Reproductive Age Research Articles

Prevalence, Phenotypes, and Comorbidities of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Among Indian Women

The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) varies across the globe. Indian studies on PCOS are limited by poor design, small sizes, regional representations, and varying methods. To estimate the nationwide prevalence of PCOS in India, examine the phenotypic spectrum, and assess the magnitude of comorbidities associated with PCOS. This cross-sectional study recruited 9824 women aged 18 to 40 years from November 1, 2018, to July 31, 2022, across 5 zones of the country. A prevalidated questionnaire dichotomized women into screen-positive and screen-negative groups. Relevant clinical, hormonal, and sonographic assessments categorized women as either women with criteria-based PCOS (ie, National Institutes of Health [NIH] 1990 criteria, Rotterdam 2003 criteria, or Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society [AE-PCOS] criteria), women with partial phenotypes (hyperandrogenism, oligomenorrhea, or polycystic morphology labeled as pre-PCOS), or healthy women, in addition to quantitating various comorbidities. The prevalence and phenotypes of PCOS among women of reproductive age and the burden of comorbidities associated with PCOS. A total of 8993 women (mean [SD] age, 29.5 [6.2] years) were enrolled in this study; 196 women were already diagnosed with PCOS, 2251 were categorized as screen positive, and 6546 were categorized as screen negative. The mean (SD) age of screen-positive women (28.1 [6.4] years) was lower than that of screen-negative women (29.7 [6.1] years) (P < .001), and the mean (SD) age at menarche was higher in the former group (13.2 [1.3] vs 13.1 [1.2] years; P < .001). The national prevalence of PCOS was 7.2% (95% CI, 4.8%-10.8%) by NIH 1990 criteria, 19.6% (95% CI, 12.7%-29.2%) by Rotterdam 2003 criteria, and 13.6% (95% CI, 8.4%-21.6%) by AE-PCOS criteria. Overall, PCOS phenotypes C (501 [40.8%]) and D (301 [24.6%]) were the most common, and 492 women (pre-PCOS subgroup) had oligomenorrhea (n = 75), hyperandrogenism (n = 257), or polycystic ovarian morphology (n = 160) only. Among women with PCOS (n = 1224), obesity was present in 529 (43.2%), dyslipidemia in 1126 (91.9%), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in 403 (32.9%), metabolic syndrome in 305 (24.9%), impaired glucose tolerance in 111 (9.1%), diabetes in 41 (3.3%), and hypertension in 101 (8.3%). The pre-PCOS subgroup (n = 492) displayed similar metabolic aberrations (dyslipidemia: 390 [79.3%]; metabolic syndrome: 78 [15.9%]; nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: 163 [33.1%]; impaired glucose tolerance: 62 [12.6%]; diabetes: 7 [1.4%]; and hypertension: 26 [5.3%]). In this cross-sectional study of reproductive-age women recruited across India, the prevalence of PCOS was high, with phenotype C being predominant. Most of these women had metabolic abnormalities. These findings are crucial for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies, potentially integrating PCOS management into national health programs.

Metabolic Syndrome in Reproductive Age Women of Various Ethnic Groups. Neuroendocrine Status and Lipid Peroxidation System.

We analyzed the state of neuroendocrine regulation and LPO-antioxidant defense systems in reproductive age women with metabolic syndrome (MetS), representatives of the Russian and Buryat ethnic groups. Compared to the corresponding control groups, women from the Russian ethnic group with MetS had elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone and free androgen index (FAI) and reduced levels of sex hormone-binding globulin, while women from the Buryat ethnic group had increased levels of prolactin and FAI. Changes in the LPO system in women of the Russian ethnic group with MetS consisted in an increase in the levels of substrates with double bonds, TBA-reactive substances, and fat-soluble vitamins. Buryat women with MetS had a higher content of primary oxidation products and reduced levels of glutathione. The results of the study indicate a hyperandrogenic shift in the neuroendocrine regulation system, as well as compensatory influences from different parts of the antioxidant defense system in women of reproductive age with MetS, depending on their ethnicity. These findings indicate the need for assessing and monitoring the levels of these metabolites in women with MetS, considering their ethnicity.

