of healthy women of the same age with normal ovarian function in our hospital. Plasma d-ROMs and BAP were measured in both these groups underwent. Differences between groups were assessed using the t-test. The mean age and mean body mass index (BMI) were 35.8 ± 3.0 years and 20.1 ± 1.9 kg/m2 in the control group and 35.8 ± 2.7 years and 19.4 ± 2.5 kg/m2 in the POI group, respectively. The mean gravidity and parity in control and POI groups were 0.6 ± 0.7 and 0.4 ± 0.5 and 0.6 ± 0.9 and 0.3 ± 0.5, respectively. The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of mean age, BMI, gravidity, or parity. The d-ROMs level was significantly higher in the POI group than in the control group (478.2 ± 58.7 vs 341.1 ± 35.1 U.CARR; P < 0.001); however, the BAP level did not significantly differ between the two groups (2078.5 ± 157.4 vs 2029.0 ± 186.4 μmol/L). The oxidase stress index (d-ROMs/BAP × 100) was significantly higher in the POI group than in the control group (23.7 ± 3.3 vs 16.5 ± 2.1; P < 0.001). Oxidative stress was significantly greater in the POI group than in the control group, suggesting oxidative stress as a factor that can serve as a POI biomarker.

A cross-sectional comparative study of self-compassion, body perception, and post-traumatic growth in women diagnosed with breast cancer versus those without a cancer diagnosis

Background: The diagnosis of breast cancer is a traumatic experience that might have a psychological impact on patients. Studies have revealed that self-compassion is significantly related to body image and post-traumatic growth. Objectives: We aimed to compare the relationship between self-compassion, post-traumatic growth, and body image between healthy individuals and patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a causal-comparative model and was conducted between May 8, 2022, and June 15, 2022, via open social media platforms. We enrolled women aged 18-65 years who resided in Mersin, Türkiye. Our cohort consisted of women with breast cancer and a control group of healthy women who had not been diagnosed with breast cancer. We used the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, Self-Compassion Scale, the Body Cathexis Scale, and sociodemographic data forms for collecting information from participants. Results: We enrolled 174 participants; 80 patients with breast cancer, and 94 healthy controls. Self-compassion showed a higher prediction for post-traumatic growth in the group of patients with breast cancer (P &lt; 0.001), whereas it showed a higher prediction for body image in the group of healthy individuals (P &lt; 0.001). In patients with breast cancer, changes in relationships with others (P, 0.032) were higher, while body perception (P &lt; 0.001) and self-compassion (P, 0.046) were lower than in individuals without a diagnosis of breast cancer. Furthermore, we found that patients with breast cancer who perceived that they had been provided with sufficient disease-related information showed higher scores on the self-compassion scale (P, 0.013). Conclusions: Self-compassion is an internal resource that can aid women in adjusting to the physical and psychological changes resulting from cancer or any kind of traumatic experience. Furthermore, self-compassion can be a solution for body dissatisfaction.

Placental dysfunction in congenital heart disease: Insights from anatomical pathology

Women with congenital heart disease are at increased risk of obstetric and fetal complications during pregnancy. Placental dysfunction seems to emerge among the different etiological hypotheses. However, studies supporting this pathway are scarce, especially histopathological studies. The objectives of this study were to describe the placental lesions observed in pregnant women with CHD and to compare these findings with placentas from a control group of healthy women. In this single-center prospective study, we reported the results of 69 histopathological analyses (43 placentas from CHD and 26 from healthy women). Pathological findings were classified according to the Amsterdam Placental Workshop Group Consensus. In the control group, patients with comorbidities or risk factors for pre-eclampsia or fetal growth restriction were excluded. Patients were matched for age and BMI. Median gestational age at delivery was 38 [36–38.5] weeks for CHD group vs. 39.4 [38.5–40] weeks for control group ( P < 0.001). Pathologies were identified in 84% of CHD placentas vs. 42% of healthy placentas ( P < 0.001). Among the CHD group, there was 49% of anatomic pathologies, the main one being low placental weight for gestational age (95%). There was also 46% of vascular, 16% of infectious and 9% of inflammatory pathologies. The rate of small placentas for gestational age was significantly higher in the CHD group (46% vs. 15%, P = 0.009). As vascular pathologies, maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) was significantly more frequent in CHD placentas (28% vs. 8%, P = 0.043). There was no significant difference between groups for infectious, inflammatory and other lesions: choriomanionitis, chorangiosis and villitis ( Fig. 1 ). Pregnant women with CHD had significantly more placental histopathologic abnormalities than healthy women. The most common placental pathologies were anatomic and vascular abnormalities. Small placenta for gestational age and MVM were significantly more present in CHD placentas. These results support the hypothesis of placental dysfunction in CHD women.

