Parabasal Cells Research Articles

Timing and persistence of effect of conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene in postmenopausal women.

The aim of the study was to determine the time course of effect with conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene (CE/BZA) in nonhysterectomized postmenopausal women in five phase 3 trials. This post hoc analysis identified when CE 0.45 mg/BZA 20 mg and CE 0.625 mg/BZA 20 mg first achieved a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) versus placebo in individual trials and the duration the difference persisted for prespecified efficacy endpoints. CE/BZA significantly reduced hot flush frequency beginning at weeks 2 to 4 and severity at weeks 3 to 6; benefits were maintained through month 24. Significant improvements in lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, and femoral trochanter bone mineral density were evident at month 6 or 12 and changes in bone turnover markers at month 3 or 6; benefits were maintained throughout the studies (12 or 24 mo). In symptomatic women with less than 5% vaginal superficial cells at baseline, vaginal maturation index was significantly improved by week 4. Reductions in parabasal cells were maintained throughout the studies (through months 3 and 24), but superficial cell count changes persisted only with the higher CE/BZA dose. Menopause-Specific Quality of Life total and vasomotor domain scores were improved at all assessments, from months 3 through 24. Some measures of sleep, especially quality and time to fall asleep, improved during weeks 4 to 8 and were maintained in a majority of weeks thereafter. In the context of studies designed primarily to evaluate efficacy at final study endpoints, both doses of CE/BZA achieved significance versus placebo at early assessments for most outcomes, and benefits were well maintained.

Influence of factors in the oral mucosa maturation pattern: a cross-sectional study applying multivariate analyses

Aim: To evaluate the association between oral health status, socio-demographic and behavioral factors with the pattern of maturity of normal epithelial oral mucosa. Methods: Exfoliative cytology specimens were collected from 117 men from the border of the tongue and floor of the mouth on opposite sides. Cells were stained with the Papanicolaou method and classified into: anucleated, superficial cells with nuclei, intermediate and parabasal cells. Quantification was made by selecting the first 100 cells in each glass slide. Sociodemographic and behavioral variables were collected from a structured questionnaire. Oral health was analyzed by clinical examination, recording decayed, missing and filled teeth index (DMFT) and use of prostheses. Multivariable linear regression models were applied. Results: No significant differences for all studied variables influenced the pattern of maturation of the oral mucosa except for alcohol consumption. There was an increase of cell surface layers of the epithelium with the chronic use of alcohol. Conclusions: It is appropriate to use Papanicolaou cytopathological technique to analyze the maturation pattern of exposed subjects, with a strong recommendation for those who use alcohol - a risk factor for oral cancer, in which a change in the proportion of cell types is easily detected.

Peculiarities of the Gingiva Cellular Composition and Functional Activity of the Epithelial Cells among the Children Patients with Chronic Gastritis and Duodenitis

At the children with chronic gastritis and duodenitis was revealed destroyed of morphological - functional property of gums with prevalence of degenerative component, which is manifested by appearance of basal and parabasal cells (0.3%), increasing of intermediate epithelial cells (84.7%), decreasing amount of surface nucleated epithelial cells (11.7%), and nuclear-free dead skin cells (4.3%). Majority of cells was with cytopathology shifts (18.2%), polymorphonuclear leukocytes (92.3%) and lymphocytes (20.5%). The data obtained in the research showed that 23 (21.5%) of samples, taken from children with chronic gastritis and duodenitis revealed cells in the early stages of differentiation, accumulation of leukocytes and fibrin, which demonstrates erosions of the gums in the epithelial layer. Adhesion of epithelial cells with Candida albicans at the children with chronic gastritis and duodenitis indicates about changes functional properties of the epithelial cells, growing on a background of the somatic pathology.

