Serum Levels In Women Research Articles

Analysis of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors -634C/G and +936C/T Polymorphisms and Their Serum Levels in Women Suffering from Preeclampsia

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related syndrome characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, affecting approximately 6-8% of pregnancies and contributing to about 40% of premature births. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the polymorphisms -634C/G and +936C/T in the VEGF gene and their association with serum VEGF levels in pregnant women with PE. Methods: In this case-control study, peripheral blood samples were collected from 135 women with PE and 135 normal pregnant women as the control group. DNA extraction was performed using the phenol-chloroform method. The VEGF gene polymorphisms were detected using the PCR-RFLP method using specific primers. Additionally, serum VEGF concentrations were measured using the ELISA method. Results: Maternal age, gestational week, maternal hemoglobin, and BMI were significantly correlated with the likelihood of developing PE, whereas the season of occurrence was not found to be a significant factor. No significant difference was observed in the -634C/G and +936C/T polymorphisms of the VEGF gene between the two groups. Moreover, serum VEGF levels in PE patients were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Although serum VEGF concentrations were significantly elevated in women with PE, the -634C/G and +936C/T polymorphisms of the VEGF gene do not appear to be associated with the onset of PE. Further research is necessary to fully elucidate the risk factors of PE syndrome.

Simultaneous Effect of Aerobic Training and Resveratrol Supplementation on Interleukin-6 Serum Levels in Women With Type 2 Diabetes

Background and Aims Diabetes pathogenesis is driven by a complex network of pro-inflammatory cells and cytokines, of which interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a key role in the chronic inflammation associated with type 2 diabetes. The use of supplements and plant extracts and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes is common today. The aim of this study was to evaluate the simultaneous effect of aerobic training and resveratrol supplementation on IL-6serum levels in women with type 2 diabetes. Methods This study was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design and a control group, in which 24 women with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to three equal groups of supplement (age 55.25±5.11 years), training+supplement (400 mg resveratrol) (age 54.62±7.22 years), and control (age 52.25±8.60 years). The subjects practiced for six weeks and every week for three days for 40-60 min and at a heart rate of 45-65. Data analysis was performed using analysis of covariance and correlated t-test at the significant level of <0.05. Results The results showed that after the intervention, IL-6 serum levels in the aerobic training + supplement group (P=0.01) had a significant decrease compared to the supplement and control groups. Examination of intergroup changes shows that there was a significant difference in IL-6 levels between the training + supplement group and the supplement group (P=0.002, f=1.56). Also, the results of the Tukey post hoc test showed that there was a significant difference between the control group and the training + supplement group (P=0.003) and between the supplement group and the training+supplement group in IL-6 levels (P=0.031). Conclusion Based on the findings of the present study, it seems that concomitant use of resveratrol supplementation and aerobic training can reduce the levels of IL-6 and the supplement have anti-inflammatory and protective effects in women with type 2 diabetes.

Micronutrient and Trace Element Levels in Serum of Women With Uterine Fibroids in Lagos.

Background: Uterine fibroids significantly affect the quality of life of reproductive-age women. The socioeconomic cost and psychological strain on patients cannot be overemphasized. The role of diet and micronutrients on the onset and development of uterine fibroids has come under review in recent times. This study assessed the levels of some micronutrients and trace elements in the serum of women with uterine fibroids.Methods: Eighty-eight women were recruited from the Gynecology Outpatient Clinic of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, 44 with uterine fibroids and 44 women without uterine fibroids. Blood samples were obtained and analyzed for serum levels of selected micronutrients (vitamins A, C, D, and E) and trace elements (calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus). Pelvic ultrasonography was performed on all study participants.Results: Women with uterine fibroids had statistically significant lower serum levels of vitamin C (1.20 ± 0.59 vs 1.62 ± 1.75 mg/dl; p = 0.01), vitamin D (34.23 ±10.67 vs 37.06 ±11.46 ng/ml; p = 0.04), and calcium (2.27 ± 0.19 vs 2.32 ± 0.09 mmol/L; p = 0.02) compared with women without uterine fibroids. There was no significant difference in the serum levels of vitamins A (39.63 ± 15.71 vs 40.09 ±15.26 μ/dl; p = 0.91), vitamin E (5.44 ± 4.65 vs 5.26 ± 4.62 µg/mL; p = 0.87), magnesium (0.89 ± 0.09 vs 0.89 ± 0.08 mmol/L; p = 0.78), and phosphorus (1.29 ± 0.38 vs 1.19 ± 0.17 mmol/L; p = 0.14) in women with uterine fibroids compared to those without uterine fibroids.Conclusion: This study showed lower serum levels of vitamin C, vitamin D, and calcium in women with uterine fibroids when compared to women without uterine fibroids. It is possible that these micronutrients and trace elements may play a role in the etiopathogenesis, progression, and/or proliferation of uterine fibroids. However, whether the findings of low serum levels of these elements are a cause or an effect of uterine fibroid, is yet to be determined.

