Ovarian Artery Research Articles

Anatomical variations in the origin of gonadal artery - A computed tomography angiographic study

Introduction: A sound knowledge of variations of gonadal artery is required during operative, diagnostic and endovascular procedures in the abdomen and pelvis especially with the advancement of newer intra-abdominal operative and laparoscopic techniques. The aim of this study was to analyze the normal anatomy of gonadal arteries and their variations by MDCT in the north Indian population. Materials and methods: 500 patients (aged 18 to 70) referred to the department of Radio diagnosis at SubhartiMedical College & Hospital, Meerut, and neighboring imaging centresin the NCR underwent the cross-sectional study (MDCT). From August 2019 to July 2022, MDCT scan images of the abdomen region were examined for the normal anatomy of the gonadal arteries. Results: Variation were found in both sides gonadal arteries in males and females. The frequency of variations of gonadal arteries in terms of their origin was more commonly found in males. Conclusions: Various morphological anomalies of gonadal arteries are reported. The possible embryological basis for this variation as well as its clinical significance, are discussed. The knowledge of this variation will help the radiologists and surgeons in avoiding clinical complications during uro-radiologic interventions and surgical procedures such as renal and gonadal surgeries. Keywords: Gonadal artery, Testicular artery (TA), Ovarian artery (OA), Renal artery (RA).

Impact of ovulation inducers on ovarian artery in mares: pulsatility and resistivity indexes

A failure of vascular development in reproductive organs may be the cause of several dysfunctions during the estrous cycle and gestation. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the in vivo influences of ovarian vaso- irrigation on ovulation. The ovarian follicles need an adequate blood supply for oxygen, nutrients, and hormones, besides eliminating CO2 and other metabolites (Bruno et al. Animal Reproduction. 2009; 6, 2:371-379). Transrectal ultrasonography (US) with color, power, and spectral Doppler US has been used to study blood flow and ovarian perfusion in mares (Acosta et al. Biology of Reproduction. 2004b; 71, 2: 502-507). Studies have shown a daily increase in vascularization of the wall of the dominant follicle as it approaches the day of ovulation (Gastal et al. Animal Reproduction Science. 2007; 102, 3-4: 314-321); However, a few hours before ovulation, an abrupt decrease in blood perfusion of the follicular wall has been detected (Ginther et al. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 2007a; 27, 1: 20-27). The drugs most used as ovulation inducers in horses are human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and analogues of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), such as deslorelin (Chavatte & Palmer Equine Veterinary Education. 1998; 10, 26-30). Using different ovulation inducers, this study aimed to evaluate changes in ovarian arteryblood flow after induction of ovulation in mares with follicles ≥ 35mm diameter. Twenty-eight estrous cycles were followed, randomly and equally distributed: GI: control mares without treatment; GII: 1000 IU IV of hCG; GIII: 750µl IV of deslorelin; GIV: 250µg IM of hysterelin. The ovarian artery pulsatility and resistivity indexes (PI and RI) were measured. Thereafter, estrous cycles were followed every 12 hours from time 0 (induction) until ovulation using B-mode US and spectral mode Doppler US of ovarian arteries. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA, a p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. No statistical difference was found in PI between groups (p=0.1297) of at the different evaluation times. When the times of analysis were compared separately between the groups, no statistical difference was found between 0h (p= 0.7092), 12h (p= 0.5148), 24h (p=0.2642), and 36h (p=0.582). Similarly, the RI did not differ between the groups analyzed (p= 0.1397), regardless of the time of evaluation, nor between the timepoints analyzed separately between 0h (p= 0.5049), 12h (p= 0.7334), 24h (p=0.3589) and 36h (p=0.1621). It can be concluded that although an increase in vascularization of the wall of the dominant follicle occurred, the PI and RI of the ovarian artery were not influenced by any ovulation inducer of the pre-ovulatory follicles.

