Markers Of Inflammation In Women Research Articles

What Is Behind? Impact of Pelvic Pain on Perceived Stress and Inflammatory Markers in Women with Deep Endometriosis.

Introduction/Objectives: Endometriosis affects 10% of women worldwide. It is noteworthy that this condition is often accompanied by pelvic pain and stress. Endometriosis is a debilitating gynecological condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing significant pain and reproductive issues. We aimed to study the relationship between the intensity of pelvic pain, and stress and inflammatory markers in women with deep endometriosis. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed women diagnosed with deep endometriosis through imaging, surgery, and/or biopsy. We assessed pain using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Stress was assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaire and the serum cortisol levels. Additionally, we analyzed inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Results: Fifty-two women, with an average age of 37.8 ± 6.9 years, participated in this study. Forty-four percent of these participants demonstrated high levels of stress, as indicated by scores above 26 on the PSS-10. Those categorized with "high stress" on the PSS-10 questionnaire exhibited significantly higher pain levels compared to those with "low stress" (p < 0.05). Furthermore, patients experiencing more-severe pelvic pain (pain score > 7) had notably higher serum cortisol levels. Women with intense pelvic pain (scores above 7 on the NRS) had significantly elevated serum cortisol levels (Cohen's d = 0.72; p = 0.018). Conclusions: A positive association was found between stress levels and the intensity of pelvic pain in women with deep endometriosis, suggesting an interconnection between emotional aspects and biological responses.

Statin use is not associated with inflammation among Chilean women of Mapuche and non-Mapuche ancestry with gallstones.

Aim: Statins are associated with lower risk of gallstones due to anti-inflammatory effects. We assessed whether statins impact circulating inflammation among Chilean women with gallstones. Materials & methods: 200 Mapuche women were matched on statin use and age to 200 non-Mapuche women in the Chile Biliary Longitudinal Study. We analyzed 92 inflammatory biomarkers using multivariable-adjusted regression models, random forests and pathway analyses. Results: Statins were not significantly associated with any inflammation marker when women were analyzed jointly or stratified by ancestry. No significant associations were found through random forest methods and pathway analyses. Discussion: We did not find significant associations between statin use and inflammation markers in women with gallstones, suggesting that statins do not reduce inflammation once gallstones have formed.

Evaluation of CRP/Albumin Ratio in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. It is characterized by menstrual abnormalities, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries and can lead to many complications. Studies have postulated the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of PCOS. As acute phase reactants often serve as markers of inflammation, this study aimed to evaluate the role of inflammatory markers in women with PCOS and healthy controls. A total of 60 participants were enrolled; 30 cases of PCOS and 30 age matched healthy controls. Peripheral venous blood was collected for assessment of CRP, serum albumin, serum total testosterone, serum fasting insulin and fasting blood glucose, following which statistical analysis was done. The CRP/albumin ratio was found to be significantly higher in women with PCOS as compared to healthy controls along with serum total testosterone and HOMA-IR. Correlation between CRP/albumin ratio and the levels of serum total testosterone and insulin resistance was found to be non-significant. An elevated CRP/albumin ratio in cases of PCOS compared to healthy controls supports the hypothesis of inflammation playing a key role in the pathophysiology of PCOS. CRP/albumin ratio can serve as a cheaper biochemical marker of the disease subject to further validation studies to establish its use in Indian population.

The relationship between prolactin level and inflammatory markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between prolactin (PRL) levels and inflammatory markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared to controls.. Methods: A total of 120 women, 60 with PCOS and 60 controls, were included in this study. The participants were divided into four groups based on their PRL levels: hyperprolactinemia PCOS, normal PRL PCOS, hyperprolactinemia controls, and normal PRL controls. The levels of various inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), Hb, red cell distribution width (RDW-SD), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW), were measured and compared between the groups. The correlation between PRL levels and inflammatory markers was also analyzed. Results: The results show that the mean value of CRP was higher in the PCOS group with hyperprolactinemia (2.15±1.61) compared to the PCOS group with normal PRL levels (1.68±1.19), but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.432). The correlation results show that there was a statistically significant negative correlation between PRL levels and Hb (r=-0.313, p=0.015) and a positive correlation between PRL levels and RDW-SD (r=0.352, p=0.006) in PCOS patients. In PCOS patients, higher PRL levels were associated with increased RDW-SD, decreased Hb levels, decreased platelet count, and increased MPV and PDW. However, there was no significant correlation between PRL levels and inflammatory markers in the control group. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that higher PRL levels may be associated with increased inflammation in PCOS patients. However, further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and potential clinical implications of these associations.