Effect of High Trace Element Levels in Serum of Women Undergoing Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) on Implantation Rate

Objectives: To assess the effects of trace element concentrations in serum on implantation rate in women undergoing ICSI. Study design: Across-sectional study was conducted between March 2018 to April 2019 in Kamal ALSamarai Hospital, center of fertility and IVF. One hundred and seventeen women underwent ICSI using GnRH-antagonist protocol were recruited. Concentration E2, P4 and two trace elements (Cu, Zn, and Cu/ Zn) were measured in serum specimen. Women’s were evaluated in two groups; the study group consisted of patients with successful implantation (n = 21) and women in the second group (n=96) experienced implantation failure. Results: No significant differences were observed in age or BMI between the groups. Serum copper levels were significantly higher differences (P=0.001) in group of failure (198 ± 107?g/dL) than in group of successful implantation (133 ± 46?g/dL), zinc concentrations in group of successful and failure out of the maximum of normal range (137 ± 40?g/dL versus 135 ± 34?g/ dL respectively) but statistically significant differences were did not observed (P?0.05). When we calculated the copper/zinc ratio (Cu/Zn), it was significantly higher differences (P=0.001) in group of failure (1.59 ± 1) than in group of successful (1.03 ± 0.4). In conclusion, we observed that high serum copper concentrations and (high Cu/Zn ratio) are a risk factor for implantation failure.

Comparison of the Effect of Two Personalized Low Volume-High Intensity and Combined (Strength-Aerobic) Exercises on Angiopoietin-like Protein 4 (ANGPTL4) Serum Levels in Women with Type 2 Diabetes: A Short Report

Comparison of the Effect of Two Personalized Low Volume-High Intensity and Combined (Strength-Aerobic) Exercises on Angiopoietin-like Protein 4 (ANGPTL4) Serum Levels in Women with Type 2 Diabetes: A Short Report

Study The Role of Selenium in The P-Selectin and E-Cadherin Serum Levels in Women with Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by endothelial dysfunction with vasoconstriction due to cell adhesion molecules or mediators released by defective placentation. Platelet selectin (P-selectin) and epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) are the cell adhesion molecules, is elevated in many inflammatory conditions including PE.Objective: To investigate if P-selectin and E-cadherin levels can be used as a marker for adverse outcomes in pregnancy complicated with PE.Patients and Method: This study involved 90 pregnant women in their third trimester of pregnancy divided into2 group:Group A: involves 45 pregnant women with PE.Group B: involve 45 healthy pregnant women and normal fetal growth (Control group).Result: The results show there were a high significant increase in the mean values of P-selectin with high increase in the mean values of E-cadherin in PE group when compared to control group.ROC curve shows sensitivity and specificity and false positive rate for predication of PE by P-selectin and E-cadherin in control and patients groups, and the maximum accuracy for the P-selectin and E-cadherin in discrimination between control and PE patients groups.Conclusions: There is an inverse relationship between cell adhesion molecules and selenium in PE compared with normal pregnancy.High level of serum P-selectin and E-cadherin are associated with the presence PE, which provide additional information for predicting of PE and preventing its complications and for better understanding pathogenesis of PE

Relative Expression of OX40, OX40L mRNA, and OX40L Serum Levels in Women with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion

ABSTRACTThis study determined the roles of OX40 and OX40L in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). We compared the expression of OX40 and OX40L genes in peripheral blood mRNA levels and serum levels of OX40L in women with a history of RSA to the control group. In this case-control study, 40 women with a history of RSA (case group), and 40 others with no history of abortion (control group) were investigated. The expressions of OX40 mRNA and OX40L mRNA were determined in the two groups using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Also, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the levels of serum OX40L in the two groups. There were no significant differences in the maternal age of women in the two groups (30.1 ± 4.28 years in the case vs. 30.03 ± 4.23 years in the control group). There was no difference in terms of the levels of OX40 and OX40L mRNA between the groups (p = 0.08 and p = 0.56, respectively). In addition, there was no significant correlation between the expression of OX40 and OX40L mRNA levels with age or the number of abortions. The correlation between OX40 and OX40L mRNA levels was not significant. RSA history group turned to show a higher level of serum OX40L than the control group (p = 0.03). In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that the expression of OX40 mRNA and OX40L mRNA was similar between women with a history of RSA and the control group. The elevation of serum OX40L level may be considered as a risk factor for RSA.

VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR SERUM LEVELS IN WOMEN WITH ADVANCED ENDOMETRIOSIS.

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease, characterized by ectopic deposits of endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity, and it is associated with pelvic pain and infertility, with an important impact on the quality of life. At this point there is a controversy regarding the etiology and pathophysiology of endometriosis and it seems that pro-angiogenic growth factors might be involved, but their role is not completely understood. To evaluate the serum concentration of the main growth factors in patients with diagnosed endometriosis compared to healthy controls. A total of 157 women were divided into two study groups (Group I - endometriosis; Group 2 - healthy women). Serum levels of VEGF, G-CSF, GM-CSF, b-FGF, EGF, and HGF were measured with Human Multiplex Cytokine Panels. VEGF serum levels were significantly lower in women with endometriosis compared to controls (1.924±0.145 compared to 1.806±0.078 pg/mL, p<0.001). Serum levels of GM-CSF, b-FGF, EGF, and HGF respectively did not differ significantly between patients with endometriosis and healthy controls. G-CSF had a very low detection rate. The present study showed that VEGF serum levels are significantly lower in endometriosis patients compared to healthy controls, indicating a possible role in endometriosis pathogenesis.

Vitamin a Deficiency Corrected With 800 IU/Day

Vitamin a Deficiency Corrected With 800 IU/Day

Zoledronic Acid Acutely Increases Sclerostin Serum Levels in Women With Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Sclerostin is a circulating inhibitor of the Wnt-signaling pathway produced by osteocytes, which acts as a negative regulator of bone formation. Effects of zoledronic acid on sclerostin serum levels in postmenopausal osteoporosis are unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate sclerostin serum levels after zoledronic acid administration and correlate variations with bone turnover markers. We conducted a prospective intervention study in an ambulatory care setting. Forty women (mean age 62.6 ± 4.9 years) with postmenopausal osteoporosis were enrolled in this study and randomized into 2 groups to receive zoledronic acid (5 mg) or placebo. At baseline and then at 2, 7, 30, and 360 days after zoledronic acid or placebo administration, serum levels of sclerostin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), as a bone formation marker, and serum C-telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX), as a bone resorption marker, were measured. Sclerostin serum levels increased by day 2, reached a peak at day 7 (3-fold baseline, P < .001), and then decreased at day 30 and returned near to baseline after 360 days in the zoledronic acid group. Both CTX and BSAP were reduced, and a significant negative correlation was observed between the percentage changes of sclerostin and the variation in BSAP and CTX at all time points in the zoledronic acid group (P < .05). No changes were observed in the placebo group. Our data demonstrate that zoledronic acid increases sclerostin serum levels and that sclerostin could play a role in coupling bone resorption to bone formation.

The relationship between pregnancy and oxidative stress markers on patients undergoing IVF/IUI

The effects of oxidative stress (OS) on female reproductive functions are not clear; however OS is believed to play an important role in endometriosis, PCOS, and unexplained infertility. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of reproductive hormones on OS markers on women undergoing hormonal stimulation for IVF or IUI cycles. This is a prospective IRB approved study. Blood samples obtained from 15 patients undergoing ovarian stimulation with rFSH or hMG were divided into two groups. Grp-1 was baseline blood collected on day-2-3 of women cycle. Grp-2 is blood collected at the end of FSH/hMG injection. Serum was collected and stored in LN2 tanks at -196oC until analysis. Standard IVF and IUI procedures were followed. The serum levels of Superoxide Dismutases (SOD), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by ELISA kits (Cayman Chemical); the Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) was spectrophotometically measured (ZeptoMetrix Co.). Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis. The mean age of patients was (33.3 ± 3.4 yrs) and etiology of infertility was endometriosis (n = 7), PCOS (n = 2), and unexplained (n = 6). Results in Table-1 show a significant positive correlation between levels of E2 and that of SOD, GPx and IL-6. Pregnancies were recorded among 7 of the 15 couples. Interleukin-6 was significantly (P=0.02) higher in pregnant than non-pregnant group. SOD and GPx levels was not different between pregnant and non-pregnant groups.Tabled 1Oxidative Stress Markers & Estradiol levels in Serum of Women Before & After Hormonal Stimulations (Mean ± SEM)ParametersBeforeAfter StimulationP valueSOD (U/mL)141.0 ± 36.0178.6 ± 102.60.043GPx mU/mL464.5 ± 140604.1 ± 1100.022IL-6 (pg/ml)3.4 ± 2.315.5 ± 3.80.029E228.2 ± 10.1907.2 ± 430 Open table in a new tab The results of our study indicated that ovarian stimulation has an impact on the production of SOD, GPx and IL-6. The increased level of Interleukin-6 activity among pregnant patients is suggestive of its role in enhancing implantation.