TX-004HR Improves Sexual Function as Measured by the Female Sexual Function Index in Postmenopausal Women With Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy: The REJOICE Trial

IntroductionTX-004HR is an investigational, applicator-free, vaginal soft gel capsule containing low-dose solubilized 17β-estradiol. The phase 3, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter REJOICE trial has shown TX-004HR to be safe and effective for the treatment of moderate to severe dyspareunia in postmenopausal women with vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA). AimTo evaluate the effect of TX-004HR on female sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women with VVA. MethodsThe REJOICE study compared the effects of 12-week treatment with TX-004HR (4, 10, or 25 μg) with placebo in postmenopausal women (40–75 years old) with VVA and a most bothersome symptom of moderate to severe dyspareunia. Changes in the percentage of superficial and parabasal cells, vaginal pH, and dyspareunia were measured as co-primary end points. Female sexual dysfunction was evaluated as a secondary end point using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) patient self-report inventory. Main Outcome MeasuresChanges from baseline to week 12 in total and individual domain FSFI scores for each TX-004HR dose were compared with those for placebo. ResultsAll three TX-004HR doses increased the baseline total FSFI score after 12 weeks, with 10 μg (P < .05) and 25 μg (P = .0019) having a significantly greater effect than placebo. A similar trend was observed for the individual FSFI domains, with 10 and 25 μg significantly improving baselines scores for pain and lubrication at 12 weeks (P ≤ .015 for all vs placebo). Changes from baseline to week 12 in arousal (P = .0085) and satisfaction (P = .0073) were significantly greater for TX-004HR 25 μg vs placebo. All three TX-004HR doses were comparable to placebo in their effect on desire and orgasm. ConclusionTX-004HR improved FSFI scores in a dose-dependent manner. The observed improvements in sexual function suggest that TX-004HR is a promising treatment option for postmenopausal VVA with a potential added beneficial effect on female sexual dysfunction.

Determination of gestational time and prediction of parturition in dogs and cats: an update.

Accurate prediction of delivery date in canine and feline allows a better management of parturition, reducing the loss of neonates. This review evaluates the most common methods adopted to accurately predict the day of delivery: determination of ovulation and hormonal assays, first appearance of embryonic/foetal structures using ultrasound or radiography, echographic measurement of extra-foetal and foetal structures, or evaluation of foetal flux and heart rate. Determination of ovulation and hormonal assays at the time of breeding and close to pregnancy term is widely used to predict parturition in dogs (Concannon etal. American Journal of Veterinary Research 44, 1983, 1819; Hayer etal. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, Suppl. 47, 1993, 93; Hase etal. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 62, 2000, 243; Kutzler etal. Theriogenology, 60, 2003a, 1187). In cats, some studies have been carried out, but no hormonal parameters for accurate prediction of parturition have been described so far (Buff etal. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, Suppl. 57, 2001, 187; De Haas van Dorsser etal. Biology of Reproduction, 74, 2006, 1090; DiGangi etal. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 237, 2010, 1267; Dehnhard etal. Theriogenology, 77, 2012, 1088). Many studies suggested that gestational timing can be obtained by observation using ultrasound or radiography of specific structures in relation to the time of appearance during gestation (Concannon and Rendano American Journal of Veterinary Research, 44, 1983, 1506; Rendano etal. Veterinary Radiology, 25, 1984, 132; Shille and Gontarek Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 187, 1985, 1021; Davidson etal. Veterinary Radiology, 27, 1986, 109; England etal. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 31, 1990, 324; Yeager etal. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 53, 1992, 342; Zambelli etal. Theriogenology, 57, 2002a, 1981; Zambelli etal. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 4, 2002b, 95; Zambelli and Prati 2006; Lopate Theriogenology, 70, 2008, 397; Davidson and Baker Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 24, 2009, 55). Ultrasonographic measurement of extra-foetal and foetal structures is a common and accurate method for the prediction of parturition day during pregnancy, when specific formulae are used depending on the ultrasonographic parameter, the species and, in canines, the size of the bitch (Shille and Gontarek Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 187, 1985, 1021; England etal. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 31, 1990, 324; Luvoni and Grioni Journal of Small Animal Practice, 41, 2000, 292; Luvoni and Beccaglia Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 41, 2006, 27; Lopate Theriogenology, 70, 2008, 397; Michel etal. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 46, 2011, 926; Beccaglia and Luvoni Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 47, 194, 2012). Recent studies demonstrated that in dogs, the imminence of parturition could be predicted by evaluating foetal flux and foetal heart rate by ultrasound (Gil etal. Theriogenology, 82, 2014, 933; Giannico etal., Animal Reproduction Science, 154, 2015, 105). For an accurate prediction of parturition date, the combination of different methods is desirable.