O-Glycosylation Changes in Serum Immunoglobulin G Are Associated with Inflammation Development in Advanced Endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease, the pathogenesis of which seems to be directly related to inflammatory processes with an immune basis. Our study aimed to analyze the O-glycosylation of native serum IgG and IgG isolated from sera of women with advanced endometriosis, without endometriosis but with benign gynecological diseases, and from a control group of healthy women, in the context of its utility for differentiation of advanced endometriosis from the other two groups of women studied. For the analysis of serum IgG O-glycosylation and the expression of multi-antennary N-glycans, lectin-ELISA with lectins specific to O-glycans (MPL, VVL, and Jacalin) and highly branched N-glycans (PHA-L) was used. The relative reactivities of isolated serum IgG O-linked glycans with specific lectins as well as the MPL/VVL O-glycosylation ratio were significantly higher in patients with advanced endometriosis and those with other gynecological diseases when compared to the control group of healthy women. We also showed significantly higher expression of PHA-L-reactive multi-antennary N-glycans in isolated IgG in the advanced endometriosis and the non-endometriosis groups in comparison to the control group. Additionally, significantly higher expression of Jacalin-reactive O-glycans in isolated IgG was observed in the non-endometriosis than in the advanced endometriosis group. The results of the ROC curve and cluster analysis additionally confirmed that the lectin-based analysis of isolated serum IgG O-glycosylation and the expression of highly branched N-glycans may help distinguish women with advanced endometriosis from healthy women. Moreover, the analysis of the expression of Jacalin-reactive i-IgG O-glycans may be helpful in differentiation between women with advanced endometriosis and patients with other gynecological diseases with an inflammatory background. In the case of non-endometriosis patients, the observed differences were most probably caused by increased expression of core 3 type O-glycans.

P-373 T657C SYCP3 mutation increases the risk of recurrent miscarriage: a meta-analysis

Abstract Study question Is the carrying the unfavorable SYCP3 mutation T657C polymorphism increase risk of recurrent miscarriage? Summary answer We showed that carrying the T657C polymorphism of the SYCP3 mutation of the synaptonemal complex contributes among the genetic causes of recurrent miscarriage. What is known already Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is one of the most common reproductive problems. RPL occurs in 0.5-3% of married couples. The causes of RNP are varied. One of the reasons may be the carriage of an unfavorable polymorphism T657C mutation SYCP3. However, previous studies show conflicting results on mutation rates in women with RPL. Study design, size, duration Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is one of the most common reproductive problems. RPL occurs in 0.5-3% of married couples. The causes of RNP are varied. One of the reasons may be the carriage of an unfavorable polymorphism T657C mutation SYCP3. However, previous studies show conflicting results on mutation rates in women with RPL. Participants/materials, setting, methods We performed a meta-analysis to determine the strength of the evidence supporting the contribution of carrying the unfavorable SYCP3 mutation T657C polymorphism to recurrent miscarriage. We searched 2 databases (PubMed, Google Scholar) for studies reporting the impact of T657C SYCP3 mutation on recurrent miscarriage up to 20 October 2021. We built a funnel plot to assess the presence of publication bias.The odd ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) served as pooled results. Main results and the role of chance The review included four studies with 1161 patients: 529 patients with RPL and 632 healthy women. Compared with the control group of healthy women, the risk of recurrent miscarriage increased by 2.37 times with the T657C SYCP3 mutation (RR 2.37, 95% CI 1.39, 4.01, P &amp;lt;0.001). Limitations, reasons for caution The review included studies on different ethnic groups, patients were of different ages, which could affect the results of the studies. Wider implications of the findings Determining whether women with recurrent miscarriage belong to the carriers of the unfavorable polymorphism T657C of the SYCP3 mutation in the population will help in accumulating knowledge and understanding the processes of pregnancy loss. Trial registration number not avaliable