NON-DESCENT VAGINAL HYSTERECTOMY USING BIPOLAR VESSEL SEALING SYSTEM VERSUS TOTAL LAPAROSCOPIC HYSTERECTOMY FOR BENIGN DISEASES OF UTERUS: A PROSPECTIVE INTERVENTIONAL STUDY

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the surgical outcomes of non-descent vaginal hysterectomy (NDVH) using bipolar vessel sealing system and total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) with reference to intraoperative time, intraoperative blood loss, and post-operative pain. Methods: The study was conducted on 100 patients who required hysterectomy for benign diseases of uterus and was fit to undergo both modalities of surgery (TLH/NDVH). 50 patients that underwent TLH and 50 patients that underwent NDVH with BipBIPVSS were part of Study Group. Results: The mean intraoperative time taken in performing NDVH using Bipolar BIPVSS (28.06 min) was significantly less than the mean time taken in performing TLH (92.62 min). The intraoperative blood loss in NDVH with BIPVSS was 41.70 mL and TLH was 89.24 mL. The post-operative pain in both the study group was not statistically significant as both the groups had similar experience and p&gt;0.05. Post-operative major complication of bleeding in ovarian artery and hemoperitoneum was observed in a patient of NDVH with BIPVSS while one case of thermal rectal injury and one case of bladder injury were observed in TLH group. Conclusion: The route and procedure of hysterectomy will depend on various factors; however, NDVH with BIPVSS has certain advantage over TLH as it takes lesser times, lesser blood loss and gives similar pain experience if not better than TLH.

Effect of short-term nutritional supplementation of green microalgae on some reproductive indicators of Anglo-Nubian crossbred goats

Background and Aim: Despite the wide spectrum of uses, one of the chief drawbacks to expanding microalgae as a food supplement in livestock is the lack of a regimen protocol with established dosage and time length of supplementation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of short-term supplementation with increasing doses of microalgae on ovarian response in goats reared in northeast Brazil. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight goats had their follicular waves synchronized using three injections of a prostaglandin analog at 7-day intervals. Goats were allocated to groups that received daily oral Chlorella supplementation for 7 days, respectively: 5 g, GMA5 group (n = 7), 10 g (GMA10; n = 7), and 20 g (GMA20; n = 7). The control group (GMA 0; n = 7) received a drench of water. Results: The groups showed a quadratic increase (p = 0.0156) in kidney fat thickness but there was a significant reduction in dry matter intake in the GMA20 group. The GMA20 group showed higher glucose levels and glutathione peroxidase (p &lt; 0.05). There was a decrease in plasma cholesterol (p &lt; 0.05) in the 10 and 20 g treatments. The number of total follicles increased quadratically. Follicles &lt;3 mm increased linearly (p = 0.0113) for microalgal supply. The GMA10 and GMA20 groups had the highest values (p &lt; 0.05) among the treatments. After inducing ovulation, there was a significant increase in follicles &gt;3 mm in the GMA10 group, which also showed a greater (p &lt; 0.05) area of intraovarian blood perfusion and pulsatility index of the ovarian artery. Conclusion: We conclude that for 7 days of supplementation, the administration of 10 g of microalgae appears to be the most efficient dosage for stimulating the ovarian response in tropical goats. Keywords: Doppler, follicles, goat, microalga, ovarian blood flow, ovarian response.

Effect of short-term nutritional supplementation of green microalgae on some reproductive indicators of Anglo-Nubian crossbred goats.

Despite the wide spectrum of uses, one of the chief drawbacks to expanding microalgae as a food supplement in livestock is the lack of a regimen protocol with established dosage and time length of supplementation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of short-term supplementation with increasing doses of microalgae on ovarian response in goats reared in northeast Brazil. Twenty-eight goats had their follicular waves synchronized using three injections of a prostaglandin analog at 7-day intervals. Goats were allocated to groups that received daily oral Chlorella supplementation for 7 days, respectively: 5 g, GMA5 group (n = 7), 10 g (GMA10; n = 7), and 20 g (GMA20; n = 7). The control group (GMA 0; n = 7) received a drench of water. The groups showed a quadratic increase (p = 0.0156) in kidney fat thickness but there was a significant reduction in dry matter intake in the GMA20 group. The GMA20 group showed higher glucose levels and glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.05). There was a decrease in plasma cholesterol (p < 0.05) in the 10 and 20 g treatments. The number of total follicles increased quadratically. Follicles <3 mm increased linearly (p = 0.0113) for microalgal supply. The GMA10 and GMA20 groups had the highest values (p < 0.05) among the treatments. After inducing ovulation, there was a significant increase in follicles >3 mm in the GMA10 group, which also showed a greater (p < 0.05) area of intraovarian blood perfusion and pulsatility index of the ovarian artery. We conclude that for 7 days of supplementation, the administration of 10 g of microalgae appears to be the most efficient dosage for stimulating the ovarian response in tropical goats.

