Distribution Of Women Research Articles

Influence of menopause and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) TaqIB polymorphism on lipid profile and HDL subpopulations distribution in women with and without type 2 diabetes

The common TaqIB variant in the gene coding for cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), a key enzyme in reverse cholesterol transport, has been associated with higher HDL-C levels and with a more atheroprotective HDL subpopulations profile. Similar information are lacking in women with diabetes. The effect of menopause and the CETP polymorphism on lipid, lipoprotein profile, as well as on apoA-I-containing HDL subclasses distribution, as determined by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, was examined in a group of women with and without type 2 diabetes.Diabetic women showed a less atheroprotective lipid and HDL subpopulations profile, with lower levels of the large α-1 (P=0.006), α-2 (P=0.005), and preα-1 (P=0.02), and higher concentration of the small α-3 HDL particles (P=0.02) as compared to controls, independently from menopause, HDL-C and triglycerides concentrations.CETP TaqIB genotype distribution was in the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and comparable in the two groups, but the effect of CETP polymorphism was limited to diabetic women. In this group, the CETP variant showed significant interactions with HOMAIR (P<0.001), BMI (P<0.001), and triglycerides (P<0.00001), with significantly higher HDL-C levels and a more protective HDL subpopulations profile in B2 allele carriers with lower HOMAIR, BMI or triglycerides levels.At multivariate analysis, CETP polymorphism, apoA-I, triglycerides and BMI were independent determinants of HDL-C concentration in diabetic women; apo-A-I, triglycerides, age and creatinine in controls.Type 2 diabetes is associated with a more atherogenic lipid profile; the CETP TaqIB variant may partly prevent these modifications in diabetic women with a milder degree of insulin resistance and its related disorders.

O541 Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype distribution in women with normal cytological diagnosis followed in routine clinical practice at the Nantes University Hospital, France

International Journal of Gynecology & ObstetricsVolume 107, Issue S2 p. S247-S247 Free communication (oral) presentations O541 Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype distribution in women with normal cytological diagnosis followed in routine clinical practice at the Nantes University Hospital, France P. Lopes, P. LopesSearch for more papers by this authorE. Vaucel, E. VaucelSearch for more papers by this authorC. Laboisse, C. LaboisseSearch for more papers by this authorA. Dahlab, A. DahlabSearch for more papers by this authorM. Coste-Burel, M. Coste-BurelSearch for more papers by this authorH. Philippe, H. PhilippeSearch for more papers by this author P. Lopes, P. LopesSearch for more papers by this authorE. Vaucel, E. VaucelSearch for more papers by this authorC. Laboisse, C. LaboisseSearch for more papers by this authorA. Dahlab, A. DahlabSearch for more papers by this authorM. Coste-Burel, M. Coste-BurelSearch for more papers by this authorH. Philippe, H. PhilippeSearch for more papers by this author First published: 06 October 2011 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0020-7292(09)60914-0AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume107, IssueS2Abstracts of XIX FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and ObstetricsOctober 2009Pages S247-S247 RelatedInformation

Altered distribution of plasma platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase between high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

To investigate the association of plasma platelet-activating factor (PAF) acetylhydrolase, high-density lipoprotein-associated PAF acetylhydrolase, and low-density lipoprotein-associated PAF acetylhydrolase activities with metabolic features in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Han Chinese women, 141 patients with PCOS and 140 healthy controls were recruited in this case-control study. The results of our study showed that the presence of the changed plasma PAF acetylhydrolase activity and distribution in women with PCOS could contribute to the low-grade chronic inflammation and increased risk of atherosclerosis in these patients.

Distribution characteristics of common syndrome types and syndrome elements extracted by experts' experience in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women

