Women Of Fertile Age Research Articles

Influence of Socioeconomic Factors and Nutritional Advice on Diet Quality in Women of Reproductive Age: A FIGO-DQS Assessment

Background/Objectives: Nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and practice are important ways of assuring a healthy pregnancy start, which can be shaped during the pre-pregnancy period by the intervention of healthcare providers. In this cross-sectional study, the main objective was to explore contextual determinants of diet quality in women of fertile age, including socioeconomic factors and sources of information. Methods: Data on socioeconomic background, sources of nutritional advice, and determinants of food choices were collected through an anonymous web-based questionnaire completed by 465 women. Diet quality was assessed with the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics diet quality score (FIGO-DQS). Results: Better food choices (OR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.16–2.51), higher knowledge level (OR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.119–2.466), and healthcare advice (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.119–2.466) increased the chances of having a better diet. Both healthcare providers (β = 0.503, p = 0.018) and determinants of food choices (β = 0.520, p = 0.011) had a significant influence on the FIGO score, although the advice provided by the healthcare professionals did not yield a significant influence on the determinants of food choices (β = 0.310, p = 0.125); Conclusions: Knowledge had a mediator effect on the impact of healthcare guidance on nutrition practices, but it does not fully explain the adherence to healthy lifestyle choices.

Covid-19 vaccination and menstrual bleeding disturbances among women of fertile age: a Norwegian registry study.

This study evaluated the relationship between Covid-19 vaccination and menstrual bleeding disturbances using a large national registry linkage including 666,467 women between 20 and 40 years of age residing in Norway on January 1st, 2019. Information on vaccination-BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 - was obtained from the Norwegian vaccination registry. Diagnoses of menstrual disturbances (absent/scanty, excessive, irregular/frequent menstruation, and intermenstrual bleeding) was obtained from the general practitioner database. We examined new-onset menstrual bleeding disturbances using a Cox regression comparing vaccinated to unvaccinated women, where women contributed follow-up time as unvaccinated until the day of vaccination. In addition, we conducted a self-controlled case-series analysis, and a sensitivity analysis excluding all those who remained unvaccinated throughout the pandemic, to evaluate the role of unmeasured confounding. We observed an increased risk of several menstrual bleeding disturbances after vaccination against Covid-19, ranging from an adjusted HR (aHR) of 1.18 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.33) for intermenstrual bleeding to 1.29 (95% CI: 1.23, 1.36) for irregular/frequent menstrual periods. However, estimates were fully attenuated when excluding women who remained unvaccinated at the end of follow-up (aHRs between 0.97 and 1.08). No differences were identified according to vaccine dose or type. Our self-controlled case series analysis confirmed no increased risk after a first dose of vaccination, though there was a slightly increased risk of menstrual bleeding disturbances from 61 days after vaccination with dose 2. In conclusion, the modestly increased risk of menstrual bleeding disturbances after Covid-19 vaccination appeared to reflect a role of unmeasured confounding by women who never received Covid-19 vaccinations, as associations did not remain when risk after vaccination were compared to risk before vaccination among ever vaccinated women.

Regional and ethnic factors of obesity and diabetes mellitus in women of re-productive age in the Pribaikal region