Long-term Quality of Life and Sexual Function After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Radical Surgery for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer survivors report the worst quality of life (QoL) among all cancer survivors and this is mainly due to their younger age and the long-term treatment sequelae. The purpose of this study is to assess the long-term QoL and sexual function of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and radical hysterectomy (RH) instead of the standard chemoradiotherapy. This is a retrospective case-control study including LACC patients (FIGO stage IIB-IVA) treated with the NACT-RH strategy and a control group of healthy women undergoing hysterectomy for uterine fibromatosis in the same period. Main outcome measures were the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-CX24 for quality of life and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for sexual function. Overall, 96 patients were included: 48 LACC and 48 controls. The mean age at diagnosis was 45.5 ± 9.0 and 47.0 ± 7.8, respectively (P=.38). Compared to controls, LACC patients reported lower mean scores for the global health status (69.4 ± 22.6 vs 81.2 ± 24.3; Mean Difference (MD): -11.80 [95% CI: -21.19, -2.41]; P=.016), QLQ-C30 functional scale (80.1 ± 22.6 vs 92.4 ± 14.9; MD: -12.30 [95% CI: -19.96, -4.64]; P=.002), QLQ-Cx24 functional scale (55.5 ± 25.0 vs 80.4 ± 22.4; MD: -24.00 [95% CI: -34.40, -15.40]; P < .001), and the total FSFI (19.3 ± 9.6 vs 26.2 ± 9.9; MD: -6.90 [95% CI: -10.80, -3.00]; P < .001). On the other hand, LACC patients reported higher mean scores on the QLQ-C30 (16.9 ± 22.1 vs 8.4 ± 16.6; MD: 8.50 [95% CI: 0.68, 16.32]; P=.03) and QLQ-CX24 (26.0 ± 28.8 vs 15.0 ± 11.7; MD: 11.00 [95% CI: -2.21, 19.79]; P=.01) symptoms scales. The confirmed poor quality of life even in surgically treated LACC survivors underlines the importance of tailoring parametrectomy based on lymph node status and developing personalized strategies. The study assessed the long-term QoL and sexual function in the specific subpopulation of LACC patients treated with NACT-RH. Main limitations include the small sample size and the retrospective design. LACC long-term survivors treated with NACT-RH experience poor QoL and sexual dysfunction. Palaia I, Santangelo G, Caruso G, et al. Long-term Quality of Life and Sexual Function After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Radical Surgery for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer. J Sex Med 2022;19:613-619.

The Alterations of Serum IgG Fucosylation as a Potential Additional New Diagnostic Marker in Advanced Endometriosis.

BackgroundEndometriosis is an inflammatory disease leading to the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterus, which affects approximately 10% of young women of reproductive potential. The diagnosis of this disease is difficult, often invasive and time-consuming, therefore non-invasive diagnostic methods are strongly desirable in endometriosis detection. The aim of our project was to investigate whether any associations exist between the expression of serum IgG fucosylation and advanced stages of endometriosis. We were also interested in whether native serum IgG (s-IgG) fucosylation analysis, without prior IgG isolation, could provide a panel of parameters helpful in non-invasive diagnostics of advanced endometriosis.MethodsIgG fucosylation was examined using a lectin-ELISA test with fucose-specific lectins: AAL and LCA, specific for core fucose α1,6-linked, as well as LTA and UEA which recognize α1,3- and α1,2-linked fucose, respectively.ResultsROC curve and cluster analysis showed s-IgG reactivities with the panel of fucose-specific lectins AAL, LCA and LTA.Conclusions-IgG reactivity with the panel of fucose-specific lectins AAL, LCA and LTA can be taken into account as a useful diagnostic and clinical tool to differentiate women with advanced endometriosis. Moreover, it has been shown that the analysis of native IgG fucosylation directly in serum, without prior time-consuming, expensive IgG isolation, is sufficient to distinguish advanced stages of endometriosis from a control group of healthy women.

Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) in patients with ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer remains a very common cause of death among women worldwide. The cause is to be found in too late of a diagnostic process and therapeutic difficulties The presence of heat shock proteins in the serum of ovarian cancer patients is still a new area of study. It is necessary to continue studies on the possibilities for using these markers to predict a patient's response to a specific therapy and to monitor treatment progress. The study included 52 women with ovarian cancer, hospitalised at the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncological Gynaecology, Medical University of Silesia. The control group consisted of 25 healthy women. The levels of HSP27 in the studied sera were determined by an immunoenzymatic method (ELISA). The mean concentration of HSP27 in the group of patients with ovarian cancer was significantly higher than in the control group of healthy women. We have shown that mean HSP27 levels in ovarian cancer patients increase with tumour progression and further depend on the clinical stage of the disease (FIGO). Positivity values analysis revealed in all clinical stages of ovarian cancer, excluding stage 1, it was significantly higher than in the control group, and at the 4th stage, it is significantly higher than at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd stages. However, both for the untreated patients and those patients after chemotherapy, the mean HSP27 levels were significantly higher than in the control group. Our studies indicate a significant contribution of HSP27 to the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer. It seems that serum HSP27 can be a marker for this cancer's development, and a marker for the clinical stage.

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in Gynecologic Oncology Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in gynecologic oncology patients under chemotherapy. Methods: A prospective cohort study including gynecologic oncology women who were under chemotherapy or had completed it within 6 months at the time of the study. All patients received a two-dose schedule of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Results were compared with a control group of healthy women vaccinated in the same period. Results: Overall, 44 oncologic patients with a mean age of 61.3 ± 10.7 years were enrolled: 28 (63.6%) had ovarian cancer, 9 (20.4%) endometrial, and 7 (16%) cervical. The IgG antibody titer after 1 month from vaccination was low in 9 (20.5%) patients, moderate in 21 (47.7%), and high in 14 (31.8%). The 3-month titer was null in 2 (4.5%) patients, low in 26 (59.1%), moderate in 13 (29.5%), and high in 3 (6.8%). Patients ≥ 50 years reported lower 1-month (p = 0.018) and 3-month (p = 0.004) titers compared with <50 years. Patients with BMI < 30 kg/m2 had a higher 1-month titer compared with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (p = 0.016). Compared with healthy women (n = 44), oncologic patients showed a lower 3-month titer (p < 0.001). None of the patients experienced serious adverse effects. Conclusions: The COVID-19 vaccine was safe and immunogenic in gynecologic oncology patients under chemotherapy. Serological monitoring and further vaccine shots should be considered to boost protection.

Effects of controlled ovarian stimulation on vascular barrier and endothelial glycocalyx: a pilot study

PurposeControlled ovarian stimulation significantly amplifies the number of maturing and ovulated follicles as well as ovarian steroid production. The ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) increases capillary permeability and fluid extravasation. Vascular integrity intensely is regulated by an endothelial glycocalyx (EGX) and we have shown that ovulatory cycles are associated with shedding of EGX components. This study investigates if controlled ovarian stimulation impacts on the integrity of the endothelial glycocalyx as this might explain key pathomechanisms of the OHSS.MethodsSerum levels of endothelial glycocalyx components of infertility patients (n=18) undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation were compared to a control group of healthy women with regular ovulatory cycles (n=17).ResultsPatients during luteal phases of controlled ovarian stimulation cycles as compared to normal ovulatory cycles showed significantly increased Syndecan-1 serum concentrations (12.6 ng/ml 6.1125th–19.1375th to 13.9 ng/ml 9.625th–28.975th; p=0.026), indicating shedding and degradation of the EGX.ConclusionA shedding of EGX components during ovarian stimulation has not yet been described. Our study suggests that ovarian stimulation may affect the integrity of the endothelial surface layer and increasing vascular permeability. This could explain key features of the OHSS and provide new ways of prevention of this serious condition of assisted reproduction.