The presence and expression of the hepatitis B virus in human oocytes and embryos

The objective of this study was to explore the potential for vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) from parents to offspring via human germ cells. For study samples, 250 oocytes from hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seropositive women and 578 embryos from couples with at least one HBsAg seropositive partner were collected. HBV DNA in the nuclei of oocytes and embryos was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization; HBsAg expression was analysed using immunofluorescence; and serum HBV DNA levels were measured by real-time PCR. The HBV infection duration of the women and the serum HBsAg status of their mothers were also examined. HBV DNA was present in 9.6% (24/250) of oocytes and 14.4% (83/578) of embryos. Rates of HBV DNA positive embryos were similar among couples in which the woman, man or both partners were HBsAg seropositive, 13.1% (57/436), 21.3% (16/75) and 14.9% (10/67), respectively. Rates of positivity in oocytes and embryos were significantly higher in a group with high serum levels HBV DNA than in a group with lower serum levels (P= 0.004 and P= 0.002, respectively). Higher rates of oocyte positivity were found for women whose mothers were HBV infected compared with those with uninfected mothers. Expression of HBsAg was observed in 8.7% (2/28) oocytes and 14.1% (10/71) embryos (P= 0.34). The presence of HBV DNA in human oocytes or embryos was related to the women's serum levels of HBV DNA and the infection status of their mothers. The HBV positive embryos were either maternally or paternally dependent. HBV infection may result in vertical transmission to the offspring via germ cells.

Elevated Adiponectin Serum Levels in Women with Systemic Autoimmune Diseases

Adipose tissue produces a wide range of proteins that may influence the immune system. In this study, we assessed the serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, and ghrelin, in association with the measurements of body composition, in 15 female patients with various autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, primary Sjögren's syndrome, sarcoidosis, mixed connective tissue disease, vasculitis, CREST syndrome, and polymyositis) and in 15 healthy female controls. There were no statistically significant differences between the patients and controls with regard to serum leptin, serum ghrelin, global fat mass, adiposity, and fat mass in the android or gynoid regions, whereas serum adiponectin levels were higher in patients than controls (16.3 ± 1.6 μg/mL versus 9.7 ± 0.6 μg/mL; P = .01). As adiponectin is known to exhibit potent anti-inflammatory properties, a high adiponectinemia in patients with systemic autoimmune disease may mitigate the inflammatory response. However, the precise consequences of these elevated serum adiponectin levels on the metabolic syndrome development and atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk in this patient population still needs to be determined.

Increased Dermal Carotenoid Levels Assessed by Noninvasive Reflection Spectrophotometry Correlate with Serum Levels in Women Ingesting Betatene

β-Carotene is being used as an oral sun protectant, and evidence indicates that carotenoids may protect human skin from light-induced lesions. However, limited information is available on the distribution and accumulation of β-carotene in skin, especially with respect to various skin regions. With the use of reflection spectroscopy, we investigated the accumulation of total carotenoids in human skin after repeated supplementation of 12 women with β-carotene from a natural source Betatene, an algal extract. After daily ingestion of 24 mg β-carotene (in Betatene) for 12 wk, an increase in carotenoid skin levels was observed. Highest basal values were measured in skin of the forehead, palm of the hand and dorsal skin, with lower levels measured in skin of the arm and back of the hand. Upon treatment, increases in carotenoid skin levels were found in all areas as follows: 2.4-fold in forehead, 0.7-fold in dorsal skin, 2.2-fold in the palm of the hand, 17-fold on the back of the hand and 1.7-fold on the inside of the arm. After cessation of treatment, the carotenoid levels decreased in all skin areas. Serum β-carotene levels were elevated upon treatment and correlated with carotenoid skin levels. Correlations for serum vs. skin from the palm of the hand (r = 0.94) and skin from the forehead (r = 0.89) were calculated, indicating that serum levels appeared to be a suitable indicator for carotenoid accumulation in specific regions of the skin. With doses of ∼20–25 mg carotenoids/d, it is possible to raise dermal carotenoid levels.

Evidence of a Correlation between CA15.3 and Estradiol Serum Levels in Women with Fibrocystic (non Macrocystic) Mastopathy

Evidence of a Correlation between CA15.3 and Estradiol Serum Levels in Women with Fibrocystic (non Macrocystic) Mastopathy