Abstract 1168: The codon 389 polymorphism of PICT-1 is a risk factor for human cervical cancer

Abstract The uterine cervical cancers profoundly involve in the infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), and cause the deaths of more than 250,000 women all over the world. To date, the carcinogenesis of uterine cervical cancers was not fully understood, then we have to investigate more precise genetic and molecular events to develop early diagnosis and identify new therapeutic targets. The PICT-1 (Protein Interacting with Carboxyl Terminus-1), one of the nucleolar proteins, has tumor suppressor functions, but its association with uterine cervical carcinogenesis has been unknown. So we investigate PICT-1 gene mutations, polymorphism on codon 389 (rs184994), and protein expression levels to investigate the association with pathogenesis of uterine cervical cancers. Firstly we found missense mutations of functionally important regions of PICT-1 in one of seven uterine cervical cancer cell lines (14%) and one of 10 surgical samples (10%). Next we focused on codon 389 polymorphism (Gln to Arg) which located in important regions of PICT-1 function. In result there was a statistically significant association between PICT-1 codon 389 polymorphism and the risk of uterine cervical cancers: A/G (odds ratio 6.48, 95% confidence interval 1.98-21.22, P = 0.0012), G/G (odds ratio 3.15, 95% confidence interval 1.03-9.61, P = 0.0403), and A/G or G/G (odds ratio 4.44, 95% confidence interval 1.62-12.23, P = 0.0026). We also identified PICT-1 protein level was reduced in uterine cervical cancer cell lines by Western blotting and cervical cancer tissues by immunohistochemistry staining (IHC). In IHC analysis, expression of PICT-1 in adjacent normal cervix was found in nucleus, especially nucleolus, but in differentiating cells layers located upper parabasal cell layer, PICT-1 also expressed in cytoplasm and gradually reduced the expression of nucleolus. In patient tissues, compared to normal epithelium, we found reduction of PICT-1 expression in most samples found even in uterine cervical cancers at early invasive lesions, and weaker PICT-1 expression was observed in more invasive lesions. Interestingly, we also detected high expressed and/or re-expressed PICT-1 in cytoplasm and/or nucleolus of keratinized lesions of cervical cancers. Our results indicate that disruption of PICT-1 by gene mutation and/or reduction of protein level may associate with the pathogenesis of uterine cervical cancers, and its codon 389 polymorphism may increase the risk of uterine cervical cancers. And also we suggested that PICT-1 located in cytoplasm may be important to squamous cell differentiation, and we speculated the further study of association between PICT-1 and cell differentiation would be of value to the field of the differentiation-inducing therapy for many hard-to-treat patients of many cancers, including uterine cervical cancers. Citation Format: Masafumi Yoshimoto, Aoi Tokuda, Shoko Takahashi, Yuji Yaginuma. The codon 389 polymorphism of PICT-1 is a risk factor for human cervical cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1168.

Clinical relevance and implications of HPV-induced neoplasia in different anatomical locations.

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are widespread DNA viruses that can infect epithelial cells of the skin and mucosa. Most HPV infections remain clinically unapparent and clear spontaneously. In few cases, however, HPV infections persist and can cause benign and malignant neoplasms at different anatomic locations. Malignant HPV-induced neoplasms are caused by distinct types of HPV (oncogenic or high-risk (HR) HPV types) and present in the anogenital (anus, penis, uterine cervix, vagina and vulva) and head and neck (particularly oropharynx) region. In the anogenital region defined precancerous stages precede invasive cancer. In the head and neck region there is clear evidence only for the invasive stage of HPV-induced neoplasia. In early infection stages the HPV oncogenes (E6/E7) are under tight control in the basal and parabasal cell layers. In more advanced precancerous stages increased expression of the HPV oncogenes E6 and E7 occurs (transforming infection) that may result in transformation of these cells. The defined carcinogenesis in the anogenital tract enables cancer early detection, particularly at the uterine cervix where cytologic and molecular tests contribute to early diagnosis and treatment at a non-invasive stage. Up to now, the treatment of HPV-related precancerous stages (high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia) and cancer is not specifically targeting molecular characteristics of the virus. This article reviews the current state and new developments in epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HPV-associated neoplasia in various anatomic locations.