The effect of vulvar lichen sclerosus on sexual dysfunction

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory dermathosis that affects the vulva. Many women with LS complain about pain in the vulva, which usually often affects a patient’s life quality. This study describes the results of comparing the sexual function of patients with vulva lichen sclerosis (VLS) with reports of pain and without, to a control group of healthy people.The objective: a determination of the spread of sexual dysfunction in women with VLS.Materials and methods. On the basis of the gynecological office for routine screening / preventive care of the outpatient department in the National Cancer Institute and the clinic “Verum”, a case-control study was carried out to determine the relationship between VLS and sexual dysfunction. A total of 235 women were included in the study. 140 women with a confirmed by biopsy the diagnosis VLS were compared with a control group. We studied the current health complaints, medical and surgical history, current symptoms such as pain and itching, the type and frequency of sexual intercourse and level of satisfaction with sexual activity. The assessment of the severity of pain was carried out according to the McGill scale, the type and frequency of sexual relations and the level of satisfaction with sexual activity - according to the results of questionnaires.Results. Women with VLS reported less sexual activity than women of the control group (p=0.007). In the study, sexually active women with VLS were significantly less likely to report vaginal intercourse (71.6%) than «healthy» controls (89.0%, p=0.003), although similar proportions of all groups indicated that vaginal contact was important for them. Satisfaction with the quality of sexual activity was significantly lower among the women with VLS compared with the control group of «healthy» patients. 25% of women with VLS reported that sexual activity was rarely or never satisfying, compared with 2,11% of the control group of healthy women (p&lt;0.0001).Conclusion. Women with vulva lichen sclerosis have less frequent and less satisfying sexual activity compared to the control group.

Вивчення стану новонароджених дітей від матерів із захворюваннями сечовидільної системи

The research aim is to study factors of perinatal complications among women with diseases of the urinary system on the basis of retrospective analysis of their newborns' condition. Materials and Methods. A total of 160 women with urinary diseases were selected for the study in Lviv Regional Clinical Hospital from 2014 to 2017. We studied the development of infants born to women with a clinical diagnosis of "Diseases of the urinary system". The newborns' gestational age at birth, anthropometric indicators, and condition assessment on the Apgar scale were analyzed. The obtained indicators were compared with similar parameters in the control group of healthy women that had given birth to live children in the same maternity department during the same period of time. Results and Discussion. We analyzed the condition of infants born to 130 women with urinary diseases. 68 of them were hospitalized with pyelonephritis, and 62 - with chronic pyelonephritis. The control group included 30 healthy female patients. The gestation age analysis showed that the number of preterm babies was higher in the group of infants born to mothers with acute pyelonephritis - 13 cases (10.0%) and even much higher in the group of mothers with chronic pyelonephritis - 25 cases (19.2%). These results were compared with the data obtained from the control group in which 30 full-term babies (100.0%) were born, (p &lt;0.05). In the group of women with acute pyelonephritis, the majority of infants were born with the body weight more than 2500.0 g - 55 cases (42.3%), and 13 (10.0%) infants with the birth weight less than 2500.0 g. The mothers with chronic pyelonephritis gave birth to infants with the body weight less than 2500.0 g in 37 cases studied (28.5%). There was also a significant number of low birth weight newborns in this group - 25 cases (19.2%). In the control group, all 30 babies (100.0%) were born healthy weighing over 2500.0 g. Infants receiving less than 7 points on the Apgar scale were born to women with acute pyelonephritis in 15 cases (11.5%) and to mothers with chronic pyelonephritis in 25 cases (19.2%). In the group of healthy women, all newborns' condition was satisfactory. Conclusions. Women with urinary pathology are confirmed to be at risk of perinatal complications. The research has revealed the significant differences in gestational age, birth weight, and the Apgar score among infants born to women in the main and control groups (p&lt;0.05). The infants whose mothers suffered from urinary pathology were often born prematurely: 13 (10.0%) - to mothers with acute pyelonephritis and 25 (19.2%) - to mothers with chronic pyelonephritis. At the same time the infants in the control group were born healthy (100.0%). Therefore, women with urinary pathology are recommended to be included in the "risk group" for perinatal complications.