Sleep characteristics and inflammatory markers in women with post-traumatic stress disorder

IntroductionSexual violence is one of the most severe traumatic events. It is associated with a higher risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) development. Sleep disturbances such as insomnia are frequently reported by PTSD patients and play a key role in the development and course of the disorder. Sleep disturbances are associated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines emphasizing the importance of sleep studies in individuals with PTSD.ObjectivesTo investigate the association between subjective and objective sleep measurements and PTSD symptoms with inflammatory markers in women with PTSD following sexual assault.MethodsIn this longitudinal study fifty-seven women with PTSD were evaluated for sleep measurements and inflammatory markers. Participants completed the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Insomnia Severity Index. In addition, patients underwent full in-lab polysomnography and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP) measurement. All assessments were performed at baseline and after one year. Patients received pharmacological and/or psychological interventions between baseline and one-year follow-up.ResultsDespite improving PTSD symptoms severity and sleep quality (expressed in PSQI), we found an increase in the inflammatory markers IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP after one year of follow-up. These findings suggest that neurobiological processes may advance independently of PTSD symptoms. We found a significant increase in the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α associated with decreased slow-wave sleep (p = 0.019 and p = 0.018 respectively), IL-6 associated with arousal index (p = 0.024), and CRP associated with insomnia severity (p = 0.012), and sleep duration longer than 6 h per night (p < 0.001).ConclusionsSleep impairments in PTSD may be associated with a gradual and persistent alteration in the immune system, resulting in a progressive inflammatory process. Our results suggest that sleep mechanisms are involved in this incident inflammatory process in young women with PTSD.

Abstract 3006: Metabolomic signatures of metabolic disturbance and inflammation in relation to colorectal cancer risk

Abstract Background: Metabolic disturbance and inflammation may explain observed associations between higher body mass index (BMI) and increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Objectives: We characterized individual plasma metabolites and metabolomic signatures of metabolic disturbance and inflammation and evaluated their association with prospective CRC risk within the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Methods: Among 686 colorectal cancer cases and 686 age-matched controls, we used reduced rank regression of markers of metabolic disturbance (BMI, waist circumference, C-peptide, and adiponectin) or inflammation (BMI, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1B) with cross-sectional measures of 353 plasma metabolites to develop a Y-score for metabolic disturbance and Y-score for inflammation among men and women separately. We then used elastic net regression to derive a signature of metabolites, and multiple linear regression to identify individual metabolites, associated with each Y-score. We evaluated the association of individual metabolites and the metabolomic signatures with odds of CRC using conditional logistic regression adjusted for other CRC risk factors. Results: The metabolomic signature of metabolic disturbance consisted of 41 metabolites selected via elastic net regression in men and 72 in women; the metabolomic signature of inflammation consisted of 68 metabolites in men and 119 in women. The metabolic disturbance metabolomic signatures captured, on average, 36% of variation in markers of metabolic disturbance in women and 35% in men; the inflammation signature captured 35% of variation in inflammatory markers in women and 26% in men. The metabolomic signature of metabolic disturbance was associated with increased odds of CRC (odds ratio (OR) comparing highest to lowest quartile = 1.63; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92, 2.91; Ptrend = 0.31) and the metabolomic signature of inflammation was associated with increased odds of CRC (OR = 2.01; 95% CI, 1.14, 3.57; Ptrend = 0.008) among men. Neither signature was associated with CRC among women. Of the metabolites associated with metabolic disturbance and inflammation, 13 metabolites were also associated with CRC: 4 metabolites classified as uremic toxins (2 purine nucleosides and 2 amino acid derivates); 3 sphingolipids; 3 glycerophospholipids; 2 sterols related to cholesterol homeostasis; and 3-ureidopropanoate, a uracil metabolism substrate. Conclusion: We identified plasma metabolomic signatures and individual metabolites associated with metabolic disturbance, inflammation, and CRC risk, highlighting pathways such as protein metabolism and lipid homeostasis that may relate adiposity-related metabolic disturbance and inflammation to CRC development. Citation Format: Alaina M. Bever, Dong Hang, Amit D. Joshi, Connor M. Geraghty, Dong Hoon Lee, Fred K. Tabung, Shuji Ogino, Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt, Andrew T. Chan, Edward L. Giovannucci, A. Heather Eliassen, Liming Liang, Meir J. Stampfer, Mingyang Song. Metabolomic signatures of metabolic disturbance and inflammation in relation to colorectal cancer risk [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 3006.