Introduction. Overweight is currently one of the leading global medical problems. Overweight and obesity contribute significantly to the development of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorder and can also cause premature death. Obesity has a negative impact on reproductive function; almost a quarter of women of childbearing age are overweight and about a third of them are obese.Aim. To study the characteristics of carbohydrate metabolism, hormonal indicators, and clinical-metabolic profiles, as well as to assess the potential risk of developing diabetes mellitus in women of fertile age with overweight and obesity residing in the Baikal region.Materials and methods. The study involved 60 overweight and obese women of reproductive age in the Pribaikalye region, including 33 women of Russian nationality (group 1) and 27 women of Buryat nationality (group 2). Anthropo-metric, sociodemographic and behavioural criteria were analysed, as well as questionnaires using the FINDRISC Scale. General clinical analyses of blood and urine were performed, lipid profile parameters, glucose, insulin, creatinine, transaminases, estradiol, thyroid hormone, leptin levels in blood plasma were studied. In addition, an oral glucose tolerance test was performed and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated.Results. In the group of Buryat women with lower body weight as compared to Russians, higher levels of leptin, HOMA- IR index, and larger waist circumference are observed. In Buryat women, low physical activity makes a significant contribution to the development of overweight and obesity, while for Russian women, excessive caloric intake is more important. In accordance with the results of the FINDRISC scale survey, the greatest contribution to the potential development of diabetes mellitus in the Russian group is body mass index (weight), and in the Buryat group, in addition to these indicators, waist circumference and reduced physical activity.Conclusions. The results of the study will be of great help in the development of pro-grammes for the prevention of diabetes and obesity, taking into account regional and ethnic differences among the population.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and labor market attachment in Swedish women

Abstract Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of fertile age and is associated with several burdensome comorbidities. We use Swedish longitudinal register data to identify and compare clusters of employment trajectories among working age women, in order to investigate how PCOS affects labor market attachment. Data and Methods A cohort of 157,356 women born in 1975-1977 were followed annually between the ages of 30 and 39. Labor market states were constructed by combining detailed data on various types of earned income. PCOS was identified through national inpatient and outpatient registers. Sociodemographic covariates (civil status, region of origin, highest attained education, number of children) were measured at the age of 29 years. Sequence analysis was used to identify clusters of typical labor market trajectories. Multinomial logistic regression was employed to assess the associations between being diagnosed with PCOS and belonging to the identified clusters. Results Women with PCOS spent less time in employment and were more dependent on sickness benefits during the follow-up time than those without PCOS. Five clusters of trajectories were identified: stable employment, education into employment, labor market exclusion, continuous unstable position, long-term sickness. Compared to being in stable employment cluster, women diagnosed with PCOS were 97% more likely to experience long-term sickness (RRR (relative risk ratio): 1.97 [CI: 1.90-2.05]), and had 11% higher risk of belonging to education into employment (RRR: 1.11 [CI: 1.07-1.15]) and a 4% higher risk (RRR: 1.04 [CI: 1.00-1.09]) of experiencing labor market exclusion. The magnitude of the association increased for education into employment and labor market exclusion after adjusting for covariates. Conclusions PCOS can lead to disadvantaged labor market outcomes and better strategies are needed in order to prevent economic exclusion among women diagnosed with the condition. Key messages • PCOS leads to disadvantaged labor market outcomes. • Women with PCOS may experience economic exclusion.

Update on management of cerebral venous thrombosis.

This review intends to systematize the diagnostic and treatment approach to cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), highlighting key studies that have been recently published. In light of the recent pandemic, new risk factors for CVT have emerged. Contrast-enhanced MRI and susceptibility-weighted imaging have been shown to offer increased sensitivity for detecting cortical vein thrombosis.Dabigatran seems to be as effective and well tolerated as warfarin for long-term anticoagulation. Partial venous recanalization often occurs in patients treated with anticoagulation only, as early as 8 days after treatment onset. For patients with CVT and impending brain herniation, two-thirds of those who undergo decompressive craniectomy survive, with one-third being functionally independent 6 months after diagnosis. CVT is an unusual type of cerebrovascular disease that mostly affects women of fertile age. Risk factors should be identified and addressed. Diagnosis relies on confirmation of venous sinus and/or vein thrombosis, usually by CT venography or MRI. Anticoagulation is the cornerstone of treatment. Despite the lack of high-quality evidence, endovascular treatment is often considered in severe cases. Special populations require tailored approaches. About 80% achieve mRS 0-1, but residual symptoms often affect quality of life and the ability to return to work.

