Group Of Healthy Women Research Articles

Modification in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index after low intensity transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disease of unknown origin in which sleep involvement is very prevalent, and one of the main symptoms, even as prevalent as pain. In fact, one condition has been linked to the other, and the two may feedback on each other. We investigated what happens if by applying low-field magnetic stimulation in patients with fibromyalgia, it could improve sleep variables, and if this would be related to an improvement in the pain of the patients. We compared the results of a group of female patients with fibromyalgia, who underwent treatment for 6 weeks, with another group of patients with similar characteristics, who were not treated. The results were also compared with a group of healthy women, who served as a second control group. The Pittsburgh sleep scale was used as a sleep scale and a global clinical scale was used to assess general state. A significant improvement was observed in the different items of the sleep scale applied, from the four weeks of treatment, being even more evident at the end of treatment at six weeks. A total of 82% of patients improved at the end of treatment. There was a correlation of this improvement with the overall pain situation of the patients. In addition, there was a trend towards equal sleep outcomes between treated patients and healthy subjects. Treatment with low intensity magnetic stimulation could improve the sleep of fibromyalgia patients, as well as their overall clinical situation, and both processes could be interrelated.

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.

Understanding and restoring dopaminergic function in fibromyalgia patients using a mindfulness-based psychological intervention: a [18F]-DOPA PET study. Study protocol for the FIBRODOPA study\u2014a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundFibromyalgia (FM) is a very prevalent and debilitating chronic pain disorder that is difficult to treat. Mindfulness-based techniques are regarded as a very promising approach for the treatment of chronic pain and in particular FM. The Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) intervention, a mindfulness-based group intervention, has shown beneficial effects in opioid-treated chronic pain patients, including reduced pain severity, functional interference, and opioid dosing, by restoring neurophysiological and behavioral responses to reward. The first evidence for a hypodopaminergic state and impaired reward processing in FM has been reported. However, little is known about its impact on dopamine (DA) function and in particular with regard to DA responses to monetary reward in FM. The aim of the present study protocol is to evaluate if MORE is able to restore the DA function in FM patients, in particular with regard to the DA responses to reward, and to reduce pain and mood complaints in FM.MethodsThe present study is a multi-center interventional RCT with 3 time points: before the intervention, after completion of the intervention, and 3 months after completion of the intervention. Sixty-four FM patients will be randomly assigned to either the MORE intervention (N = 32) or a non-intervention control group (N = 32). Additionally, a comparison group of healthy women (N = 20) for PET measures will be enrolled and another group of healthy women (N = 15) will do the ambulatory assessments only. The MORE intervention consists of eight 2-h-long group sessions administered weekly over a period of 8 weeks. Before and after the intervention, FM participants will undergo [18F] DOPA positron emission tomography (PET) and functional MR imaging while performing a reward task. The primary outcome will be endogeneous DA changes measured with [18F] DOPA PET at baseline, after the intervention (after 8 weeks for the non-intervention control group), and at 3 months’ follow-up. Secondary outcomes will be (1) clinical pain measures and FM symptoms using standardized clinical scales; (2) functional brain changes; (3) measures of negative and positive affect, stress, and reward experience in daily life using the ambulatory assessment method (AA); and (4) biological measures of stress including cortisol and alpha-amylase.DiscussionIf the findings of this study confirm the effectiveness of MORE in restoring DA function, reducing pain, and improving mood symptoms, MORE can be judged to be a promising means to improve the quality of life in FM patients. The findings of this trial may inform health care providers about the potential use of the MORE intervention as a possible non-pharmacological intervention for FM.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT 04451564. Registered on 3 July 2020. The trial was prospectively registered.

Are IgG antibodies to heat shock proteins HSP27 and HSP60 useful markers in endometrial cancer and cervical cancer?