Menstrual status selectively up-regulates CD103 expression on human endometrial T cells

The presence and distribution of an estrogen-responsive protein with a molecular weight of 28,000 were investigated in the human cervix with use of a monoclonal antibody. This biochemical marker protein was localized with a light microscope and by immunocytochemical studies of the different cell types and cell layers of the cervix. The study involved 60 patients, 48 of whom were sexually active, eight pregnant, and four in menopause; strips of endometrial tissue were analyzed in 22 patients. In cycling women the estrogen-responsive protein was identified in the subcolumnar cells of the endocervix, whereas in the ectocervix the protein was detected mainly in the parabasal and intermediate cell layers but altermating with unstained areas. There were no significant variations in the presence of the protein in the ectocervical and endocervical epithelium during the different phases of the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy a more intense and homogeneous immunostaining of the protein was seen in the ectocervix, endocervical areas with squamous metaplasia showed strong estrogen-responsive immunostaining, and predecidual and decidual cells were positive for the protein. There were no prominent changes in the presence and distribution of the protein in the abnormal ectocervical samples without atypia. However, in the endocervix the protein detection was useful to follow the evolution of the subcolumnar cells to simple squamous metaplasia. These samples displayed intense estrogen-responsive immunostaining. No immunoreaction was observed in the cervix of menopausal women. The results of the present study have shown that (1) the response of the normal uterine cervix to estrogenic influence is heterogeneous in different cervical cell types and in different sites within the same cell layer; (2) during the normal menstrual cycle the capability of response of the cervical cells to variations of estrogen levels is limited when compared with the endometrium; and (3) during pregnancy and in the process of indirect squamous metaplasia some of the cervical cells seem to be very reactive to estrogenic stimulation. This study defines the normal baseline for further analysis of the estrogen-regulated protein in the uterine cervix during abnormal growth.

Immunohistochemical expression of glucose transporter 1 in keratin-producing odontogenic cysts.

BackgroundKeratin-producing odontogenic cysts (KPOCs) are a group of cystic lesions that are often aggressive, with high rates of recurrence and multifocality. KPOCs included orthokeratinised odontogenic cyst (OOC) and parakeratotic odontogenic cysts, which are now considered true tumours denominated keratocystic odontogenic tumours (KCOTs). GLUT1 is a protein transporter that is involved in the active uptake of glucose across cell membranes and that is overexpressed in tumours in close correlation with the proliferation rate and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging results.MethodsA series of 58 keratin-producing odontogenic cysts was evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically in terms of GLUT1 expression. Different data were correlated using the beta regression model in relation to histological type and immunohistochemical expression of GLUT1, which was quantified using two different morphological methods.ResultsKPOC cases comprised 12 OOCs and 46 KCOTs, the latter corresponding to 6 syndromic and 40 sporadic KCOTs. GLUT1 expression was very low in OOC cases compared with KCOT cases, with statistical significant differences when quantification was considered. Different GLUT1 localisation patterns were revealed by immunostaining, with the parabasal cells showing higher reactivity in KCOTs. However, among KCOTs cases, GLUT1 expression was unable to establish differences between syndromic and sporadic cases.ConclusionsGLUT1 expression differentiated between OOC and KCOT cases, with significantly higher expression in KCOTs, but did not differentiate between syndromic and sporadic KCOT cases. However, given the structural characteristics of KCOTs, we hypothesised that PET imaging methodology is probably not a useful diagnostic tool for KCOTs. Further studies of GLUT1 expression and PET examination in KCOT series are needed to confirm this last hypothesis.

Evaluation of efficacy and safety of conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene in a Latin American population

Introduction Conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene (CE/BZA) relieves menopausal symptoms and increases bone mineral density (BMD).Objective To evaluate CE/BZA in a Latin American subpopulation from randomized, double-blind, phase-3, multinational trials.Methods Safety data were pooled from three trials from non-hysterectomized postmenopausal Latin American women assigned to CE 0.45 mg/BZA 20 mg (n = 227), CE 0.625 mg/BZA 20 mg (n = 222), or placebo (n = 193). Efficacy outcomes from one study included changes in hot flush frequency at week 12 in women with at least seven moderate/severe hot flushes/day or 50/week at baseline (n = 39), and from baseline to month 12 for BMD (n = 381) and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) (women with baseline GSM; n = 189).Results At week 12, women taking CE/BZA had four to five fewer moderate/severe hot flushes/day vs. placebo. At month 12, percentage changes in BMD with CE 0.45 mg/BZA 20 mg, CE 0.625 mg/BZA 20 mg, and placebo were 1.2%, 1.6%, and –1.1% for lumbar spine and 1.1%, 1.2%, and –0.3% for total hip. GSM improved with treatment (percentage superficial cells: 4.5, 7.4, vs. 2.0; percentage parabasal cells: –9.3, –27.8 vs. 2.8). There were no new/unexpected safety trends.Conclusion CE/BZA improved vasomotor symptoms, GSM, and BMD in Latin American women, with efficacy/safety similar to the global population.