Inflammatory Markers in Women with Infertility: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Infertility is highly correlated with inflammation. We sought to evaluate the independent relationships between each inflammatory marker in women with infertility. This cross-sectional study included 1028 infertile patients who were hospitalized at Jining Medical University between January 2016 and December 2022. NLR and PLR were the independent and dependent variables measured at baseline, respectively. Age, body mass index (BMI), and menstrual status were covariates. Based on BMI, the study population was split into two groups: Low-BMI and High-BMI. A stratified analysis revealed that the overweight group had significantly higher levels of WBC, platelet count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count and NLR. Comparing the overweight group to the normal weight group, the levels were noticeably higher in the overweight group. Significantly positive correlations between NLR and PLR were found in both univariate and multiple regression analyses. There was a significant positive correlation between NLR and PLR in infertility patients. These results will help in the search for biomarkers of infertility and in the development of infertility prediction models.

The Effect of Exercise on Inflammatory Markers in PCOS Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a typical female disorder that influences different aspects of women's health. There is a direct association between inflammation and PCOS status. Some evidence supports the beneficial effects of exercise on inflammation status in PCOS women, while others cannot find a significant association. This study aimed to clarify the effect of exercise on inflammatory markers in women with PCOS. Electronic searches in international databases were performed to identify eligible publications up to August 2021, which compared the effects of exercise on inflammatory markers in the intervention group compared to the control group in PCOS women. A weighted mean difference (WMD) using a random-effect model was applied for reporting results. A total of 2525 records were found via database searching, of which 10 were eligible to be included in the analysis. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that exercise could significantly lower the serum level of CRP (WMD: -0.43 mg/L; 95% CI: -0.66 to -0.21; P ≤ 0.01; I 2: 84.9%; P < ≤0.01), while it was not considerable for adiponectin (WMD: -0.33 μg/mL; 95% CI: -0.97 to 0.31; P=0.30; I 2: 0%; P=0.97). In addition, subgroup analyses indicated a significant effect of exercise on CRP in individuals ≥30 years, sample size ≥15 individuals, and aerobic training. Exercise training can reduce CRP levels in women with CRP, particularly in women older than 30 years of age, and in studies with more than 15 participants. The effect of exercise on adiponectin was not noticeable.

Glycemic control in gestational diabetes and impact on biomarkers in women and infants