Heat shock proteins are overexpressed in many human malignancies. The role of heat shock proteins as a therapeutic target in cancer as well as their association with drug resistance were widely documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of IgG class HSP27 and HSP60 antibodies in serum of patients with endometrial and cervical cancer, as well as to analyse the variability of concentrations of the examined antibodies depending on the cancer stage. The study included 59 women with adenocarcinoma of the endometrium and 36 women with cervical cancer, the control group consisted of 54 healthy women. The concentrations of IgG class antibodies against the tested heat shock proteins were determined by an immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA) using commercial assays. In both endometrial and cervical cancer, the serum concentration of IgG anti-HSP27 antibody was significantly higher than in the healthy control group. The concentration of IgG anti-HSP60 antibody in endometrial cancer, cervical cancer and healthy control was similar. The median IgG anti-HSP27 antibody serum concentration of endometrial cancer patients was not correlated with FIGO-stage. In cervical cancer inverse correlation between concentration of this antibody and FIGO stage was observed. The median IgG anti-HSP60 antibody concentration in serum of endometrial cancer patients was lower in FIGO stage I and II compared to FIGO stage IV and in FIGO stage IA compared to FIGO stage IB. Concentrations of examined antibodies correlated positively with each other, both in the group of women with cancer and in the group of healthy women. The strongest correlations were found in the group of patients with endometrial cancer. Concentration of anti-HSP27 antibody could help in detection of cervical and endometrial cancer. We need to look for the cut-off point in large cohort studies. Anti-HSP27 and anti-HSP60 antibodies should be further evaluated for their potential usage as biomarkers in cervical and endometrial cancer as they shown some correlation with stage of disease.

New possibilities of complex ttreatment of cervical ectropion

Introduction. Ectropion of the cervix (EC) is a condition when there is a cicatricial deformity of the uterine cervix (as a result of traumatic injuries) with visualization of the ectopic columnar epithelium on the vaginal part of it. The ectopia is currently classified as a variant of the normal histophysiological state of the cervix. This article discusses the features of the course and methods of treatment of complicated EC.Objective of the study is: to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a new method of complex treatment of CE.Material and methods. In an open prospective study, 133 patients with CE (groups 1 and 2) and 56 healthy women (group 3) has taken part. In group 1 (n = 83), we have used a method for treating CE developed by us, which included two stages: stage I – elimination of microbial and viral pathogen in combination with immunomodulatory therapy, II – electrosurgical treatment (Leep biopsy) and treatment of the cervix with Galavit (100 mg of dry matter) dissolved in 5 ml of Miramistin (Patent for invention RU 2568768 C1). In group 2 (n = 50), surgical treatment of CE has been preceded by vaginal sanitation, empirical antibacterial and antiviral therapy. Diagnostic measures, in addition to standards, have included: determination of interleukins IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 in the discharge of the cervical canal, ultrasound diagnostics with Doppler measurements in the vessels of the central zone of the cervix. Statistica 7.0, SPSS 17 packages have been used for statistical processing.Results and discussion. Before the start of treatment, patients in groups 1 and 2 have been found to have a combination of CE with cervicitis (100%), ASCUS cytological picture (more than 60%), abnormal colposcopic signs (100%), imbalance of the local immune system with a predominance of Th1 cytokines (the content of IL-8 increased 2.6 times; IL-1b – 13 times; IL-6 – 20 times, and IL-10 – in 1.7 times) against the background of increased vascularization and cervical perfusion. The reparative process after Leep biopsy in group 1 has ended by the end of 3 weeks in 65.6% of patients, in group 2 – in 25.5%, after 5 weeks – in 100% and 57.4%, respectively, after 8 – in group 2, 91.5%. The average period of epithelialization of a wound on the cervix in group 1 was 27.4 ± 4.3 days, in group 2 – 39.5 ± 5.6 days (p = 0.01). After 2 years, the recurrence of cervical pathology has been recorded only in group 2 (34.0%).Conclusion. The use of the developed method of two-stage complex therapy for CE increases the effectiveness of treatment, prevents complications after Leep biopsy, accelerates epithelialization by 30.6% and avoids recurrence of the disease.