Epithelial expression of keratinocytes growth factor in oral precancer lesions.

Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) is a potent epithelial mitogen that acts by binding the KGF receptors (KGFRs) expressed on epithelial cells and regulates proliferation and differentiation. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of KGF in the epithelium in oral precancer. Archival tissues of oral submucous fibrosis (SMF) and leukoplakia were assessed for epithelial KGF expression by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. KGF was predominantly expressed in the basal and parabasal cells in the epithelium of SMF tissues. KGF transcript in the epithelial cells increased with increasing severity of epithelial dysplasia in oral leukoplakia. Although widely reported as a product secreted by the mesenchymal cells, our data suggest that the KGF is also expressed in oral epithelial cells much like the expression in ovarian epithelial cells. Based on the localization of KGF in cells at the epithelial mesenchymal junction and that of the reported presence of KGFR in oral keratinocytes, a potential mechanism involving paracrine and autocrine interactions of KGF and KGFR in early stages of oral precancer is postulated.

Computer Aided Detection and Classification of Pap smear Cell Images Using Principal Component Analysis

Pap smear is a screening methodology employed in cervix cancer detection and diagnosis. The Pap smear images of cervical region are used to detect the abnormality of the cervical cells. In this paper, the computer aided automatic detection and classification method for Pap smear cell images are proposed. The cell nucleus is segmented using watershed segmentation methodology and features are extracted from segmented cell nucleus Pap smear image. The extracted features are classified using principal component analysis method. The proposed system classifies the test Pap smear cell image into dysplastic (D), parabasal (P) and superficial (S) cell images for cervical cancer diagnosis.

Effect of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) vaginal cream on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial

ObjectiveVaginal atrophy is one of the main concerns of postmenopausal women. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of fennel vaginal cream on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women in Ahvaz, Iran. Materials and methodsThis double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 postmenopausal women (45–65 years of age) in Ahvaz, Iran. The study participants were randomly divided into one of two groups, receiving either a placebo (n=30) or fennel 5% vaginal cream (n=30) administered as one application per day (5g/day) for 8 weeks. Main outcomeThe vaginal pH and maturation vaginal index (MVI) were measured at baseline and 8 weeks after the intervention, while the vaginal atrophy symptoms was measured at baseline and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the intervention. The data were analyzed using the independent t-test, chi-square test, paired sample t-test, and the generalized estimating equation. ResultsThe number of superficial cells increased significantly in the fennel group after 8 weeks compared to the control group (76.1±15.3 vs. 11.8±8, p<0.001). The number of intermediate and parabasal cells decreased significantly in the fennel group compared to the control group (p<0.001). The vaginal pH decreased significantly at the 8-week follow-up in the fennel group compared to the control group (100% vs. 7.4%, p<0.001). All women in the fennel group had an MVI of 65–100 at the 8-week follow-up, whereas almost half (40.7%) of the women in the control group had an MVI of 50–64 (p<0.001). ConclusionAccording to results of this study, fennel is an effective means to manage the symptoms of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women and is devoid of side effects. Larger studies are necessary to confirm the positive impact of fennel for vaginal conditions occurring among postmenopausal women.

Evaluation of early diagnosis of pregnancy through the fabric of cytological vaginal epithelium sheep Santa Ines

The study investigated the different characteristics of the vaginal epithelium of 40 goat from Santa Inês, who through the examination, would lead to the diagnosis of pregnant or not pregnant. Ewes were chosen randomly collected material for analysis with the aid of a swab in a row were prepared slides, the Papanicolaou stain was used. The pregnant animals showed a predominance of parabasal cells (58.93%), while non-pregnant animals showed a predominance of intermediate cells (72.83%).

Localisation of keratin K78 in the basal layer and first suprabasal layers of stratified epithelia completes expression catalogue of type II keratins and provides new insights into sequential keratin expression.