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is linked to the dysregulation of inflammatory markers in women with GDM compared to women without. It is unclear whether the intensity of glycemic control influences these biomarkers. We aimed to assess whether different glycemic targets for women with GDM and compliance influence maternal and infant biomarkers.MethodsMaternity hospitals caring for women with GDM were randomized in the TARGET Trial to tight or less tight glycemic targets. Maternal blood was collected at study entry, 36 weeks’ gestation, and 6 months postpartum, and cord plasma after birth. We assessed compliance to targets and concentrations of maternal serum and infant biomarkers.ResultsEighty-two women and infants were included in the study. Concentrations of maternal and infant biomarkers did not differ between women assigned to tighter and less tight glycemic targets; however, concentrations were altered in maternal serum leptin and CRP and infant cord C-peptide, leptin, and IGF in women who complied with tighter targets.ConclusionsUse of tighter glycemic targets in women with GDM does not change the concentrations of maternal and infant biomarkers compared to less tight targets. However, when compliance is achieved to tighter targets, maternal and infant biomarkers are altered.ImpactThe use of tighter glycemic targets in gestational diabetes does not result in changes to maternal or cord plasma biomarkers. However, for women who complied with tighter targets, maternal serum leptin and CRP and infant cord C-peptide, leptin and IGF were altered compared with women who complied with the use of the less tight targets.This article adds to the current evidence base regarding the impact of gestational diabetes on maternal and infant biomarkers.This article highlights the need for further research to assess enablers to meet the tighter target recommendations and to assess the impact on relevant biomarkers.

Effect of a diet based on the dietary guidelines for americans on inflammation markers in women at risk for cardiometabolic disease: results of a randomized, controlled trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of a diet pattern based on Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), in a controlled feeding setting, on plasma markers of inflammation and on cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).DesignWomen (n = 44) with one or more risk factors of metabolic syndrome (and BMI: 25.2-39.8 kg/m2) completed an 8-wk controlled feeding study. They were randomized to either a group following a diet based on DGA 2010 (DGA), or a group given a ‘typical American diet’ (TAD), based largely on a Western diet pattern. By design, women maintained their body weight. Fasting plasma and PBMC were collected at wk. 0 (baseline) and at wk. 8 (post-intervention). Sixteen plasma markers of inflammation and eight PBMC cytokines were measured at both time points, to evaluate if the diet had a significant effect on concentrations of these inflammatory markers. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA, followed by multiple-comparison adjustment using Benjamini-Hochberg method.ResultsSignificant changes observed in Serum Amyloid A (SAA) and Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) in plasma did not retain significance upon multiple comparison adjustment. SAA: p = 0.044, adj p = 0.450; DGA mean change [95% CI] = − 12.6[− 32.3 to 7.04]; TAD mean change [95% CI] = − 2.24 [− 9.99 to 5.51]. MMP3: p = 0.014, adj p = 0.35; DGA mean change [95% CI] = 2.72[− 4.16 to 9.59]; TAD mean change [95% CI] = − 0.98[− 16.7 to 14.7]). Other inflammation markers were not differently altered by DGA relative to TAD. Effect size of change (Cohens d) indicated a large/medium-large effect of intervention on MMP3 and CRP, and medium effect on IL-6.ConclusionsNo statistically significant changes were observed in the immune markers examined in this study. The biological roles and magnitude of the non-significant differences seen with two variables, CRP and MMP3, suggest that they be examined in future studies.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02298725.

Acute effects of different intensities resistance training on inflammatory markers of women with severe obesity

This study objective to compare the acute effects between one resistance training bout with high versus moderate intensities on inflammatory markers in women with severe obesity. Experimental crossover study, performed with adult women with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40.0 kg/m²; age ≥ 18 years old). Each participant performed a high and moderate intensity resistance training (HIRT and MIRT, respectively) with an interval of 7 days between bouts. Four exercises were performed in the both protocols, with total training volume equalized. MIRT consisted of 3 sets of 8 repetitions each, with an intensity of 75% of 1RM, while HIRT consisted of 2 sets of 6 repetitions, followed by a 20-second rest, with a new performance of 2 to 3 repetitions, with one more rest of 20s and finishing with 2 to 3 more repetitions, at an intensity of 85% of 1RM. Blood samples were collected before, 15 minutes after and 24 hours after both training protocols. The inflammatory markers analyzed were IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ. Nine participants have completed the intervention (n=9; 35.2 ± 10.93 years old; BMI = 48.3 ± 5.06 kg/m²). The Mann-Whitney U test showed that there was no significant difference between the HIRT and MIRT in the concentration of markers. Friedman's test did not report significant differences between intragroup measures for the HIRT as well as MIRT. This research suggests that a single session of high or moderate intensity resistance training does not change the inflammatory status of women with severe obesity.