Factors associated with Antenatal care among the Reproductive age of Women in Madhesh Province, Nepal

Antenatal care (ANC) is essential for maternal and neonatal health, where ANC acceptance varies significantly across different socioeconomic and demographic groups. This study aims to dissect the factors influencing ANC visits Madhesh Province, Nepal, using data from the 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). The NDHS provides a rich dataset, the women of reproductive age who had at least one live birth in the preceding five years. The study focuses on a range of variables such as age, education, household wealth, and proximity to healthcare facilities, analyzing their impact on ANC visits, with the World Health Organization recommending a minimum of four visits for a healthy pregnancy. This study indicates that while age, religion, caste/ethnicity, and rural versus urban residency do not significantly impact ANC attendance, educational attainment shows a non-significant trend towards higher ANC visit rates among better-educated women. Interestingly, economic status does not generally affect ANC attendance except in the wealthiest group, which shows a near-significant increase in visit. Furthermore, significant negative relationship between birth order and ANC visits, suggesting that women with subsequent pregnancies are less likely to seek frequent antenatal care. The dynamics of ANC attendance targeted interventions aimed at improving maternal health services. By identifying the specific barriers and facilitators to ANC access, policymakers and healthcare providers can develop more effective strategies to boost ANC interest and improve pregnancy results. This study highlights the necessity of addressing both socio-economic differences and educational needs to ensure inclusive maternal health coverage.

Predictors and number of antenatal care visits among reproductive age women in Sub-Saharan Africa further analysis of recent demographic and health survey from 2017-2023: Zero-inflated negative binomial regression.

Antenatal care (ANC) is an important component of maternal and child health care. To reduce perinatal mortality and improve women's experience of care, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends pregnant women should attend at least eight ANC visits. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the mean number of ANC visits among reproductive-age women using Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data following the new WHO recommendation is so far limited. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the mean number of ANC visits and its predictors among reproductive-age women in SSA. Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 188,880 weighted reproductive-age women in SSA using a recent round of DHS data from 2017-2023. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression (ZINB) was conducted and statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05 and adjusted incidence rate ratio(AIRR) for count model part and adjusted odds ratio for logit model inflated part of ZINBR with 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. The mean number of ANC visits among reproductive-age women in SSA was 4.08 with 95%CI [4.07, 4.09]. Among reproductive-age women who gave birth in the last five years before the survey, 7.3% had eight or more ANC visits during pregnancy. Age of women, maternal and husband educational status, types of pregnancy, birth order, household size, number of under-five children, and wealth index were associated with the numbers of ANC visits among reproductive-age women in Sub-Saharan. The mean number of ANC visits among reproductive-age women in SSA is too lower than the new WHO recommendation of ANC visits for a positive pregnancy experience. This study also highlights that the proportion of at least eight ANC visits is low and there are still disparities in the mean of ANC visits across different regions of SSA. The increasing maternal age, higher maternal and husband educational status, wanted pregnancy, the number of household members, the number of under-five children, and higher wealth index increase the number of ANC visits. Unwanted pregnancy, no more fertility desire, and rural residences were contributed for zero ANC visits in SSA. Therefore, efforts should be geared towards improving maternal and husband's educational status. We strongly recommend that the governments of SSA countries should empower women economically and educationally to achieve the goals of ANC as recommended by the WHO.

Dietary diversity and nutrient adequacy among women in Bosomtwe District, Ghana.

The sustainable development goals seek to end all forms of malnutrition of women of reproductive age (WRA) by 2030. As such, recent data on nutrient adequacy are needed to aid in tracking progress. However, data on specific dietary nutrient intakes includes only iron, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 in Ghana. Therefore, women's dietary diversity score (W-DDS) is often used as a proxy measure of nutrient adequacy. It is hypothesised that there is no association between W-DDS and Nutrient Adequacy among WRA in peri-urban Ghana. Hence, this research evaluated the associations between W-DDS and nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) and assessed the determinants of mean nutrient adequacy ratio (MAR) in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted, and data collected on anthropometry, food insecurity, socio-demographic characteristics and dietary intake using the 24-hour recall from 407 WRA. In all, 21 nutrients were assessed. The mean age, W-DDS, and MAR were 29.0 ± 6.7 years, 5.3 ± 1.9, and 0.65 ± 0.19 respectively. The NAR were generally high for the macronutrients as compared to micronutrients and the nutrients with low NAR included vitamin C (0.27 ± 0.19), vitamin A (0.15 ± 0.23), vitamin B12 (0.54 ± 0.32), calcium (0.28 ± 0.20), zinc (0.52 ± 0.23) and iron (0.57 ± 0.28) - signifying the WRA may be consuming monotonous carbohydrate-based diet. The hierarchical multivariable linear regression found a significant association between W-DDS and MAR after controlling for confounders (β = 0.404, p < 0.001). The determinants of MAR were ethnicity (β = 0.110, p = 0.006) and body mass index (β = 0.189, p < 0.001). This study supports the use of W-DDS as a proxy indicator of nutrient adequacy. Strategies meant to address nutrient inadequacies should be adaptable to different ethnic groups and overweight-reducing strategies should be incorporated into broader nutrition initiatives.