Among the 26 human type II keratins, K78 is the only one that has not yet been explored with regard to its expression characteristics. Here, we show that, at both the transcriptional and translational levels, K78 is strongly expressed in the basal and parabasal cell layers with decreasing intensity in the lower suprabasal cells of keratinising and non-keratinising squamous epithelia and keratinocyte cultures. The same pattern has been detected at the transcriptional level in the corresponding mouse epithelia. Murine K78 protein, which contains an extraordinary large extension of its tail domain, which is unique among all known keratins, is not detectable by the antibody used. Concomitant studies in human epithelia have confirmed K78 co-expression with the classical basal keratins K5 and K14. Similarly, K78 co-expression with the differentiation-related type I keratins K10 (epidermis) and K13 (non-keratinising epithelia) occurs in the parabasal cell layer, whereas that of the corresponding type II keratins K1 (epidermis) and K4 (non-keratinising epithelia) unequivocally starts subsequent to the respective type I keratins. Our data concerning K78 expression modify the classical concept of keratin pair K5/K14 representing the basal compartment and keratin pairs K1/K10 or K4/K13 defining the differentiating compartment of stratified epithelia. Moreover, the K78 expression pattern and the decoupled K1/K10 and K4/K13 expression define the existence of a hitherto unperceived early differentiation stage in the parabasal layer characterized by K78/K10 or K78/K13 expression.

Treatment of pain at sexual activity (dyspareunia) with intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (prasterone).

This study aims to confirm the local effects of intravaginal prasterone on moderate to severe dyspareunia, a symptom of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) associated with menopause. In a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III clinical trial, we examined the effects of daily intravaginal prasterone (6.5 mg) on four co-primary objectives, namely, percentage of vaginal parabasal cells, percentage of vaginal superficial cells, vaginal pH, and moderate to severe dyspareunia identified by women as the most bothersome VVA symptom. After daily intravaginal prasterone administration for 12 weeks, the percentage of parabasal cells decreased by 45.8% compared with placebo (P < 0.0001), the percentage of superficial cells increased by 4.7% over placebo (P < 0.0001), and vaginal pH decreased by 0.83 pH units compared with placebo (P < 0.0001). The severity of most bothersome dyspareunia decreased by 46% over placebo (P = 0.013) at 12 weeks, whereas moderate to severe vaginal dryness decreased by 0.43 severity score units (or 42%) compared with placebo (P = 0.013). On gynecologic evaluation, a 14.4% to 21.1% improvement in vaginal secretions, epithelial integrity, epithelial surface thickness, and color over placebo (P = 0.0002 to P < 0.0001) was observed. Serum steroids, in agreement with the physiology of intracrinology and menopause, remained well within reference postmenopausal concentrations. All endometrial biopsies at 12 weeks have shown atrophy. Daily intravaginal prasterone (0.50%; 6.5 mg) treatment has clinically and statistically significant beneficial effects on the four co-primary objectives of VVA, according to US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. No significant drug-related adverse effect in line with the strictly local action of treatment has been reported, thus providing a high benefit-to-risk ratio for intravaginal prasterone.

Métodos cuantitativos citológicos en el diagnóstico diferencial del carcinoma in situ y la displasia cervical

Los autores han estudiado el grado de correlación entre los exámenes histopatológicos biópsico y citológicos de displasias del cuello uterino. Encontraron el recuento del número total de células atípicas es un muy largo proceso de poca utilidad práctica. Más útil fue la diferenciación recuento porcentual de las células típicas divididas en cuatro grupos: basales, parabasales, intermedios y superficials. La medición af los diámetros celulares y nucleares mostraron que existen las displasias y aumento de la superficie celular. En las zonas nucleares no se encontraron variaciones significativas. En las displasias los cromatines nucleares tenían un aspecto moderadamente irregular, mientras que en los casos de carcinoma "in situ" la cromatina nuclear tenía un aspecto irregular bruto En los casos de displasia y carcinoma "in situ" el cuadro citológico fue de un porcentaje reducido de células intermedias con un aumento de la basal y células atípicas parabasales.

The Impact of Smoking on Gingiva: a Histopathological Study.