Daily snuff use during pregnancy, gestational length and birth weight; register-based study

BackgroundSnuff is a smokeless source of nicotine that is common in Scandinavia and increasingly used by women of fertile age. Persistent use of snuff during pregnancy has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Emerging data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway distinguishes between occasional use and daily use. We provide preliminary estimates of associations between frequency of snuff and gestational length and birth weight.MethodsData on snuff use during pregnancies delivered in 2020 and 2021 were available for the west and central regions of Norway. Associations of snuff use with gestational length and birth weight at term (39–41 weeks) were estimated using quantile regression at the 25th, the 50th and the 75th percentiles, with adjustments for mother’s age, pre-pregnancy weight, and parity. We compared associations with the pregnancy outcomes according to maternal snuff and cigarette use.Results12.4% of 18 042 non-smoking women reported daily use of snuff before pregnancy, and 4.6% reported continuing use during pregnancy, with 1.2% still reporting daily use in the last trimester. Women with daily use through the last trimester delivered babies with a median gestational length reduced by 3.4 days (95% CI: -5.0 to -1.7 days) compared with women who never used snuff. The reduction was even stronger at the 25th percentile of gestational age. The median term birth weight was reduced by 44 g (95% CI: -134 to 46 g). These associations were much weaker for women who quit snuff at some point during pregnancy or used snuff only occasionally. Mothers who smoked daily through the last trimester had a median gestational length reduced by 2.1 days (95% CI: -2.7 to -1.4) and a median term birth weight reduced by 294 g (95% CI: -325 to -262) compared with never-smokers.ConclusionsDaily snuff use through the last trimester reduced the median gestational length by more than three days. Snuff reduced birth weight, but not as much as smoking, suggesting that the predominant effect of smoking on fetal growth is not through nicotine but through the additional toxic chemicals in cigarettes or by reduced oxygen supply to the fetus.

Features of nicotine dependence formation in smoking women of fertile age as a major risk factor for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at the outpatient stage

Features of nicotine dependence formation in smoking women of fertile age as a major risk factor for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at the outpatient stage

Staffing of anaesthesiology and resuscitation services in obstetric hospitals the Russian Federation

Introduction. One of the strategies for reducing maternal mortality is to improve the provision of medical care to pregnant women, women in labor and maternity hospitals in need of intensive care. Sufficient provision of anesthesiology and intensive care units of maternity institutions with highly qualified personnel is the most important factor determining the availability and quality of medical care for women. The purpose of the study: to analyse the staffing of the anaesthesiology and resuscitation services of obstetric hospitals in the Russian Federation. Materials and methods. Based on the data of 83 subjects of the Russian Federation, the indicators of staffing (per 10,000 women of fertile age) with anaesthesiologists-resuscitators (for 2007–2022) and nurses anaesthesiologists (for 2021–2022), staffing levels and compatibility ratios of anaesthesiologist-resuscitators and nurses anaesthesiologists in obstetric hospitals of group II and III (level) (for 2022) in the Russian Federation, federal districts and subjects of the Russian Federation were analysed. Based on data from 29 subjects of the Russian Federation (for 2021), the average age of anaesthesiologists-resuscitators and nurses anaesthesiologists working in obstetric hospitals was analysed. Results. In 2007–2022, the number of anaesthesiologists-resuscitators in obstetric hospitals of the Russian Federation increased by 27.2 %, and the availability of anaesthesiologists-resuscitators (per 10,000 women of fertile age) increased by 43.9 %. The number of nurse anaesthesiologists in obstetric hospitals in 2021–2022 increased by 0.8 %, the availability of nurse anaesthetists (per 10,000 women of fertile age) decreased by 0.8 %. In 2022, the staffing level of anaesthesiologists-resuscitators in obstetric hospitals of Group II was 85.6 %, Group III – 86.0 %, and nurses anaesthesiologists – 87.8 % and 88.4%, respectively. The compatibility rate of anaesthesiologists-resuscitators in obstetric hospitals of group II was 1.42, group III – 1.53, and nurse anaesthesiologists – 1.23 and 1.34 respectively (2022). The average age of anaesthesiologists-resuscitators working in obstetric hospitals was 43.3 ± 4.3 years, nurse anaesthesiologists – 42.1 ± 3.9 years (2021). Conclusion. In order to eliminate staff shortages, it is necessary to implement measures to attract medical staff in the anaesthesiology and resuscitation services of obstetric institutions, which will decrease the burden on medical staff and prevent maternal deaths.