Fetal growth restriction followed by early catch-up growth impairs pancreatic islet morphology in male rats

Fetal growth restriction (FGR), followed by postnatal early catch-up growth, is associated with an increased risk of metabolic dysfunction, including type 2 diabetes in humans. This study aims to determine the effects of FGR and early catch-up growth after birth on the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, with particular attention to glucose tolerance, pancreatic islet morphology, and fibrosis, and to elucidate its mechanism using proteomics analysis. The FGR rat model was made by inducing mild intrauterine hypoperfusion using ameroid constrictors (ACs). On day 17 of pregnancy, ACs were affixed to the uterine and ovarian arteries bilaterally, causing a 20.9% reduction in birth weight compared to sham pups. On postnatal day 4 (P4), the pups were assigned to either the good nutrition (GN) groups with 5 pups per dam to ensure postnatal catch-up growth or poor nutrition groups with 15 pups per dam to maintain lower body weight. After weaning, all pups were fed regular chow food ad libitum (P21). Rats in both FGR groups developed glucose intolerance; however, male rats in the FGR good nutrition (FGR-GN) group also developed hypertriglyceridemia and dysmorphic pancreatic islets with fibrosis. A comprehensive and functional analysis of proteins expressed in the pancreas showed that FGR, followed by early catch-up growth, severely aggravated cell adhesion-related protein expression in male offspring. Thus, FGR and early catch-up growth caused pancreatic islet morphological abnormalities and fibrosis associated with the disturbance of cell adhesion-related protein expressions. These changes likely induce glucose intolerance and dyslipidemia in male rats.

Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance in a Novel Fetal Growth Restriction Model

The abnormal fetal environment exerts long-term effects on skeletal muscle, and fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with insulin resistance in adulthood. In this study, we examined insulin resistance in early adulthood and insulin signaling in skeletal muscle using a novel FGR rat model. Ameroid constrictors (AC) were placed on the bilateral uterine and ovarian arteries of rats on day 17 of gestation; placebo surgery was performed on the control group. We measured body weight at birth, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of age and performed oral glucose tolerance tests at 8 and 12 weeks. Rats were dissected at 12 weeks of age. We examined the mRNA and protein expression of insulin signaling pathway molecules in skeletal muscle. FGR rats had a significantly lower birth weight than control rats (p = 0.002). At 12 weeks of age, the incremental area under the curve of blood glucose was significantly higher, and GLUT4 mRNA and protein expression in soleus muscle was significantly lower in the FGR group than in the control group. Reduced placental blood flow in the AC-attached FGR group caused insulin resistance and altered insulin signaling in skeletal muscles. Therefore, FGR causes skeletal muscle insulin resistance in early adulthood.

Use of Uterine and Ovarian Arteries Doppler Parameters for the Prediction of Infertility in Females

Background: In the context of fertility, Doppler sonography is used to evaluate the blood flow to the uterus and ovaries. The blood flow to these organs plays a crucial role in the process of ovulation, fertilization, and implantation of the fertilized egg. Changes in the Doppler sonographic indices of the uterine and ovarian arteries can provide information about the blood flow to these organs and can help identify potential problems that may be affecting fertility. Objective: To evaluate the Doppler indices of uterine and ovarian arteries in fertile and infertile women and help clinicians develop more effective diagnostic and treatment strategies for infertility. Methodology: A cross-sectional Analytical study was conducted for a duration of 9 months at a Medics Dr. Amers, Lahore, Pakistan. The study included 150 fertile and 150 infertile females aged 18-45 and excluded all females using oral contraceptive and contraceptive devices. SPSS software version 25 was used to analyze the data. Results: Age of participants ranged between 19 to 43 years with a mean + SD age of 28 + 6.5 years. The mean + SD RI and PI of left ovarian artery was 0.48 + 0.03 and 1.1 + 0.13 in the fertile, 0.9 + 0.03 and 4.2 + 1.2 in the infertile group. The mean + SD RI and PI of right ovarian artery was 0.60 + 0.03 and 1.6 + 0.06 in the fertile, 0.8 + 0.01 and 3.0 + 0.4 in theinfertile group (Table 1) Overall, results shows that the four variables are significantly different between fertile and infertile groups, with higher values in the infertile group. Independent sample test showed statistical significance between RI and PI of right ovarian artery of both groups (P &lt; 0.05). However, in left ovarian artery the values of PI in both groups showed a significance (P&lt; 0.05) were as values RI are found to be insignificant (P &gt; 0.05). Independent sample test showed statistical significance between RI and PI of right and left uterine artery of both groups (P &lt; 0.05). The mean + SD endometrial thickness in fertile group was 11.0 + 2.6 mm it was 9 + 1.6 mm in infertile group (Table 3). Indicating a significant difference between the two groups (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Uterine and Ovarian artery hemodynamics plays an important role in fertility. Findings from this study revealed that a high RI and PI and thin endometrium significantly affects fertility. Key words: Resistive index, Pulsatility index, Infertility, Uterine artery, Ovarian artery.