To compare the distribution characteristics of common syndrome types and syndrome elements of menopause syndrome in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women on the basis of standardized syndrome differentiation extracted by experts' experiences. A total of 1 582 outpatients with menopause syndrome who met with the diagnosis and inclusion criteria in seven grade 3 hospitals from October 2006 to June 2007 were included. A clinical epidemiological survey in the patients was carried out. The syndrome elements of disease location and characteristics were extracted and analyzed statistically by standardizing the syndrome differentiation of experts' experience in traditional Chinese medicine. There were 105 syndrome types after initial standardization, and the common syndrome types were kidney yin deficiency, deficiency of liver and kidney yin, stagnation of liver qi, and deficiency of both kidney yin and yang. Six syndrome elements of the disease location were extracted, among which the common elements were kidney, liver, spleen and heart. Seventeen syndrome elements of the disease characteristics were extracted, among which the common elements were yin deficiency, qi stagnation, qi deficiency, yang deficiency and deficiency. Syndrome types of stagnation of liver qi, deficiency of spleen and kidney, and qi stagnation were more frequently diagnosed during perimenopausal period, while the syndrome type of kidney yin deficiency was more frequently diagnosed during postmenopausal period, and the kidney was the main disease location. The distribution characteristics of the other syndrome types and elements were similar during the two periods. The syndrome type distribution in women with menopause syndrome is complex, while the syndrome element distribution is simple. Generally, the syndrome type and syndrome element distributions during perimenopausal and postmenopausal periods are similar, but there are significant differences in some syndrome types and syndrome elements between the two periods. All of these can give support for revealing the distribution rule of the common syndrome types and syndrome elements and give a theoretical basis for clinical treatment of menopause syndrome.

Not all women diagnosed with PCOS share the same cardiovascular risk profiles

Although definitive and confirmatory data are lacking, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are considered to be at increased risk for cardiovascular and metabolic disease. In recent years, the diagnosis of PCOS has broadened considerably to result in several phenotypes. Here we review the evidence for cardiovascular and metabolic risks in PCOS in the classic disorder and the various phenotypes. We conclude that not all women with PCOS should be considered as being similar in terms of cardiovascular risk profiles.

Teaching and Learning Guide for: Fairness and Power in Family Organization

Teaching and Learning Guide for: Fairness and Power in Family Organization

Adiponectin isoform distribution in women—relationship to female sex steroids and insulin sensitivity

Little is known about the associations between adiponectin and its oligomeric isoforms with female sex steroids, and the relevance of these relationships to insulin sensitivity in women. In a cross-sectional study of 32 healthy women (12 premenopausal, 10 postmenopausal, and 10 early pregnant), we investigated the correlations of total adiponectin and the high–, medium–, and low–molecular weight oligomers (HMW, MMW, and LMW, respectively) with estrogen, progesterone, adiposity, and insulin resistance. Fat mass and serum concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, insulin, glucose, and total and isoform adiponectin were measured. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Serum concentrations of total and HMW adiponectin were highest in postmenopausal women and lowest in pregnant women. Concentrations of the MMW and LMW isoforms were not significantly different between the 3 groups. Total adiponectin, HMW adiponectin, and MMW adiponectin were negatively associated with estradiol and progesterone; but no associations between the LMW isoform and female sex steroids were observed. Fat mass and HOMA-IR were highest in pregnant women and lowest in premenopausal women. The HOMA-IR was positively associated with fat mass, estradiol, and progesterone, and negatively associated with total, HMW, and MMW adiponectin. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis revealed that fat mass explained 34% of the variance in HOMA-IR and that total and isoform adiponectin contributed an additional 10% to 15%. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, there were significant interactions of estradiol and progesterone with adiponectin or fat mass in the associations with HOMA-IR. In conclusion, there are strong negative associations of serum adiponectin and some of its isoforms with estradiol and progesterone. Female sex steroids are likely to affect insulin sensitivity through modulation of adiponectin and body fat.

Adiponectin isoform distribution in women—relationship to female sex steroids and insulin sensitivity

Adiponectin isoform distribution in women—relationship to female sex steroids and insulin sensitivity

Collagen Injection for Female Urinary Incontinence After Urethral or Periurethral Surgery

We evaluated the result of periurethral collagen injection in incontinent patients after prior urethral surgery. We reviewed the charts of patients who underwent periurethral collagen injection between January 2000 and December 2006 for persistent stress urinary incontinence after a failed suspension procedure or urethral repair. Preoperative assessment included the validated Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 symptom questionnaire, a single global quality of life score, history and physical examination, cystogram while standing and multichannel urodynamics. All patients had a well supported urethra and intrinsic sphincteric deficiency. Outcome measures included questionnaires and 3-dimensional urethral ultrasound at 6 weeks, 6 to 12 months and yearly thereafter. In patients who were still symptomatic after the first injection a repeat injection was considered when there was asymmetrical or low collagen volume on ultrasound, and another therapy was considered when ultrasound findings were adequate. In 31 consecutive patients Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 question 3 and quality of life scores decreased after collagen injection (mean volume 5.5 cc). Baseline postoperative collagen volume on ultrasound was 2.6 cc (range 0.8 of 4.8). Of the patients 93% considered themselves clinically improved or cured, 17 of 31 required only 1 injection with a symmetrical configuration in 83%, while 8 received 1 or 2 more injections because of an asymmetrical configuration (75%) and/or low volume. Despite a mean collagen volume of 3.2 cc (range 2 to 4.3) 6 women with persistent stress urinary incontinence underwent a pubovaginal sling procedure. Eight of 25 patients requiring only collagen had stable collagen volume for 2 years without repeat injection. Collagen injection is a viable option with satisfactory results in this complex population.