Use of systemic hormonal contraception and risk of attempted suicide: a nested case-control study.

Evidence regarding the role of hormonal contraception (HC) as a risk factor for attempted suicide is inconclusive. Thus, this study aimed to assess the associations of use of different types of systemic HC with the risk of attempted suicide in women aged 15-49years. Data on a population-based cohort (n = 587,823) of HC users and non-users in 2017 was derived from national registers in Finland. In a nested case-control design we examined the risk of attempted suicide in relation to current HC use (past six months) via multivariable conditional logistic regression models. During the follow-up (from 2018 to 2019) there were 1.174,346 million person-years of which 818 cases of suicide attempts were observed (incidence rate: 0.70 per 1000 person-years). Use of HC, especially combined hormonal contraceptives, was not associated with a higher risk of attempted suicide compared to non-use (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.45-1.02) after controlling for marital status, socioeconomic status, education, chronic diseases, recent delivery, recent psychiatric hospitalizations, and current use of psychotropic medications. In women without psychiatric history, current HC use (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.58-0.91), especially ethinylestradiol-containing preparations (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.40-0.73), was associated with a lower risk of attempted suicide. After adjusting for recent psychiatric hospitalizations and use of psychotropic medications, current use of progestin-only preparations was not associated with attempted suicide. In conclusion, current HC use was not associated with an increased risk of attempted suicide in fertile-aged women.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Program regarding Knowledge on Premenstrual Syndrome and it's Management among the Adolescent Girls of selected High School, Mangaluru

The adolescent belongs to vital age group is not only because of entrant population to parenthood but also some threshold between childhood and adulthood. An each adolescent attempt to cross this threshold, face various physiological, psychological, and developmental changes. Menstruation refers to the monthly discharge of blood and other substances from the uterus (through the vagina) in non-pregnant adult female. The treatment of premenstrual symptoms can sometimes be as challenging that general management include a healthy life style, proper food pattern before menstrual period, aerobic exercise, reduce sugars, avoid salt, increase of fibre intake, adequate rest and sleep. Inadequate hygiene methods of sanitary protection lead to not only the health problems. But it also leads to adolescent girls dropping out of school thus negatively impact on education. Hence, the researcher planned to improve the knowledge of adolescent girls on management of premenstrual symptoms. Premenstrual symptoms prevalence from 5-20% from moderate to severe clinically applicable premenstrual complaints and up to 75% of all women of fertile age may experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Exact cause of premenstrual syndrome is unknown, but several factors may given to the conditions. Premenstrual symptoms changes with hormonal variations and will vanish with pregnancy and menopause.

Epidemiologically relevant phthalates affect human endometrial cells in vitro through cell specific gene expression changes related to the cytoskeleton and mitochondria