Single- and Multiple-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Vilaprisan in Healthy Postmenopausal Japanese Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

As the prevalence of some gynecological conditions depends on patient characteristics such as race/ethnicity, it is important to study therapies for these conditions in diverse populations. The study described in this article was conducted to investigate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of vilaprisan, a selective progesterone receptor modulator, in Japanese women in Japan. It supplements two comparable studies that were conducted in healthy postmenopausal European and Chinese women, respectively. In this exploratory randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, ascending-dose study, five groups of healthy postmenopausal Japanese women received vilaprisan as immediate-release tablets (1, 5, or 15 mg as a single dose or 1 or 5 mg/day for 28 days) or placebo tablets (single dosing: 8 subjects/dose step, thereof 2 subjects randomized to placebo; multiple dosing: 12subjects/dose step, thereof 4 subjects randomized to placebo). Blood samples for pharmacokinetic profiles were collected over 14-19 days. Safety assessments were based on adverse event data, vital signs, electrocardiograms, clinical laboratory tests, and transvaginal ultrasound examinations. 48 participants were randomized, treated, and analyzed. Vilaprisan was rapidly absorbed, reaching maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) between 1and 3 h post dose. Post maximum, plasma concentrations rapidly declined, indicating pronounced distribution into tissues. The exposure of vilaprisan increased roughly dose-proportionally: The geometric mean(geometric coefficients of variation) areas under the concentration time curves from time zero to infinity (AUC∞) after single administration of 1, 5, or 15mg vilaprisan were 67µg·h/l (34%), 249µg·h/l (15%), and 788µg·h/l (37%), respectively. The AUC in the dosing interval after multiple administrations (AUC24,md) of 1mg/day was 76µg·h/l (59%), and the AUC24,md after 5 mg/day was 311 µg·h/l (20%). Geometric mean Cmax values also increased roughly dose-proportionally: They amounted to 6µg/l (22%), 16µg/l (33%), and 52 µg/l (27%) after single administration and to 8µg/l (28%) and 31µg/l (22%) after multiple administrations of the above doses. Mild adverse events were observed, similar to those observed in other clinical studies of vilaprisan. Overall, vilaprisan was safe and well tolerated. The exposure in Japanese women was similar to that observed in European and Chinese women in separate studies. 15 Nov 2011 (no registration number assigned).

Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MEDI-Q): a new tool to assess menstruation-related distress

Research questionMenstruation is a physiological event often associated with subjective distress. Is there a tool that assesses and objectively evaluates the global distress experienced by women during their period? DesignAn observational cross-sectional study conducted between June 2019 and May 2020 at Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy. A new questionnaire, The Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MEDI-Q), was developed and administered to a group of healthy women (n = 418) of fertile age (18–50 years), without known uterine, psychiatric disorders, or both. The MEDI-Q investigated 25 items, covering the following areas: pain, discomfort, psychic or cognitive changes, gastrointestinal symptoms and changes in physiological functions. MEDI-Q Total Score and the three sub-scales, Menstrual Symptoms (MS), Menstrual Symptoms Distress (MSD) and Menstrual Specificity Index (MESI) were evaluated. The validation of MEDI-Q was achieved by testing test–retest reliability and internal consistency, convergent and concurrent validity. ResultsThe MEDI-Q produced reliable results with good internal consistency, convergent and concurrent validity. MEDI-Q Total Score, MS and MSD all positively correlated with general psychopathology and premenstrual symptoms. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to determine the cut-off value of 20 (inclusive) and to identify the women with clinically relevant menstrual distress (area under the curve 0.90, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.93; P < 0.001). ConclusionMEDI-Q is a new tool for evaluating menstruation-related distress, and provides a representative score of stress perception. MEDI-Q may be added to routine women's healthcare to help identify and adequately monitor menstruation-related disorders, and their effect on wellbeing, promptly.