Hanging in the Balance: Making Decisions About the Benefits and Harms of Breast Cancer Screening Among the Oldest Old Without a Safety Net of Scientific Evidence

The number of women in the United States today who are living into old age is steadily climbing as a result of aging of the “baby boom” generation, increases in life expectancy, decreases in rates of cardiovascular disease, improvements in medical care, and trends toward adoption of healthier, more active lifestyles. This so-called graying of America is coupled with cancer incidence rates that increase steadily with advancing age, peaking at approximately age 80 years. As a result of these parallel demographic and epidemiologic forces, over the coming years, more and more women are likely to survive to be at risk of developing cancer in their 80s. In fact, one third of all cancers in women and 23.5% of invasive breast cancers occur among women 80 years of age and older. This at-risk older population is very heterogeneous, with 25% of women who live to age 80 years being fairly robust and having a life expectancy of approximately 13 years, whereas 50% have a life expectancy of 8.6 years; the remaining 25% are frailer and will only live 4.6 years. The recent article by Badgwell et al on breast cancer screening among women 80 years and older and the controversy that has followed from its publication and media dissemination highlights several of the dilemmas facing clinicians, patients, and professional groups as they struggle to make rational, evidence-based decisions about optimal care for this diverse and growing older population. First and foremost of these difficulties is that women 80 years and older basically have not been included in mammography clinical trials—the gold standard of evidence about medical interventions. In the absence of clinical trial data, observational data are often used to provide evidence about the effectiveness of medical interventions in broader populations. Badgwell et al used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare database to examine women 80 years and older with newly diagnosed breast cancer by past mammography use to provide indirect evidence regarding the value of screening in this age group. They found that women with more recent screening were diagnosed with smaller size tumors and had better 5-year breast cancer and all-cause survival than women with less screening. However, as pointed out by the authors themselves and their critics, these results may indicate screening benefits, or they may simply represent lead time, length biases, and selection factors. As noted by Berry et al in a letter about the article appearing in this issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, lead time biases result in an earlier diagnosis without any associated mortality benefit (ie, the woman is diagnosed earlier in the disease process, but that diagnosis and the treatment that follow do not alter the time that the woman was destined to die). In another observational study among older women that attempted to correct for lead time, screening seemed to reduce mortality for women younger than age 84 years but not among those older than 85 years. However, the lead time used, 1.25 years, may be an underestimate of the true lead time among older women, so this conclusion may also be overly optimistic. Other studies that attempt to correct for observational biases have not included women older than 74 years or have not separated results for women 80 years and older. Length bias (screen detection of the slowest growing tumors) results in screen detection of tumors with the most favorable prognosis, leading to overestimates of benefits. Thus length bias can be largely explained by the biologic characteristics of a tumor that govern its growth rate. For instance, in one large case series recently reported by Dong et al, biomarkers of tumor growth and aggressiveness were significantly related to mode of detection, with screen-detected tumors being more likely to have favorable prognosis markers than clinically detected tumors. Older women (age 60 years) were also more likely to have screen versus symptomatic detection, although the numbers and distribution of women in the 60 years age group was not presented. Of note, although mode of detection was an independent predictor of recurrence-free survival, it was not a significant predictor of breast cancer mortality. The authors concluded that it is impossible to separate length bias from any possible benefits of screening. The most extreme example of length bias is the situation in which a woman is diagnosed and treated for a screened detected breast cancer, but without screening, this slow-growing cancer would not have become clinically apparent before she died of, say, congestive heart failure a year later. This latter situation is sometimes referred to as overdiagnosis. Recently screened women in the study by Badgwell et al also had higher 5-year all-cause survival than those with less screening. This JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY E D I T O R I A L VOLUME 27 NUMBER 4 FEBRUARY 1 2009