Phthalates are endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in common consumer products such as soft plastics and cosmetics. Although the knowledge regarding the adverse effects of phthalates on female fertility are accumulating, information on the hormone sensitive endometrium is still scarce. Here, we studied the effects of phthalates on endometrial cell proliferation and gene expression. Human endometrial primary epithelial and stromal cells were isolated from healthy fertile-aged women (n=3), and were compared to endometrial cell lines T-HESC and Ishikawa. Three different epidemiologically relevant phthalate mixtures were used, defined by urine samples in the Midlife Women Health Study (MWHS) cohort. Mono (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) was used as a single phthalate control. Cells were harvested for proliferation testing and transcriptomic analyses after 24 h exposure. Even though all cell models responded differently to the phthalate exposures, many overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs, FDR<0.1), related to cell adhesion, cytoskeleton and mitochondria were found in all cell types. The qPCR analysis confirmed that MEHHP significantly affected cell adhesion gene vinculin (VCL) and NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit B7 (NDUFB7), important for oxidative phosphorylation. Benchmark dose modelling showed that MEHHP had significant concentration-dependent effects on cytoskeleton gene actin-beta (ACTB). In conclusion, short 24 h phthalate exposures significantly altered gene expression cell-specifically in human endometrial cells, with six shared DEGs. The mixture effects were similar to those of MEHHP, suggesting MEHHP could be the main driver in the mixture. Impact of phthalate exposures on endometrial functions including receptivity should be addressed.

Phytochemicals-based investigation of Rubia cordifolia pharmacological potential against letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome in female adult rats: In vitro, in vivo and mechanistic approach

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic, reproductive, and endocrine disorder affecting women of fertile age. This study aimed to formulate a phytochemicals-based standardized aqueous ethanolic extract of Rubia cordifolia (SERC) to explore its pharmacological potential in PCOS-induced female rats and elucidate its mechanism. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of phytochemicals such as chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, and kaempferol. Thirty female adult rats were divided into two groups for induction of PCOS (5 female rats in the normal control group + 25 female rats in the disease-induced group). PCOS was induced by administering letrozole (1 mg/kg p.o.) for 6 weeks. After PCOS induction, animals of the disease-induced group were divided into five groups: one group used as disease control (PCOS) group, one group on metformin (20 mg/kg), and three groups on SERC (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg). Histopathological analysis showed that PCOS induction reduced corpus luteum and developing follicles and increased cystic follicles. In comparison, SERC treatment improved ovulation with more primary and developing follicles. SERC reduced the serum insulin, LH surge, and testosterone levels while improving the FSH, estrogen, and progesterone serum levels. SERC significantly improved the oxidation status of the liver and normalized the lipid profile and liver function markers. In conclusion, SERC treated PCOS, and the suggested mechanism might be the restoration of aromatase activity and background inflammatory status improvement in ovaries.

Anti-COVID-19 Vaccination Alters the Menstrual Cycle and Dose Accumulation Enhances the Effect.

Background and Objectives: New investigations have detected an enhanced probability for women to develop menstrual cycle alterations after anti-COVID-19 vaccination. Moreover, given that the protective immunity provided by anti-COVID-19 vaccination appears to wane quickly, booster vaccination has been recommended. Nonetheless, whether adverse events arise from such repeated immunization has not been studied. Materials and Methods: We studied the incidence of menstrual cycle alterations, the quantity of menstrual cycle alterations per subject, and of altered menstrual cycles in nonpregnant women of fertile age after anti-COVID-19 vaccination in a cohort of vaccinated female subjects by the means of a standardized questionary that was applied via telephone calls each month. Subjects that received up to four doses were studied for 6 months after each dose. We calculated the odds ratio for enhanced incidence, as well as quadratic functions for the tendencies. A sensitivity analysis excluding subjects taking hormonal birth control and those with polycystic ovary syndrome was performed. Results: Anti-COVID-19 vaccination enhanced the probability to develop menstrual cycle alterations (OR 1.52, CI at 95% 1.2-1.8, p < 0.0001) and, interestingly, such a tendency was enhanced when subjects received more doses (R2 = 0.91). Furthermore, the same trends repeated for the quantity of alterations per subject, and of altered cycles. Such an effect was further demonstrated to be independent upon the vaccine brand being applied, the birth control status, and the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Conclusions: Vaccination is the most cost-effective measure for primary prevention and is considered to be safe. Nonetheless, in this article, we show data that suggest that repeated vaccination of adult female subjects may lead to an enhanced incidence of menstrual cycle-related adverse events, quantity of alterations per subject, and altered cycles. We therefore think that the development of new vaccine formulations that produce longer-lasting immunity is of paramount importance to reduce the potential for dose accumulation-dependent enhanced risk.