Tea Consumption Reduces Iron Bioavailability from NaFeEDTA in Nonanemic Women and Women with Iron Deficiency Anemia: Stable Iron Isotope Studies in Morocco

BackgroundAvailable data suggest that polyphenols from tea can inhibit iron absorption from ferric sodium EDTA (NaFeEDTA), but previous studies were done in small groups of mostly nonanemic adults. Morocco recently introduced national wheat flour fortification with NaFeEDTA, but tea is the national beverage and is consumed with most meals. ObjectivesOur objective was to quantify bioavailability of iron from NaFeEDTA when added to a wheat flour–based meal in both nonanemic women and women with iron deficiency anemia (IDA), when consumed with and without traditional Moroccan green tea. MethodsWe recruited 2 groups of healthy Moroccan women (n = 46): women with IDA (n = 25; hemoglobin <12 g/dL, serum ferritin <15 μg/L) and nonanemic women (n = 21). Each group received in random order 2 standardized test meals containing 6 mg Fe as isotopically labeled NaFeEDTA and either 300 mL of tea or water. Fractional iron absorption (FIA) was measured by the erythrocyte incorporation of stable iron isotopes after 14 d. We performed linear mixed-model analysis and post hoc sample t tests to assess the effects of group and tea on FIA. ResultsThe polyphenol content of the tea serving was 492 mg. Tea consumption reduced iron absorption from NaFeEDTA by >85% in both IDA and nonanemic women. There were group (P < 0.001) and tea (P < 0.001) effects on FIA, but no group by tea interaction (P = 0.312). Median (IQR) FIA (%) in women with IDA from test meals consumed without and with tea was 36.7 (24.2–39.8) and 4.1 (2.8–6.1), respectively (P < 0.001). Median (IQR) FIA (%) in nonanemic women from test meals consumed without and with tea was 16.7 (9.2–24.2) and 1.4 (0.8–2.9), respectively (P < 0.001). ConclusionsFIA from wheat flour–based meals without and with tea was ∼2-fold higher in women with IDA than in nonanemic women. Providing fortificant iron as NaFeEDTA cannot overcome the inhibition of tea polyphenols on iron absorption, even in IDA, where iron absorption is strongly upregulated. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02175888.

Measurements of Alterations in Bone Mineral Density, and Body Composition in a Group of Type-2 Diabetic Women

Aim: To assess the body composition of fat mass, lean mass, visceral fat mass, and total body water in DM patients and compares their findings with a healthy control group. Material and Methods: A total of 86 people including 40 diabetes Mellitus type 2 matched for sex and age with 46 healthy control participated in the study. BMDs of the lumbar vertebrae and the hip regions like (total femur, femoral neck) were assessed using the DXA technique. The mean age of (DM) group was 59 ± 11.82 years, the height 1.55 ± 0.05 m., the weight 80.82 ± 13.25 kg, and BMI 33.81 ± 6.76 kg/m2. Results: The differences in measurements of the lumbar spine BMD (1.12 ± 0.13 g/cm2), total femur BMD (1.10± 0.17 g/cm2) neck of femur BMD (0.85± 0.35 g/cm2), and total BMD of the body (0.90± 0.06 g/cm2) were highly significant in healthy control group as compared to DM patients 0.84 ± 0.13 g/cm2, 0.99±0.15 g/cm2, 0.82± 0.24 g/cm2 and 0.79 ± 0.09 g/cm2 respectively. Conclusion: The results shows a highly significant in the lumbar spine, total femur, and total BMC, and not significant in the neck of the femur. The total body lean compartment was not significantly different between DM patients and healthy control women groups. The total body water compartment in the DM women group was highly significant lower different comparing with a healthy control group. The mathematical equations to predict total bone density in DM type 2 and healthy control women were calculated.

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.