The Analysis Study of Prevalence, Diagnosis and Management of Bacterial Vaginosis: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a prevalent condition among women of reproductive age, characterized by a disruption in the normal vaginal microbiota. The systematic review focused on analyzing the prevalence, diagnosis, and management of Bacterial vaginosis based on literature from the past decade. Methods: The study followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines, reviewing English-language publications from 2014 to 2024. Editorials, duplicate reviews from the same journal, and papers lacking a DOI were excluded. The literature search was conducted using PubMed, SagePub, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Result: A total of 630 articles were initially identified through online databases (PubMed, SagePub, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar). After three rounds of screening, eight relevant studies were selected for full-text analysis. Conclusion: Bacterial vaginosis remains a complex condition influenced by microbial diversity, contraceptive use, and co-infections. Improved diagnostic methods and innovative treatment strategies, including probiotics, are essential for effective management and prevention of BV and its associated complications.

ITGA3 participates in the pathogenesis of recurrent spontaneous abortion by downregulating ULK1-mediated autophagy to inhibiting trophoblast function.

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a significant challenge encountered by couples of reproductive ages, with inadequate trophoblast invasion identified as a primary factor in RSA pathogenesis. However, the precise molecular mechanisms through which trophoblast cells dysfunction leads to RSA remain incompletely understood. Research has highlighted the critical role of integrins in embryo implantation and development. While integrin α-3 (ITGA3) is recognized for its promotion of invasion in cancer cells, its involvement in miscarriage remains poorly characterized. This investigation initially assessed ITGA3 expression in villous tissues obtained from RSA patients and induced abortion patients. The findings demonstrated a notable reduction in ITGA3 levels in the villous tissues of RSA patients compared control group. Subsequent in vitro analyses indicated that ITGA3 knockdown inhibited the migration, invasion, and proliferation of trophoblast cells. Through RNA sequencing and subsequent experimentation, it was revealed that ITGA3 regulated ULK1-mediated autophagy to influence trophoblast cells invasion, migration, and proliferation. Furthermore, utilizing a miscarriage animal model, the diminished expression of ITGA3 and ULK1 in the placentas of RSA mice was confirmed. In conclusion, the study findings suggest that the downregulation of ITGA3 suppresses ULK1 expression, consequently impeding autophagy to initiation and impeding trophoblast cells invasion and migration, thereby contributing to the pathological progression of RSA.

Ecological aspects of studying the thyroid function of the thyroid gland in women of reproductive age living in a region with iodine deficiency (Akhtynsky district, Republic of Dagestan, Russia)

Aim. To present epidemiological aspects of the study of thyroid function of the thyroid gland.The article presents the results of a clinical and laboratory examination and epidemiological aspects of studying the thyroid function of the thyroid gland in 120 women of reproductive age living in an area with iodine deficiency (Akhtynsky district, Republic of Dagestan – located at an altitude of 1.675 metres above sea level). The women were examined for thyroid diseases and for the presence of intrauterine infections: TORCH toxoplasmosis, ornithosis, rubella, cytomegalo‐ and herpesviruses.All the examined patients had thyroid diseases (the women are registered with an endocrinologist at an Endocrinological Dispensary). All women underwent correction of iodine deficiency in the form of iodine prophylaxis by taking medications containing a daily iodine requirement of up to 250 mcg to normalize thyroid function.Intrauterine infections (IUI) were found in 76 women (69 %. of the patients examined). Intrauterine infections of women registered in the women's clinic of the district hospital were also treated.