Indicators of Cobalamin Status During Pregnancy, Pregnancy Outcome and Long-Term Effects on Offspring Health.

Little attention has been given to prenatal cobalamin insufficiency in settings where dietary cobalamin intake is presumed adequate, such as populations with habitual intake of foods from animal sources. However, low cobalamin status in women of fertile age has been reported in Europe, United States, and Canada. In India, where cobalamin deficiency is highly prevalent, it has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, intrauterine growth retardation, as well as insulin resistance and lower neurodevelopment scores in the offspring. Low cobalamin status in pregnancy has been associated with similar outcomes as those reported in the Indian studies although the evidence is scant and conflicting. Consideration should be given to maternal cobalamin status in the context of prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes as well as cobalamin insufficiency both in the mother and the offspring during lactation. Further attention is now justified with the increasing tendency toward plant-based diets. Reference intervals for cobalamin status during each trimester of pregnancy are needed and further investigation of the long-term conse-quences of low cobalamin status during pregnancy for health and development in the offspring is warranted.

#1505 Late-onset lupus nephritis: clinical-epidemiological, histological, prognostic and therapeutical implications: a single center experience

Abstract Background and Aims Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease, and lupus nephritis (LN), are typically diagnosed in women in fertile age. Late-onset SLE is defined as a disease onset over 50 years. Our main objective was to analyze the clinical, histological, prognostic and therapeutical features related to LN in our late-onset SLE population. Method A single center and retrospective study was performed comparing clinical-demographic, histological, prognostic and therapeutical data of 45 LN biopsied patients from 1994 to 2023. We divided the study population according to the age of onset of LN into classic-onset (&amp;lt; 45 years) and late-onset (&amp;gt; 45 years). Results Late-onset LN patients showed a higher association with Sjögren's and antiphospholipid syndrome, more cardiovascular comorbidities at presentation, poorer renal function at diagnosis and higher SDI score. On histology they showed more non-proliferative LN classes (II followed by V). Late-onset LN responders needed more time to achieve response but had fewer relapses. Non responsive patients had more incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and more glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis-tubular atrophy (IFTA) at presentation, as well as more need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) at diagnosis and at follow-up. The principal independent variables associated with relapse were the younger age at SLE diagnosis and an initial partial renal response (PRR). Patients of both groups who experienced relapse received higher doses of intravenous cyclophosphamide and less mycophenolic acid (MFA) analogues. Patients who received induction with MFA analogues were more likely to achieve complete renal response (CRR) or non-renal response (NRR). Conclusion late-onset LN is often accompanied by poor renal function at presentation. It seems imperative to establish a tailored approach in this fragile population in order to avoid unnecessary immunosuppression.

Female magnesium deficiency and its management: review of current knowledge

Magnesium is an important cofactor for metabolic reactions involving more than 300 enzymes, regulating a series of fundamental processes, such as myocardial contraction and blood pressure control, glucose regulation, participation in neuromuscular transmission. The prevalence of magnesium deficiency in various cohorts of fertile age women comprises up to 73.8 %. In clinical studies it was demonstrated that magnesium deficiency is associated with diseases and states such as dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), polycystic ovary syndrome (POS), climacteric syndrome, osteoporosis, use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Magnesium supplementation in combination with basic therapy can positively affect course and outcome of such pathologies. Magnesium organic salts could be used for countering magnesium deficiency. Among such agents, magnesium citrate has some advantage used in combination with pyridoxine (vitamin B6) providing additional effects. Health care professionals should be guided by the criteria for Mg-containing preparation selection, defined by the Russian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RSOG).