Primary dysmenorrhoea: A comparative study on Australian and Chinese women

To explore the extent to which traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnostic categories for primary dysmenorrhoea are useful in describing the clinical presentation of this condition in Australian women in comparison with Chinese women, and therefore the potential usefulness of these categories in guiding TCM treatment of Australian women. A comparative study of 120 Australian and 122 Chinese women aged from 18 to 45 years with primary dysmenorrhoea. Modified valid TCM diagnostic protocol. Difference in menstruation and menstrual pain profiles between the two groups of women found in the same study did not translate into differences in the underlying syndrome according to TCM diagnostic categories. The study found that Australian and Chinese women were represented in broadly similar proportions across the defined five diagnostic categories. Some evidence suggests that although the clinical presentation of symptoms in Australian and Chinese women is different, the distribution of women across the diagnostic categories in TCM is similar. Therefore, the TCM protocol used to diagnose primary dysmenorrhoea and guide treatment is unlikely to require adaptation for use with Australian women.

Sex-specific genetic effects influence variation in body composition

Despite well-known sex differences in body composition it is not known whether sex-specific genetic or environmental effects contribute to these differences. We assessed body composition in 2,506 individuals, from a young Dutch genetic isolate participating in the Erasmus Rucphen Family study, by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and anthropometry. We used variance decomposition procedures to partition variation of body composition into genetic and environmental components common to both sexes and to men and women separately and calculated the correlation between genetic components in men and women. After accounting for age, sex and inbreeding, heritability ranged from 0.39 for fat mass index to 0.84 for height. We found sex-specific genetic effects for fat percentage (fat%), lean mass, lean mass index (LMI) and fat distribution, but not for BMI and height. Genetic correlations between sexes were significantly different from 1 for fat%, lean mass, LMI, android fat, android:gynoid fat ratio and WHR, indicating that there are sex-specific genes contributing to variation of these traits. Genetic variance was significantly higher in women for the waist, hip and thigh circumference and WHR, implying that genes account for more variance of fat distribution in women than in men. Environmental variance was significantly higher in men for the android:gynoid fat ratio. Sex-specific genetic effects underlie sexual dimorphism in several body composition traits. The findings are relevant for studies on the relationship of body composition with common diseases like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes and for genetic association studies.

Plasma NEFA storage in adipose tissue in the postprandial state: sex-related and regional differences.

We recently reported that a small fraction of circulating NEFA is stored through direct uptake in subcutaneous fat in postabsorptive humans in vivo and that this pathway may favour lower-body fat distribution in women. Here, we examined sex-related and regional differences in storage of plasma NEFA in subcutaneous adipose tissue during postprandial conditions. At 1 h after lunch, men and women of normal weight received an intravenous bolus of approximately 1.66 MBq [1-(14)C]oleate followed by timed subcutaneous fat biopsies. The preceding breakfast was either a normal- or high-fat meal; the high-fat breakfast was used to create postprandial oleate concentrations in the postabsorptive range. Storage of the NEFA tracer in adipose tissue (dpm/g lipid) was greater in women; in both sexes abdominal fat stored tracer more avidly than femoral fat. A greater fraction of the administered tracer was stored in whole body subcutaneous fat of women than in that of men (27 +/- 3 vs 8 +/- 1%, respectively, p < 0.0001). No significant differences in tracer storage were observed between participants consuming the high- vs normal-fat breakfast. Postprandial NEFA storage in subcutaneous fat through direct uptake accounts for approximately 25% of NEFA disposal in women, but for <10% in men in a wide range of circulating NEFA concentrations. It is greater in the upper- than lower-body subcutaneous fat, favouring upper-body fat accumulation in both sexes.

Population‐based prevalence, type‐ and age‐specific distribution of HPV in women before introduction of an HPV‐vaccination program in Denmark