Trajectories of peripheral inflammatory markers in women with different stress exposure during pregnancy in association to postpartum depression vs resilience

Trajectories of peripheral inflammatory markers in women with different stress exposure during pregnancy in association to postpartum depression vs resilience

The effects of fermented vegetable consumption on the composition of the intestinal microbiota and levels of inflammatory markers in women: A pilot and feasibility study.

The primary objective of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of regular consumption of fermented vegetables for six weeks on markers of inflammation and the composition of the gut microflora in women (clinical trials ID: NTC03407794). Thirty-one women were randomized into one of three groups: 100 g/day of fermented vegetables (group A), 100 g/day pickled vegetables (group B), or no vegetables (group C) for six weeks. Dietary intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire and blood and stool samples were provided before and after the intervention for measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP). Next-generation sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was performed on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Participants' ages ranged between 18 and 69 years. Both groups A and B had a mean daily consumption of 91g of vegetables for 32 and 36 days, respectively. Serum CRP ranged between 0.9 and 265 ng/mL (SD = 92.4) at baseline, while TNF-α and LBP concentrations ranged between 0 and 9 pg/mL (SD = 2.3), and 7 and 29 μg/mL (SD = 4.4), respectively. There were no significant changes in levels of inflammatory markers among groups. At timepoint 2, group A showed an increase in Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (P = 0.022), a decrease in Ruminococcus torques (P<0.05), and a trend towards greater alpha diversity measured by the Shannon index (P = 0.074). The findings indicate that consumption of ~100 g/day of fermented vegetables for six weeks is feasible and may result in beneficial changes in the composition of the gut microbiota. Future trials should determine whether consumption of fermented vegetables is an effective strategy against gut dysbiosis.

Longitudinal change in serum inflammatory markers in women with tubo-ovarian abscess after successful surgical treatment: a retrospective study

High levels of serum inflammatory markers are related to extended hospitalisation and more severe disease in the case of tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA). There is scarce information on the serial measurement of inflammatory markers during the postoperative follow-up period of surgically treated TOA. The present study aimed to assess the postoperative longitudinal changes in serum inflammatory markers following surgery for TOA. In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent surgery for TOA between January 2010 and March 2020 were reviewed. All inflammatory markers peaked within 48 hours after surgical intervention and then declined with time. The predicted mean of white blood cell count (WBC) to return to normal was 2.5 days (95% CI: 1.0–4.3), which was followed by neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (7.1 days, 95% CI: 4.7–10.8) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (+14 days). In conclusion, serum inflammatory markers increase in the very early post-operative period. While the normalisation period is very slow, it may not be appropriate to use CRP for evaluating the treatment success of TOA surgery. However, WBC and NLR measurements might be useful for follow-up and predicting the need for medical or surgical intervention. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Serum inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio are usually elevated in women with tubo-ovairan abscess, and high levels of these markers are associated with extended hospitalisation and more severe disease. What do the results of this study add? Our results indicate that the serum inflammatory markers increase and peak within the first 48 hours after surgery for tubo-ovarian abscess. Normalisation of white blood cell count is the fastest in successfully treated patients. However, normalisation of C-reactive protein is slowest, reaching 14 days and might not be as feasible as white blood cell count and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in postoperative patient follow-up. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and further research? The serum inflammatory markers should be interpreted with caution within 48 hours after surgical treatment for tubo-ovarian abscess. Instead of C-reactive protein white blood cell count, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio measurements can be preferred in post-operative follow-up to predict the need for further medical or surgical intervention.

A study of inflammatory markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine disorder has been associated with low-grade inflammation based on increased levels of several inflammatory mediators. Aim of the study was to assess the inflammatory markers in women with PCOS and their correlation with each other. Various inflammatory markers, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, hsC-reactive protein and CRP albumin ratio were found to be increased in women with PCOS in the study. Early detection of raised levels of inflammatory markers may help early diagnosis of PCOS and prevent development of metabolic syndrome.

Standardisation and application of a novel multiplex assay for estimating micronutrient status and inflammatory markers in women of Sauria Paharia and Santhal tribes of Jharkhand.