Ovarian Dynamics and Blood Flow Indices during Estrus in Purnathadi Buffaloes

The research work was implemented to study the ovarian dynamics and ovarian arterial blood flow by pulse-wave Doppler form with color Doppler ultrasonography during estrus in Purnathadi buffaloes. The mean ovarian diameter of left and right ovary was 2.27±0.08 and 2.37 ± 0.12 cm of right ovary and mean pre-ovulatory follicle diameter was 1.22 cm during estrus Purnathadi buffaloes. The mean ovarian pulsatility index and resistance index was 1.45 and 0.75 during estrus. The mean ipsilateral (on the side of pre-ovulatory follicle) and contralateral ovarian artery pulsatility index during estrus was 1.63±0.02 and 1.62±0.02. The mean ipsilateral (on the side of pre-ovulatory follicle) and contralateral ovarian artery resistance index during estrus was 0.77±0.01 and 0.75±0.01 respectively. The ovarian artery indices show non significant levels irrespective of presence of pre-ovulatory follicle.

Evaluation of treatment results in patients after surgical hemostasis using CT-angiography

Objective: to evaluate the results of treatment of patients after undergoing surgical hemostasis in obstetric hypotonic bleeding. Materials and methods: the 31 patients were examined, whose delivery was complicated by hypotonic uterine bleeding, and as a result, surgical hemostasis was performed in the amount of ligation of the ovarian and internal iliac artery. Anthropometric data were analyzed, as well as the dynamics of the results of laboratory and instrumental research methods before and after surgery. In the late postoperative period, the results of helical computed tomography (CT) under angiography conditions were evaluated in the period from 6 months to 5 years. Statistical processing was carried out using the IBM SPSS Statistics 25 program. Results: the age, anamnestic data, anatomical and physiological parameters of patients, terms of delivery and their outcome did not become predictors of developed hypotonic bleeding. Early postpartum bleeding was determined in 93,5% of cases. Extirpation of the uterus was performed in 9,7% of cases. The median blood loss was 1200,0 ml, blood loss of 45-50% of the BCC was determined in 19,4%, 35–45% of the BCC was also in 19,4%. The reduced level of erythrocytes persisted until the moment of discharge, and the reduced hemoglobin after the operation tended to increase. In the course of CT, in 100% of cases, defects in the contrasting of the internal iliac artery on both sides were determined. Collateral circulation was also developed in 100,0% of cases, despite the type of defect in the internal iliac artery. Conclusions: ligation of the ovarian and internal iliac artery is a reliable method of surgical hemostasis, which allows saving the uterus in 90,3% of cases. In the late postoperative period, all patients developed various degrees of arterial patency in the ligation zone, and collateral circulation developed on both sides.

Ovarian and uterine haemodynamics during the estrous cycle of Egyptian buffaloes in relation to steroid hormonal and nitric oxide levels

The present investigation aimed to study the ovarian and uterine haemodynamics during the estrous cycle in buffaloes in correlation with the hormonal changes (estradiol and progesterone) and nitric oxide. Six cyclic buffalo cows were scanned via transrectal Doppler ultrasonography to evaluate the normal ovarian and uterine haemodynamics through three successive estrous cycles. Results showed that the dominant follicle (F1) area, F1 diameter, area, antrum area, coloured area (pixels) and colour area % attained the highest values (P&lt;0.0001) during the follicular phase. The vascularisation of F1 tended to be higher (P&gt;0.05) on the day of ovulation (Day 0). The diameter and the vascularisation of the corpus luteum (CL) reached peak values (P&lt;0.0001) at Day 14 and decreased to minimum values at Day 21. Plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations correlated positively with the diameter of CL (r ≤ 0.37; P≤0.01), CL area (r≤0.35; P≤0.009), and CL colour area (pixels) (r≤0.39; P≤0.001). Besides, the estradiol (E2) level correlated with F1 diameter (r≤0.19; P≤0.0001) and F1 area (r≤0.18; P≤0.0001). Peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the ipsilateral ovarian (P≤0.082) and uterine (P≤0.024) arteries were higher than those obtained for the contralateral ones. A similar finding was obtained in end-diastolic velocity (EDV) of the ovarian arteries (P≤0.005). In conclusion, the blood flow of the ovary and uterus recorded in buffaloes varied according to the ovulating ovary, day and phase of the estrous cycle as well as with the hormonal changes.