Knowledge about the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) on a population level is important. We conducted a large population-based study in Denmark to determine the overall and age-specific HPV prevalence, and HPV type distribution in women. Liquid-based cytology samples (SurePath) were collected consecutively. HPV testing was performed with Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2; Digene) (high-risk and low-risk probes), and LiPA (Innogenetics) was used for genotyping. We analyzed samples from 11,617 women; 94.0% had normal cytology, 4.3% atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and 1.6% had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). The HPV prevalence was 26.4% with a peak in women 20-24 years (50.2%) and then decreased without a second peak in older women. Among the youngest women (15-19 years), 14% had HPV 16/18 and 16% had HPV 6/11. Prevalence of high-risk HPV types increased from 19.2% in women with normal cytology to 100% in women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3)/cervical cancer. HPV 16 was the most prevalent type (6.0% of all women), and was also the most prevalent in women with HSIL (35.1%) and CIN3 (53.2%). Other common HPV types in women with CIN3 included HPV 52, 51, 31, 33 and 18. HPV 16/18 alone was present in 23% of CIN3 lesions and 67% of cervical cancers, and HPV 16/18 together with other high-risk HPV types was present in 41% of CIN3 lesions. This suggests that an efficacious HPV 16/18 vaccine will have a substantial preventive potential in the general female population.

Recommendations for Cervical Cancer Prevention in Asia Pacific

Asia Oceania includes countries from both the Asia Pacific region and Australasia, which cover very diverse geographical areas and populations as well as bearing 52% of the cervical cancer burden in the world. Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype distribution in women with normal cytology varies between countries in this region, as well as with the distribution typically observed in worldwide estimates or in Western countries. HPV-16 remains the predominant oncogenic type for high-grade cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer across the region, and HPV-18 is generally among the five most common types. HPV-58 is commonly found in cervical cancer as well as in women with normal cytology, and HPV-31, 33 and 35 are relatively less frequent in these regions compared to the West. While screening programmes have been proposed and implemented in several populations, successful programmes are rather limited and the majority of countries still have no or minimal screening services. Prophylactic HPV vaccination will only be feasible when it becomes affordable, thus the current priority and the short-term goal for cervical cancer control is to identify feasible and effective screening measures, and to find the most effective way to combine vaccination with sustainable screening programmes. This Regional Report has carefully described the disease burden of HPV and cervical cancer and the current situations in cervical cancer prevention for many countries in the Asia Oceania region. These data identify the many challenges and opportunities to be considered for policy decisions for cervical cancer control. Furthermore, this report presents the results of advanced decision analytic models calibrated to countries in the region that provide early insight into what strategies are most promising and those likely to be cost-effective and affordable. It thus provides a synthesis of the available evidence-based scientific information, in the context of a significant and systematic international review, that is likely to be useful to governments and public health providers.

Upper airway size is related to obesity and body fat distribution in women

The aim of this study is to analyze the relationships between obesity, fat distribution and pharyngeal transversal area in women. Cross-sectional areas of the pharynx at the oro-pharyngeal junction and at the glottis and mean pharyngeal area were measured by acoustic pharyngometry in 145 women (age 42.9 +/- 15.1 years; range 14-82 years). Body weight, waist, hip and neck circumferences, and sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) were determined. Pharyngeal area at the oro-pharyngeal junction, measured both in orthostatic and in lying position, was negatively related to BMI, waist, hip and SAD. Mean pharyngeal area was negatively related to BMI and to SAD only in orthostatic position. No significant correlations were found between pharyngeal areas at the glottis and any anthropometric measurements. In multiple regression analysis, only SAD retained independent relationship with pharyngeal area at the level of the oro-pharyngeal junction in both the positions and with mean pharyngeal area in the orthostatic position. We demonstrated an inverse association between upper airways size and both adiposity and visceral fat distribution in women.

Human Papillomavirus-Type Distribution in Women With and Without Cervical Neoplasia in North India

Our objective was to determine the human papillomavirus (HPV)-type prevalence in cervical samples in women with and without cervical neoplasia in an opportunistic hospital-based cancer-screening program. A cross-sectional study of 524 women presenting from January 2003 through June 2005 with symptoms of persistent vaginal discharge, intermenstrual bleeding, and postcoital bleeding or detected to have an unhealthy cervix underwent HPV genotyping by consensus polymerase chain reaction and reverse line-blot hybridization assay, conventional Pap smear, and colposcopy, with directed biopsy from all lesions detected. The prevalence rates of HPV infection among women with normal, low-grade cervical neoplasia (CIN 1) and high-grade CIN (>CIN2) were found to be 7.6%, 42.3%, and 87.5%, respectively. Seventeen high-risk and 6 low-risk HPV types were identified by the reverse line-blot assay. Multiple infections were seen in 20% of women. In normal women, the 6 commonest types were HPV-16, HPV-89, HPV-39, HPV-52, HPV-62, and HPV-18, whereas in high-grade disease, these were all high-risk types HPV-16, HPV-18, HPV-33, HPV-39, HPV-35, and HPV-56. HPV-16 was the commonest type in all groups, seen in 49.4% cases overall and in 74.3% of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. It was followed by HPV-18 (7.4%) and HPV-33 and HPV-39 (4.9% each). HPV-89 was the commonest low-risk type (9.9%). HPV-16/18 were associated with 34.3% of normal, 45.4% of low-grade and 65.7% of high-grade lesions. A wide spectrum of HPV types is seen in north Indian women, with the majority being HPV-16 in all grades of histology. A vaccine against HPV-16 and HPV-18 could prevent two thirds of cases of high-grade cervical neoplasia.