AORTIC FUNCTION AND NTRATIVE STRESS IN A RAT MODEL OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents the most prevalent endocrine disorder in women of fertile age; besides infertility, an elevated cardiovascular risk was described. Vitamin D hypovitaminosis affects about 80-90% of PCOS patients. Our team assessed aortic function and nitrative stress in a hyperandrogenic rat model and the effectiveness of Vitamin D substitution. Design and method: Female Wistar rats at the age of 3-4 weeks were randomly assigned into four groups. Eight rats received no treatment (controls, C), eight rats received weekly Vitamin D per os (140 IU/100 g body weight, group D), eight received cutaneous testosterone daily (3.3 mg/100 g, T) and eight received Vitamin D and testosterone (T+D). At the eighth week of the treatment, aortic rings were isolated for analysis: they were cut into 3-4 mm long segments for myography, other segments were formaldehyde fixed and paraffin embedded to assess, by immunohistochemical methods, nitrative stress markers (nitrotyrosine, NT) and DNA breaks signaled by nuclear poly(ADP-ribose) polymer (PAR) detection. Results: The weight gains of the two testosterone-treated groups were significantly higher between the 6-8 weeks compared to the other two groups, Vitamin D treatment did not influence body weight. Rats in the C and D groups had 3 or 4 estruses in the last 14 days. T rats had 1 or 2 estruses during the same period. T+D rats had 1-2 (N=3), or 3-4 (N=5) estruses. Aortic contraction, induced by the alpha1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine, was significantly elevated in T and T+D animals in comparison to controls and Vitamin D treated rats. The endothelium-mediated aortic relaxation, as a response to acetyl-choline and insulin, was unaltered; however, estrogen-induced relaxation was significantly impaired in T and T+D groups. According to resorcin-fuchsin staining, no fibrotic alteration was detected. Nitrative stress and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation were similar in all four groups. Conclusions: Eight weeks of testosterone administration caused increased weight gain and sex cycle lengthening. The latter was reversible by Vitamin D supplementation in 62.5% of the rats. Testosterone or Vitamin D did not alter vascular histology. Hyperandrogenism increased alpha1-adrenerg mediated vasoconstriction and compromised estrogen-mediated relaxation without altering nitrative stress.

ВЕРОЯТНОСТЬ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ НИКОТИНОВОЙ ЗАВИСИМОСТИ У КУРЯЩИХ ПАЦИЕНТОК С ХРОНИЧЕСКОЙ ОБСТРУКТИВНОЙ БОЛЕЗНЬЮ ЛЕГКИХ С УЧЕТОМ СТАЖА КУРЕНИЯ И КОЛИЧЕСТВА ВЫКУРИВАЕМЫХ СИГАРЕТ

Introduction. This paper presents the results of assessing the likelihood of developing nicotine addiction, depending on smoking history and on the number of cigarettes smoked per day by women of fertile age. The aim is to establish the prognostic probability of nicotine addiction development in smokers, depending on smoking history and on the number of cigarettes smoked. Materiаls and Methods. The prospective study included 107 smoking female patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and nicotine addiction of different stages (hereinafter referred to as nicotine addiction). The patients were divided into 2 groups, depending on their secondhand smoke: 53 smoking patients with and 54 smoking patients without secondhand smoke. The observational group consisted of 42 non-smoking women without any chronic diseases. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was diagnosed based on the clinical recommendations of the Russian Respiratory Society (2021). Reliability of the outcomes was assessed using the methods of parametric and nonparametric statistics. Prior to the application of all statistical research methods, we checked whether our sam- pling complied with the Gaussian (normal) distribution law. The distribution law was described using the Kolmogorov- Smirnov and Lilliefors normality criteria, and a single-sample Shapiro-Wilco normality test. Nonlinear links of binary features with quantitative or qualitative features were evaluated using logistic regression. Logistic regression analysis made it possible to create a statistical model for predicting the probability of an event based on available data. Results and Discussion. With an average smoking activity of 14 cigarettes per day, the onset of nicotine addiction in the first group (a combination of active and secondhand smoke) began with the smoking experience of 12 years, reaching the maximum probability with the experience of 15 years. In the second group, nicotine addiction appeared and reached its maximum (100 %) four years later than in the first group. With an increase in the number of cigarettes up to 16 per day, an identical pattern was observed within the course of earlier nicotine addiction. Conclusions. Secondhand smoke, in addition to active smoking, increases the nicotine load with the development of more pronounced prerequisites for the pathogenetic processes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease development.