This study aimed to document the method standardisation and assessment of micronutrient and inflammatory markers in women from indigenous tribal communities of Jharkhand using a low-volume, high-throughput assay. This cross-sectional study was done among women of the reproductive age group from Sauria Paharia and Santhal tribal households (HH) in selected villages. Capillary blood samples were collected from the women during a HH survey to estimate ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, retinol binding protein 4 and inflammatory biomarkers, C-reactive protein (CRP) and α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) using a multiplex assay. Vitamin D and Hb were estimated using an LC-MS technique and cyanmethaemoglobin method, respectively. A multiplex Luminex-based method was developed and standardised. The assay was used to estimate biomarkers in samples from 413 women (178 and 235 from Sauria Paharia and Santhal tribes, respectively). Over 51 % of women had raised CRP or AGP levels. Fe status was significantly better in Sauria Paharia compared with the Santhal women. Anaemia prevalence was 72 % among Santhal women. The proportion of women with Fe deficiency increased after adjusting for inflammation. The overall prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and insufficiency was 25 and 34 %, respectively, with similar prevalence in both tribes. All Santhal women had sufficient vitamin D levels, while 25 and 20 % of Sauria Paharia women had insufficient and deficient vitamin D levels, respectively. Our low-volume, high-throughput multiplex assays may provide a feasible approach for assessing nutritional biomarkers in nutritionally vulnerable hard-to-reach communities.

Inflammatory markers in women with reported benign gynecologic pathology: an analysis of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial

Associations between benign gynecologic pathologies and circulating inflammatory markers are unknown. Our goal was to evaluate self-reported history of benign gynecologic pathology and subsequent alterations in systemic inflammation. Using nested case-control studies from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, study-specific associations between self-reported history of benign ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis with inflammatory marker concentrations were evaluated using logistic regression and combined using meta-analysis. Inflammatory markers associated with individual benign pathologies were mutually adjusted for one another to evaluate independent associations. Compared to women without a self-reported history of the pathology evaluated, benign ovarian cysts were associated with increased PAI-1 (OR [95% CI] 6.24 [2.53-15.39], P <.001) and TGF-β1 (3.79 [1.62-8.86], P =.002) and decreased BCA-1 (0.38 [0.19-0.73], P =.004). Uterine fibroids were associated with decreased CXCL11 (0.37 [0.22-0.63], P <.001) and VEGFR3 (0.40 [0.24-0.65], P <.001). Endometriosis was associated with increased SIL-4R (4.75 [1.84-12.26], P =.001). Self-reported history of benign gynecologic pathologies were associated with alterations in inflammatory markers that have been previously linked to cancer risk. Understanding interactions between benign gynecologic pathologies and the systemic immune system may help inform disease risk later in life.

Higher testosterone is associated with increased inflammatory markers in women with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: preliminary results from an observational study

PurposeObjective of this study was to assess the association between testosterone (T) levels and biochemical markers in a cohort of female patients admitted for SARS-CoV-2 infection in a respiratory intensive care unit (RICU).MethodsA consecutive series of 17 women affected by SARSCoV-2 pneumonia and recovered in the RICU of the Hospital of Mantua were analyzed. Biochemical inflammatory markers as well as total testosterone (TT), calculated free T (cFT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined.ResultsTT and cFT were significantly and positively associated with PCT, CRP, and fibrinogen as well as with a worse hospital course. We did not observe any significant association between TT and cFT with LH; conversely, both TT and cFT showed a positive correlation with cortisol. By LOWESS analysis, a linear relationship could be assumed for CRP and fibrinogen, while a threshold effect was apparent in the relationship between TT and procalcitonin, LDH and ferritin. When the TT threshold value of 1 nmol/L was used, significant associations between TT and PCT, LDH or ferritin were observed for values above this value. For LDH and ferritin, this was confirmed also in an age-adjusted model. Similar results were found for the association of cFT with the inflammatory markers with a threshold effect towards LDH and ferritin with increased LDH and ferritin levels for values above cFT 5 pmol/L. Cortisol is associated with serum inflammatory markers with similar trends observed for TT; conversely, the relationship between LH and inflammatory markers had different trends.ConclusionOpposite to men, in women with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, higher TT and cFT are associated with a stronger inflammatory status, probably related to adrenal cortex hyperactivity,