Sexual function in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case-control study.

The effect of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in sexual function is one of the least studied areas. There are few previous studies that investigate sexual function in SLE, and current evidence indicates a negative impact. The main objective of this study is to evaluate sexual function in Mexican women with SLE and compare if sexual dysfunction occurs in a greater proportion than in healthy women. A case-control study with 102 Mexican women between 18 and 60years, with SLE diagnosis and a control group of healthy women (n = 156) matched by age. They were asked about their sexual life in the last month, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) self-questionnaire was applied. Variables between groups were compared with Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U test. SLE women had less sexual activity than controls (63.7% vs 77.5%, p = 0.01). Out of the total, the FSFI was applied only to those that had an active sexual life, 65 with SLE and 121 healthy women. Sexual dysfunction (< 26.5 points) was found in 28% women with SLE and in 22% of controls, with no significant differences (p = 0.4). In the SLE group, a worse performance was found in the desire and excitation domains compared to healthy women. SLE women had less active sexual life than healthy women, but no greater sexual dysfunction. However, they performed worse in the desire and excitation domains. This alteration did not show a relation with demographic nor disease-related variables.

Lifestyle, Anxiety,Depression, and Clinical Profile in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Initial Results From the Brazilian PCOS Study

Brazil is a large country with rich cultural and ethnic diversity among its different regions. In this ongoing nationwide collaborative study, we are evaluating modifiable lifestyle factors, metabolic and reproductive abnormalities and prevalence of anxiety/depression in a less-well represented population of women with PCOS from Brazil. The design of the Brazilian PCOS study has been published previously1. Briefly, the study is being conducted in the outpatient clinics of university hospitals within the public health care network (Unified Health System - SUS) across the country. The sample includes women with PCOS diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria and a control group of healthy women matched by age and geographic region. Collected data are being incorporated into a unified cloud database. Two hundred five participants have been enrolled thus far (17% of an expected sample size of 1,200 women). Age, years of formal education and socioeconomic class were similar among PCOS phenotypes and the control group. The prevalence of PCOS phenotypes in this sample was 64.7% for phenotypes A + B, 25% for phenotype C, and 10.3% for phenotype D. Phenotypes A + B and D had higher prevalence of obesity (BMI>30) (p=0.001) and metabolic syndrome as compared to the other groups (32.4% in A + B and 50% in D vs. 16% in C and 5.9% in controls; p=0.002). Total testosterone levels, determined by mass spectrometry were higher in PCOS A+B than in the other phenotypes, even after adjustment for BMI (p<0.001). Sedentariness (<150 min/week of physical activity) was present in more than 60% of participants in all PCOS phenotypes and in controls, with no difference between the groups. More than 70% of participants in all PCOS phenotypes had a fruit and vegetable intake below 5 portions/day. Anxiety/depression (SRQ-20) was frequent in phenotypes A + B (41.6%) and D (56.3%) vs. phenotype C (23.1%) and controls (28.6%) (p=0.062). These initial results suggest that PCOS participants, besides often presenting metabolic abnormalities have an unhealthy lifestyle and high prevalence of psychological distress. Analysis of the full study sample will be useful to guide specific public strategies for primary and secondary prevention of psychological, metabolic and reproductive comorbidities in the PCOS population of Brazil. 1Spritzer PM, et al. BMJ Open. 2019; 9:e029191.