Характеристика епігенетичних факторів у жінок фертильного віку, мешканок міста Київ, що перенесли коронавірусне інфікування

This study highlights the critical importance of understanding the impact of epigenetic risk factors on COVID-19 among women of fertile age. Purpose - to characterize the epigenetic factors of COVID-19 in women of childbearing age, residents of Kyiv city who have had coronavirus infection, identified as a result of clinical and epidemiological studies. Materials and methods. This research investigates the potential epigenetic risk factors for COVID-19 onset and progression in women of childbearing age in the Kyiv city. An original, comprehensive questionnaire designed to capture a wide range of health and socio-biological risk factors was disseminated among 100 women. Follow-up examinations and interviews were conducted with 97 of these women. Results. The study revealed that a notable proportion of the surveyed women experienced adverse working conditions. 12.4% reported infrequent exposure to chemically harmful environments. About 12.4% indicated consistent and 10.3% intermittent work-related nervous strain. Furthermore, 15.5% of the respondents identified infrequent physical hazards at their workplace, while 19.6% experienced occupational harm. Among male partners, 4.1% frequent and 4.1% occasionally had contact with harmful vapours or chemicals at work. Epigenetic risk factors were determined using a clinical genealogical map. Occupational harm was absent before and after COVID-19 infection in 35.0% and 33.0% of women, respectively. Regarding harmful habits, 9.3% and 2.1% of women engaged in tobacco smoking before and after COVID-19 infection, respectively, whereas 9.3% and 36.8% did not consumed alcohol. Past illnesses, such as rubella and allergy, were identified as potential epigenetic factors in 3.1% and 11.3% of women. Conclusions. It was established that among the identified epigenetic risk factors that can directly or indirectly affect the spread of coronavirus infection in women, residents of the city of Kyiv, the following require special attention of the doctor: presence of contact with physical and chemical agents, transferred diseases and conditions (rubella in 3.1 % of women), allergy (in 11.3% and 13.4% of women before and after the disease). The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Antigenic markers of T. gondii for chronic forms of toxoplasmosis in fertility age women

Objective: This study aimed to assess the avidity of IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in fertile-aged women with a history of abortion. Using the recomLine Toxoplasma IgG Avidity kit, the research investigated the relationship between antibody avidity, T. gondii antigens (GRA1 and SAG1), and the number of abortions to enhance understanding of infection dynamics in this population.&#x0D; Methods : Forty (40)fertile aged women (18-37years) with history of abortion and had positive results of IgG Abs by minividus form October 2021 to April 2022 ,Kit of recomLine Toxoplasma IgG Avidity form Mikrogen /Germany,item No.11010, was used ,which is a qualitative in vitro test for the determination the avidity of IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in human serum or plasma.&#x0D; Results: Phase II of toxoplasmosis was positive of antibodies against different antigens detected by recomLine assay, no other significant relation was observed. Also, that there was no significant relation between the period of infection and avidity of IgG –Abs against different antigens of T.gondii detected by recomLine test. In addition The results showed that there was a significant relation between of the number of abortions to GRA1-antigen (P=0.012) and SAG1-antigen (P=0.003) .&#x0D; Conclusion: There was a significant relation between of the number of abortions to GRA1 and SAG1-antigens detected by recomLine assay ,where increase in the positive results with the increase in the number of abortions.