Retracted: Effect of Uterine Artery Ligation and Uterine Artery Embolization on Postpartum Hemorrhage Due to Uterine Asthenia after Cesarean Section and Its Effect on Blood Flow and Function of Uterine and Ovarian Arteries.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/1337234.].

Модель лечения абсолютного маточного бесплодия на экспериментальных животных

Reproductive organ transplantation was considered as a potential method for treatment of the ovarian factor, tubal factor, and uterine factor infertility before the advent of advanced assisted reproductive technologies. Uterus transplantation can be considered as the method for treatment of absolute uterine factor infertility similar to transplantation of non-vital organs. However, the clinical use of uterus transplantation in humans causes a lot of problems. The study was aimed to develop a program for assessment of various surgical tissue revascularization techniques for restoration of reproductive function in experimental animals with uterine factor infertility. Chinchilla rabbits (n = 20) were selected for experiments because of the fact that all mammals have similar structure of the organs. The innovative technique involving the use of ovarian arteries instead of uterine arteries (as in the standard protocol) was used in laboratory animals to develop the surgical protocol for transplantation of reproductive tissues. The animal study results show that hemodynamic characteristics of blood supply to the transplanted uterus remain unchanged. This makes it possible to use the surgical method in the experiments on the uterus transplant from a deceased donor. The proposed uterus transplantation protocol ensures high transplant survival rate and normal blood supply to the transplant, along with the reduced risk of injury to the donor and reduced complexity of the surgical procedure.

Therapeutic physical factors in chronic inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs. (A wounded home-controlled study)

In case of chronic inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs (CID) in women, it is advisable to use therapeutic physical factors that have a sanogenetic effect in rehabilitation treatment programs. To study the effectiveness of complex restorative treatment of patients with chronic salpingoophoritis with the consistent use of therapeutic physical factors. The study included 96 patients with chronic salpingoophoritis at the age of 18 to 49 years. Two groups were formed by a simple sampling method: in the main group (MG/n=44), against the background of standardized treatment in inpatient conditions, patients received intravaginal ultrasound therapy, in non-hospital settings - interference therapy; in the control group (CG/n=41) - women received only standardized therapy. The criteria for the effectiveness of treatment were: determination of markers of pain and inflammation; ultrasound examination of the ovarian arteries with their Doppler measurements; assessment of quality of life criteria. Comprehensive restorative treatment of patients with chronic salpingoophoritis with sequential use of curative physical factors (CPF), according to direct and long-term observations, provides a significant reduction in pain intensity (p<0.01), inflammation (p<0.01), peripheral blood flow (p<0.01), physical and mental health (p<0.01). The implementation of a new developed method of restorative treatment of patients with chronic salpingoophoritis with sequential use of CPF provided a significant increase of 10-12% in the effectiveness of therapeutic measures in comparison with standardized therapy (p<0.05-<0.01).

Случай эндоваскулярного лечения разрыва аневризмы яичниковой артерии у пациентки в послеродовом периоде

Ovarian artery aneurysm rupture is a rare pathology that poses a life-threatening risk when it ruptures. The article presents a literature review of the Pubmed sources on this problem. We also present a clinical case of endovascular treatment of ovarian artery aneurysm rupture in a postpartum patient with a retroperitoneal hematoma as a final result.

A Case of Spontaneous Ovarian Artery Haemorrhage in a Post-Menopausal Woman with Congenital Solitary Kidney.

Ovarian arterial haemorrhage (OAH), a rare cause of spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma (SRH), usually occurs in women during pregnancy or in those with a history of repeated pregnancies. The clinical manifestations of OAH are non-specific; hence, proper and timely imaging examinations are extremely important. Contrast Enhanced CT scan is the first choice for clarifying the cause of haemorrhage in patients with SRH. Trans-arterial embolisation (TAE) has become the most common treatment option for OAH. Here, we report a case of SRH in the left ovarian artery region in a patient with a congenital solitary kidney. The patient was initially misdiagnosed as left kidney haemorrhage which was successfully embolised with tissue glue. There are no previous reports of OAH in patients with a congenital solitary kidney. Key Words: Ovarian artery, Spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma, Congenital solitary kidney, Trans-arterial embolization.