Weights on the Rise: Where and for Whom

Using over 70 nationally representative surveys, I find evidence of a dramatic increase in the share of women who are overweight in developing and transition economies, especially in Latin America and the Middle East. Urban rates of overweight, measured by the body mass index, are also far higher than those in rural areas. In examining the inter-temporal changes in the entire standardized weight distribution, there are nonetheless many instances where it is not possible to reject the null of non-dominance, especially in rural areas. It is also clear that the distribution of women's BMIs in most countries is becoming markedly less equitable, and that this increase in univariate inequality is driven largely by the increase in BMIs among overweight and obese women. This is somewhat analogous to the often discussed rich get richer story. That is, the increasing concentration of weight, standardized by heights, among the overweight is driving a significant share of the overall increase in BMI inequality. A related finding is that when I decompose the changes in the prevalence of overweight into the effect of shifts in the mean versus changes in the distribution, in many countries, even holding mean BMI constant, there would be a marked increase in the prevalence of clinically overweight women due to changes in the shape of the BMI distribution.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Interleukin 6 –174 G/C Promoter Polymorphism and Pregnancy Complications: Results of a Prospective Cohort Study in 1626 Pregnant Women

Problem To investigate the frequency of the interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) −174 G/C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in women with intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), pre‐eclampsia (PE), preterm delivery (PD), and small for gestational age (SGA) infants.Method of study In a prospective cohort study, DNA from 1626 consecutive pregnant women was analyzed for IL‐6 −174 G/C. Women who developed at least one of the predefined pregnancy complications were used as cases and compared with women without pregnancy complications.Results Of 1626 women, 259 (15.9%) developed at least one pregnancy complication. IL‐6 −174 G/C allele frequencies and genotype distributions were not significantly different between cases and controls. Similarly, no statistically significant difference in IL‐6 −174 G/C genotype distribution in women with IUFD, PE, PD &lt;34 weeks, PD &gt;34 weeks and SGA infants &lt;10th percentile was observed.Conclusion IL‐6 −174 G/C is not a genetic marker for identifying women at increased risk of common pregnancy complications.

Human papillomavirus type distribution in women from Asia: a meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to determine human papillomavirus (HPV) type distribution in women with and without cervical neoplasia from Asia and to estimate the potential future impact of an HPV 16/18 prophylactic vaccine in this region. A meta-analysis was conducted including 79 studies using polymerase chain reaction to detect HPV types. A total of 5954, 1653, 958, and 16,803 women with invasive cervical cancer (ICC), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), and normal cytology or histology were included, respectively. Type-specific prevalence of HPV types 6, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 70, 73, and 82 were estimated and stratified by cervical lesion grade. Overall HPV prevalence was 85.9%, 81.0%, 72.9%, and 14.4%, respectively, in women with ICC, HSIL, LSIL, and normal cytology/histology. In ICC, HPV 16 was the predominant type (52.4%), followed by HPV 18, 58, 33, 52, 45, 31, and 35. The estimated HPV 16/18–positive fraction was 66.9%, 40.4%, 26.7%, and 3.3% in women with ICC, HSIL, LSIL, and normal cytology or histology, respectively. In ICC, the estimated HPV 16/18–positive fraction was about 70% in all Asian geographic regions, with the exception of Japan (51.3%). HPV 16/18 vaccines are estimated to provide about 67% protection against ICC in Asia. HPV 58 and 52 were among the five most common types in ICC in eastern and southeastern Asia but not in south central Asia. After HPV 16 and 18, the next most six common HPV types were 58, 33, 52, 45, 31, and 35 that accounted for additional 20% of cervical cancer cases in Asia. For optimal population coverage, these HPV carcinogenic types should be considered for second-generation HPV prophylactic vaccines.