Smoking can be associated with the decreasing gingival blood flow and epithelial changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathological changes of gingival epithelium and connective tissue in smokers . The study was case-control. Sixty male patients ( 28 smokers and 32 non smokers) suffering chronic periodontitis were participated in the study . Periodontal parameters consisting the gingival (GI) and periodontal (PI) indexes were registered. Tissue samples were taken during flap surgery. The hemotoxylin and eosin stained slides were assessed for blood vessel density, inflammatory cells infiltration and epithelial changes. The histopathological findings were compared between smokers and nonsmokers. Data analyzed using t -test and chi-square tests. Smokers had lower GI (1.35 ± 0.48) and higher PI (2.87±0.68) than nonsmokers (2.72 ±0.31 and 1.87±0.25, respectively). The mean count of blood vessels with ≤ 0.5µ diameter was 18.78±10.06 and 5.90±2.93 in smokers, nonsmokers, respectively. The mean inflammatory cells infiltration in smokers, and nonsmokers were 0.89±1.03 and 70±0.46 that showed significant difference between two groups ( P = 0.001, SD=1.21). The difference of epithelial hyperkeratosis, atrophy and acanthosis was not different in smokers and nonsmokers. Loss of normal epithelium pattern comprising of bulbous rete ridges, loss of polarity and increased parabasal cells was seen in 23(82.14%) of smokers and 2(6.25%) of nonsmokers. Despite the normal appearance of gingiva in smokers, smoking increasing the epithelial changes resemble to early phases of dysplasia and decreasing inflammatory reaction.

Asociación entre parto vaginal y parto exclusivamente por cesárea, con el cáncer epidermoide de cérvix y sus precursores.

Introducción: El virus papiloma humano (VPH) puede infectar el epitelio cervical a través de un traumatismo anterior, con lesión del epitelio, que permite que el VPH alcance las células basales y parabasales. Objetivo: Determinar la existencia de una mayor relación entre las mujeres con parto vaginal que entre las mujeres con parto por cesárea en la presentación del cáncer epidermoide de cérvix y sus precursores. Diseño: Estudio de casos y controles. Lugar: Hospital Regional Docente de Trujillo, Perú. Participantes: Mujeres con diagnóstico clínico e histopatológico de cáncer de cérvix y sus precursores. Intervenciones: Se consideró como casos a 177 mujeres con diagnóstico clínico e histopatológico de cáncer de cérvix y sus precursores, atendidas en los años 2000 a 2002. Los controles fueron 179 mujeres que habían tenido partos vaginales o partos por cesárea, exclusivamente. Para determinar qué características se asocian al cáncer cervical, se aplicó el análisis multivariado, considerando como variables predictoras a la edad, paridad, tipo de parto y edad de la primera relación sexual. Luego, se realizó un análisis de regresión logística, para determinar qué variables constituían factores de riesgo y poder pronosticar la probabilidad de ocurrencia de cáncer en pacientes con tales características. Para cada una de las variables estudiadas se calculó el odds ratio. La significancia estadística se estimó con la prueba chi cuadrado. Principales medidas de resultados: Asociación del tipo de parto con la aparición del cáncer de cérvix. Resultados: De las variables analizadas, la edad de la primera relación sexual, la paridad y gravidez y el tipo de parto se asociaron significativamente con la aparición del cáncer de cérvix (OR 1,13; IC95% 1,17-; 24,11, respectivamente). El parto vaginal mostró un riesgo mayor de 24 veces, en comparación con el parto por cesárea (OR 24,11, p&lt;0,000008). Conclusiones: En la población estudiada, el parto vaginal fue el más fuertemente asociado al cáncer de cérvix y predispuso a las mujeres a desarrollar esta neoplasia y sus precursores.

СТАТИСТИЧНЕ ОБГРУНТУВАННЯ КОМПЕНСАТОРНИХ МЕХАНІЗМІВ ЕПІТЕЛІЮ ЯСЕН В УМОВАХ НІКОТИНОВОЇ ІНТОКСИКАЦІЇ

&lt;p&gt;In the article the results of a comprehensive statistical study of compensatory mechanisms of restructuring epithelium nicotine gum under conditions of intoxication. The results make it possible to characterize changes сytospecific described as a tendency to develop incomplete keratinization, as evidenced virohidnene increase in the number of surface cells on the background of reduction of horny scales. The appearance in cytohrams parabasal epithelial cells ch aracterizes activation&lt;br /&gt;of compensatory mechanisms in epithelial conditions nicotine intoxication.&lt;/p&gt;