A Case of Spontaneous Ovarian Artery Haemorrhage in a Post-Menopausal Woman with Congenital Solitary Kidney

A Case of Spontaneous Ovarian Artery Haemorrhage in a Post-Menopausal Woman with Congenital Solitary Kidney

Features of the formation of pathogenetic changes of the placental complex on the background of intra-uteronomy infection

Abstract. One of the main complications during early embryogenesis and placentation is placental insufficiency. Under the influence of various factors, namely infectious factors, which, depending on the biological specificity, negatively affect the germ cells of the parents, the development of the embryo, the formation of the trophoblast and the placenta, which in turn leads to a violation of the function of the placental complex and gestational complications during pregnancy. Due to the expansion of diagnostic possibilities for detecting placental function disorders, as well as in connection with the emergence of new data on the mechanisms of blood circulation regulation in the placenta to assess the functional state of the feto-placental complex at the stage of the formation of primary placental insufficiency against the background of inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs, we were determined the dopplerometric pattern of blood flow (ovarian artery, intervillous space) in women of the main and control groups. Goal. To determine the dopplerometric pattern of blood flow characteristics (ovarian artery, chorionic volume, blood flow study in different areas of the chorion) in pregnant women against the background of inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs in the early trimester of pregnancy. Materials and methods. The main group consisted of 37 women with signs of inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs, the control group consisted of 30 practically healthy women. The results. Obtaining new data on the mechanisms of blood circulation regulation in the ovarian artery and intervillous space at the stage of formation of the placental complex in physiological and complicated pregnancy will allow to supplement the question of the pathogenesis of the development and prevention of placental insufficiency. Conclusions. The study of the blood flow of extraembryonic structures in the early stages of gestation allows to diagnose structural changes at the stage of placenta formation. Violation of blood flow in the first trimester of pregnancy against the background of an infectious factor that penetrates into various vascular links of the mother-placenta-fetus system with the deduction of blood flow volume indicators demonstrates the regularity of the formation of disturbed hemodynamics at the stage of formation of the placental complex. These indicators can serve as a criterion for the selection of women of the risk group for the formation of primary placental insufficiency.

Clinical significance of serum miRNA-146, OX-LDL and ROS expression in patients with primary ovarian insufficiency

To investigate the clinical significance of miRNA-146, OX-LDL and ROS in patients with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). 100 patients with POI were prospectively collected and 100 women with normal ovarian function were randomly selected as control group. Serum miRNA-146 expression level was detected by qRT-PCR and serum OX-LDL and ROS expression levels were detected by ELISA. Ovarian granulosa cells of mouse were transfected with miRNA-146 mimics or inhibitors, and then treated with OX-LDL. Cell viability, colony forming ability, apoptosis rate and toll like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) of pathway proteins were evaluated respectively. Compared with control group, the expression level of miRNA-146 in POI group was significantly lower, the expression level of OX-LDL and ROS were significantly higher, and the ovarian volume and peak systolic blood flow velocity of ovarian artery were significantly decreased in POI group. Upregulation of miRNA-146 expression had a protective effect on OX-LDL injured ovarian granulosa cells, as evidenced by increased ovarian granulosa cell viability and colony number, reduced apoptosis, and downregulation of TLR4/NF-κB expression. miRNA-146 can target downstream TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway affects oxidative stress and inflammatory response of POI induced by OX-LDL and ROS, and is expected to become a biomarker for early prediction of POI and a new target for treatment.

An Unruptured True Aneurysm of the Uterine Artery during Pregnancy.

The antenatal diagnosis of an unruptured true aneurysm of the uterine artery is extremely rare and has never been reported, whereas pseudoaneurysms associated with previous trauma or cesarean section have been reported several times. True aneurysms occur when the artery or vessel weakens and bulges, sometimes forming a blood-filled sac. Nearly all cases of pelvic true aneurysms involved ovarian arteries which ruptured during the peripartum period. The case presented here is unique in terms of being an unruptured true aneurysm of the uterine artery with a first diagnosis during pregnancy at 32 weeks of gestation and the spontaneous development of thrombosis in the aneurysm in late pregnancy, documented at 37 weeks of gestation. The diagnosis of a true aneurysm of the uterine artery was based on, (1) a demonstration of the cystic mass located in proximity to the lower segment of the uterus with ultrasound characteristics of arterial flow in the mass, and (2) the occurrence in a woman who had no history of trauma or surgery in the pelvis. The finding during cesarean section confirmed the prenatal sonographic finding. The pregnancy ended with successful outcomes.