Вплив інфекції Нelicobacter рylori на гормонально-метаболічні показники й маркери хронічного запалення у жінок, хворих на синдром полікістозних яєчників

Мета: дослідити вплив інфекції Helicobacter pylori (H.рylori) на гормонально-метаболічні показники й маркери хронічного запалення у хворих на синдром полікістозних яєчників (СПКЯ). Матеріали та методи. Обстежено 60 хворих із СПКЯ (середній вік — 26,4 ± 0,2 року) та 40 здорових жінок відповідного віку. Досліджували ліпідний спектр крові, показники вуглеводного обміну, загальний тестостерон (Тзаг.), естрадіол, сексстероїдзв’язуючий глобулін (ССЗГ), С-реактивний білок (СРБ), інтерлейкін-6 (ІЛ-6), антитіла IgG до H.pylori, гомоцистеїн. Оцінку визначених показників проводили залежно від наявності або відсутності інфекції H.pylori. Результати. Встановлено, що в контрольній групі підвищений рівень антитіл IgG до H.pylori зустрічався у 17,5 % обстежених, у них спостерігалось зниження концентрації ССЗГ та підвищення рівнів СРБ і гомоцистеїну. Серед пацієнток зі СПКЯ інфекція Н.pylori зустрічалась значно частіше (χ2 = 7,7; Р &lt; 0,01), а її наявність посилювала існуючі дисліпідемію, інсулінорезистентність (ІР), гіперандрогенемію за рахунок підвищення рівня Тзаг. і зниження ССЗГ та супроводжувалась формуванням гіпергомоцистеїнемії й значним підвищенням маркерів запалення. Встановлено, що у пацієнток із СПКЯ підвищення рівня СРБ в сироватці пов’язане з наявною ІР і дисліпідемією, а збільшення рівнів ІЛ-6 — зі ступенем вираженості ІР й гіперандрогенемії. Висновки. Отримані результати вказують на тісний зв’язок між СПКЯ та інфекцією H.pylori, яка посилює наявні метаболічні і гормональні порушення, притаманні СПКЯ, призводить до підвищення СРБ та ІЛ-6. Однак не можна стверджувати, що дана інфекція є новим патогенетичним фактором формування СПКЯ.

Inflammation and Insulin Resistance in a Group of Sub-Saharan African Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

BackgroundStudies report high levels of inflammatory markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), reflecting chronic low-grade inflammation. This inflammation is thought to be associated with insulin resistance. We aim to evaluate inflammatory markers [high sensitivity C reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6] and insulin resistance in women with PCOS in Yaoundé, Cameroon.MethodsWe conducted a comparative cross-sectional study including 32 women with PCOS aged between 18 and 44 years and 32 controls matched for age and body mass index (BMI). Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index calculated using C peptide levels was used to evaluate insulin resistance. Serum levels of high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured. Comparisons were made using the Student’s T-test and non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U-test, Kruskal–Wallis test).ResultsWe found that the median [25th–75th percentile] level of hsCRP was significantly higher in women with PCOS compared to the controls (0.63 [0.32–3.81] mg/L vs. 0.47 [0.15–1.04] mg/L; p=0.01), while IL-6 levels were not different (8.61 [4.1–33.79] pg/mL for PCOS vs. 8.80 [5.28–38.85] pg/mL for controls; p=0.51). We noted that women with PCOS had a higher HOMA-IR index (1.15±0.90 vs. 0.77±0.38; p=0.03). However, there was no correlation between hsCRP level and the HOMA-IR index (Spearman correlation coefficient=0.10; p=0.62).ConclusionPCOS is associated with an increased level of hsCRP and insulin resistance in Cameroonian women. This exploratory study provides baseline evidence for larger-scale studies.