Integral assessment of lipoperoxidation processes in women with ovarian hyperandrogenism

Aim. To assess the state of the ‘lipid peroxidation – antioxidant defense’ system using an integral indicator (coefficient of oxidative stress) in women with ovarian hyperandrogenism in various periods of reproductive age. Materials and methods . During an annual preventive medical examination at the Scientific Сentre for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, 92 women of reproductive age (18–45 years old) were divided into a group of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) ( n = 47) and a control group of healthy women ( n = 45). The group of women with PCOS was further divided into subgroups according to age characteristics: the 1st subgroup consisted of women with PCOS of early reproductive age (18–35 years old), and the 2nd group had women with PCOS of late reproductive age (35–45 years old). Practically healthy women of the corresponding ages made up the 3rd and 4th control subgroups. Standard methods were used to study the LPO–antioxidant defense system. The oxidative stress severity was assessed by an integral indicator: the coefficient of oxidative stress. Results . An increase in ketodiens and coupled trienes serum levels, a decrease in reduced glutathione, α-tocopherol and retinol levels, and an increase in SOD activity in PCOS women of reproductive age (18–45 years old) were detected in comparison with the control group. Early reproductive age PCOS women also demonstrated an increase in oxidized glutathione and retinol concentration decrease. In the late reproductive age group of PCOS women, an increased superoxide dismutase activity was registered. The integral indicator of oxidative stress in the main group of women with PCOS was 2.5, which shows the enhancement of oxidative processes, and imbalance in the LPO–antioxidant defense system. This indicator was the most pronounced (2.8) in early reproductive age women. In women of late reproductive age, this indicator was equal to 1.9. Conclusion. The obtained data indicate the development of oxidative stress in women with ovarian hyperandrogenism, which is mоre pronounced in the group of late reproductive age women.

An integrated approach to the management of patients with endometrial hyperplasia and metabolic syndrome

Despite the achieved success in the treatment of endometrial hyperplasia processes, some issues related to the treatment of these diseases have not been completely resolved, especially in the presence of metabolic syndrome.&#x0D; Aim. To optimize the management of patients with endometrial hyperplasia and metabolic syndrome.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study included 50 women with a verified diagnosis of recurrent endometrial hyperplasia. As a control value, a BMI of 25.0 kg/m2 was taken, two subgroups were identified with normal body weight and with overweight and obesity of the 1st degree. Treatment with GnRH was carried out in the following regimen: intramuscular injection of the drug at a dose of 3.75 mg once every 4 weeks with an assessment of the results after 3 and 6 months. In the course of the study, we assessed metabolic parameters, parameters of the hemostasis and fibrinolysis system before and during therapy. The baseline studied parameters were compared with the control group of healthy women without endometrial hyperplastic processes and overweight as well as patients of the control group with metabolic syndrome.&#x0D; Results. Hormonal treatment of recurrent endometrial hyperplasia without atypia using GnRH a positive effect on the dynamics of clinical manifestations, which is confirmed by the data of ultrasound and histological research methods and does not cause a sharp procoagulant shift, regardless of the patients body weight.&#x0D; Conclusion. Our results allow GnRH to be the drugs of choice in the treatment of endometrial hyperplasia in overweight patients, since they have a fairly safe and effective effect. It is necessary to remember about an integrated approach to patient management and to carry out the prevention of endothelial dysfunction in this group of patients due to the high risk of complications to potentiate a beneficial effect on hemostasiological and metabolic parameters.

Variability of serum IgG sialylation and galactosylation degree in women with advanced endometriosis

Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease which diagnostics is difficult and often invasive, therefore non-invasive diagnostics methods and parameters are needed for endometriosis detection. The aim of our study was to analyse the glycosylation of native serum IgG and IgG isolated from sera of women classified as: with endometriosis, without endometriosis but with some benign ginecological disease, and control group of healthy women, in context of its utility for differentiation of advanced endometriosis from the group of healthy women. IgG sialylation and galactosylation/agalactosylation degree was determined using specific lectins: MAA and SNA detecting sialic acid α2,3- and α2,6-linked, respectively, RCA-I and GSL-II specific to terminal Gal and terminal GlcNAc, respectively. The results of ROC and cluster analysis showed that the serum IgG MAA-reactivity, sialylation and agalactosylation factor may be used as supplementary parameters for endometriosis diagnostics and could be taken into account as a useful clinical tool to elucidate women with high risk of endometriosis development. Additionally, we have shown that the analysis of native serum IgG glycosylation, without the prior time-consuming and expensive isolation of the protein, is sufficient to differentiation endometriosis from a group of healthy women.