Differences in the level of physical fitness and mobility among older women with osteoporosis and healthy women\u2014cross-sectional study

The main aim of the study was to assess the risk of falls, and physical fitness in the group of women aged 60 to 65 years of age suffering from an identified osteoporosis in comparison to a similar group of healthy women. The main question was: What is the level of physical fitness and risk of fall among women with osteoporosis compared to healthy women? The research included 262 women aged 60 to 65 of age: 135 with osteoporosis and 127 healthy ones, living in the Małopolskie and the Świętokrzyskie Provinces of Poland. To assess the level of physical fitness, the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) was used, while the Tinetti POMA (Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment) and Timed Up&Go test (TUG) were used to asses the risk of fall. Significant statistical differences in average results of physical fitness assessment were noticed as regards the following aspects: flexibility of the lower body part p < 0.001; flexibility of the upper body part p < 0.001. Essential differences were demonstrated in assessing the risk of falling with p < 0.01. Women with osteoporosis are marked by a lower physical fitness than healthy women. A higher percentage of great and serious risk of fall was demonstrated among women with osteoporosis.

Effects of testosterone on intraocular pressure, thicknesses of retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell complex, macula and on ocular blood flow in female-to-male transgender persons.

To compare the effects of testosterone on intraocular pressure (IOP), thicknesses ofretinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCC), macula and onocular blood flow between female-to-male transgender (FMT) persons who use testosterone and healthy women and healthy men. The study included 39 eyes of 20 FMT(Group 1), 40 eyes of 20 healthy women (Group 2), and 42 eyes of 21 healthy men (Group 3). In all subjects, RNFL, GCCand, macular thicknesses (MT) were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Ocular blood flow was measured by Color Doppler Ultrasonography in all subjects. IOP levels in FMT were significantly higher than men (p = 0.025). Superior (Sup),inferior (Inf)thicknessesof parafovea, and nasal thicknessof perifovea in FMT were significantly higher than the Group 2 (p = 0.024, p = 0.037, p = 0.018). Sup thickness of perifoveain FMT was significantly higher than Group 3 (p = 0.011). Inf thickness of perifoveain FMT was significantly higher than Group 2 and 3 (p = 0.038, p = 0.002). Mean thickness of RNFL Inf in FMT was significantly higher than the Group 2 and 3 (p = 0.039, p = 0.032). Avg and Inf thicknesses ofGCC in FMT were significantly higher than group 2 (p = 0.02, p = 0.005). In correlation test, systole/diastole ratio(S/D) in ophthalmic artery (OA) (r = 0.504, p = 0.028) and Inf thicknessof perifovea (r = 0.485, p = 0.035) were positively correlated with the serum levels of testosterone in FMT. We found that the use of supraphysiologic testosterone dose increased IOP and the thicknesses of macula, RNFL, and GCC in FMT. Serum testosterone level was positively correlated with S/D ratio in the OA.

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.

A variant of TP53 gene (rs 1625895, 13494g>A) is associated with neoplasm localization in patients with uterine leiomyoma.

Uterine leiomyoma (UL) is the most common benign neoplasm of the uterus. It is still unknown surely what exactly initiates transformation of the uterine myometrial cells into UL. To study the effect of the TP53gene variants on the risk of development and clinical features of UL. Case-control study was performed using molecular genetic analyses of variants rs1042522 (119G>C) and rs1625895 (13494G>A) of TP53gene in patients with UL and comparison group of healthy women. Investigated TP53gene variants were not associated with the risk of UL development. The patients with the 13494GG genotype (rs1625895) had significantly more often subserous UL (р< 0.05). In patients with heterozygous variant of TP53- 13494GA genotype (rs1625895) intramural UL was observed (р< 0.05). The rs1625895 (13494G>A) variant of TP53gene was associated with UL localization. The identified dependence of the UL localization on the TP53gene variant could be useful for personalized approach to treatment.

The Impact of Telmisartan on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Hypertensive Male Siblings of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Brothers of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were found to be at increased risk for cardiometabolic disorders. This risk may be exacerbated by concurrent poorly controlled hypertension. Angiotensin II receptor blockers are the most frequently used antihypertensive drugs. The aim of the present study was to compare blood pressure-lowering and pleiotropic effects of telmisartan between male siblings of PCOS probands and unrelated men. The study included 2 age-, blood pressure-, and mass index-matched groups of men with grade 1 hypertension: 24 brothers of women with PCOS (group A) and 26 brothers of healthy women (group B). All subjects were treated with telmisartan (80 mg daily). Blood pressure, glucose homeostasis markers, and plasma lipids, as well as plasma levels of total testosterone, bioavailable testosterone, androstenedione, uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), homocysteine, fibrinogen, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured before and after 12 weeks of therapy. At entry, there were between-group differences in the degree of insulin resistance, plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, calculated bioavailable testosterone, androstenedione, hsCRP, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Although telmisartan reduced blood pressure in both study groups, this effect was stronger in group B. Irrespective of the study group, the drug improved insulin sensitivity and reduced circulating levels of uric acid and homocysteine, but these effects were more pronounced in group B than group A. Only in group B, telmisartan decreased hsCRP and fibrinogen, as well as increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D. The obtained results suggest that hypertensive male relatives of PCOS probands may gain less benefit from telmisartan treatment than unrelated hypertensive men.

Thermal imaging ruled out as a supplementary assessment in patients with fibromyalgia: A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundThe diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) syndrome is often complicated and relies on diagnostic criteria based mostly on the symptoms reported by patients. Implementing objective complementary tests would be desirable to better characterize this population.ObjectiveThe purpose of this cross-sectional study was to compare the skin temperature at rest using thermography in women with FMS and healthy women.MethodsEighty-six women with FMS and 92 healthy controls volunteered to participate. The temperature of all participants was measured by infra-red thermography, registering the skin surface temperature (minimum, maximum and average) at rest in different areas: neck, upper and lower back, chest, knees and elbows. In order to analyze the differences in the skin temperature between groups, inferential analyses of the data were performed using Mann-Whitney U test.ResultsThe results showed no significant difference in skin temperature between groups in the neck, upper back, chest and elbows (p>0.05). The lower back and knees areas showed significant differences between groups (p<0.05), although these differences did not reach a minimum of clinically detectable change.ConclusionsWomen with fibromyalgia presented no clinically meaningful reduction or difference in skin temperature at rest when compared with a group of healthy women. The infra-red thermography is not an effective supplementary assessment tool in women with fibromyalgia.

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.

Oral Contraceptive Use Impairs Muscle Gains in Young Women

Riechman, SE and Lee, CW. Oral contraceptive use impairs muscle gains in young women. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3074-3080, 2022-Many active young women use oral contraceptives (OCs), yet their effects on the body composition and exercise performance have not been thoroughly studied. We examined the effects of OCs on muscle responses to a standardized resistance exercise training (RET) program. Two groups of young healthy women (18-29 years old, non-OC: n = 38, OC: n = 34) underwent 10 weeks of whole-body RET (3 days·wk -1 , 3 sets, 6-10 repetitions, at 75% of maximum strength, 13 exercises). Body composition was determined using hydrostatic weighing, and blood samples were taken before and after training to measure dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), IGF-1, and cortisol levels. There were significant differences in lean mass gains between the groups (non-OC: 3.5 ± 0.4% vs. OC: 2.1 ± 0.5% and non-OC: 1.6 ± 0.2 kg vs. OC: 1.0 ± 0.2 kg, p < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of DHEA, DHEAS, and IGF-1 were significantly lower, and cortisol levels were higher in the OC group before and after training ( p < 0.05). In addition, there were significant differences in lean mass gains depending on the androgenicity of progestin between the non-OC and medium-high groups (non-OC: 1.6 ± 0.2 kg, Low = 1.1 ± 0.2 kg, med-high = 0.3 ± 0.5 kg, p < 0.05). Oral contraceptive use impaired lean mass gains in young women after RET and was associated with lower DHEA, DHEAS, and IGF-1 and higher cortisol. The diminished lean mass gain may be related to the effect of OCs on anabolic and catabolic hormone levels or the androgenicity of progestin that may bind to androgen receptors and inhibit its function.

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.