Health-Related Experiences of Geophagia Among Women of Reproductive Age in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province: An Exploratory Qualitative Study.

Women of reproductive age are reported to be the largest population that practises geophagia. The short-term and long-term health related conditions originating from the practise of geophagia are often not understood by geophagic women of reproductive age. This study has explored the health-related experiences of geophagia among women of reproductive age of Tshwane District, Gauteng Province. This was a qualitative study design following inductive thematic content analysis. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data using an interview guide and audio record. Data collection took place in 2023. Mental health disorders, pregnancy complications, appendicitis, cancers, breathing complications, fatigue, premature deaths, worms, piles, and nutrients deficiencies were reported as some of the health-related challenges and diseases experienced by women of reproductive age of Tshwane District, Gauteng Province resulting from the practise of geophagia. The practise of geophagia was associated with various negative health outcomes. The reproductive health statuses of women of reproductive age were negatively impacted by the practise of geophagia affecting maternal and childhood mortalities and morbidities.

A case report on renal metastasis as an unusual presentation of choriocarcinoma

BackgroundChoriocarcinoma is an aggressively invasive neoplasm, characterized by its rapid proliferation and propensity for metastasis to distant organs via hematogenous dissemination. Lungs (80%), vagina (30%), pelvis (20%), liver (10%), and brain (10%) are the most frequently metastasized organs. Renal metastases are very rare. The clinical manifestations of choriocarcinoma varies depending on the site of disease, making diagnosis challenging. In this report, we provide a clinical case of choriocarcinoma with metastases to the renal and pulmonary systems, displaying symptoms akin to those observed in ectopic pregnancy.Case presentationA 27-year-old female, G2P1, with a previous history of full-term pregnancy in 2018, presented to the hospital with the onset of vaginal bleeding and accompanying abdominal aches. Investigations uncovered a left adnexal mass with a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level of 77,4 mIU/mL and a left pulmonary nodule measuring 31 mm x 21 mm. Laparoscopy was performed due to the high suspicion of an ectopic pregnancy. However, no visible villi were identified during the surgery, and postoperative blood hCG levels continued to rise. A diagnostic curettage also failed to reveal any villi, maintaining the suspicion of a persistent ectopic pregnancy. Following two ineffective courses of methotrexate therapy, the patient was referred to our facility. Prior to her referral, an ultrasound had indicated a mass in the right kidney. However, upon arrival at our hospital, subsequent ultrasonography failed to detect any renal masses. Despite two months of outpatient monitoring, there was a sudden and significant increase in her serum hCG levels. An emergency laparoscopy was performed, revealing no pregnancy-related lesion. After surgery, the patient’s hCG levels dropped dramatically to less than one-tenth of the original amount. Multisite enhanced computed tomography(CT)revealed suspicious lesions in both the renal and pulmonary regions. Upon thorough multidisciplinary consultation, a diagnosis of choriocarcinoma was entertained. Consequently, the patient successfully underwent eight cycles of chemotherapy and has remained recurrence-free for the past year.ConclusionsThis case underscores the potential for choriocarcinoma in women of reproductive age who exhibit radiological signs of renal masses. Early and accurate diagnosis, followed by prompt intervention, is essential to prevent needless surgery procedures.

Biochemical markers and carotid intima-media thickness in relation to cardiovascular risk in young women.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death in the female population. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between CVD risk and novel endothelial dysfunction biomarkers [i.e., endocan, adiponectin and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1] and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), respectively in a cohort of disease-free women of reproductive age. A total of 129 women were selected. Serum endocan, adiponectin and ICAM-1 were measured by a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and cITM was determined by ultrasound. Cardiovascular risk score (CVRS) was calculated. The lowest endocan (p for trend = 0.051) and adiponectin (p for trend = 0.040) levels were found in a group of subjects with the highest CVRS. The cIMT values were the highest in second tertile subgroups, with the highest 75th percentile in a third tertile CVRS group, while the lowest cIMT values were detected in the lowest CVRS tertile group (p for trend = 0.001). A significant positive correlation between cIMT and CVRS (ρ = 0.307, p < 0.001), and a negative correlation between adiponectin and endocan with CVRS, respectively (ρ = - 0.252, p = 0.004; ρ = - 0.179, p = 0.043) were observed, but only endocan retained the independent association with CVRS (p = 0.030) in the multiple linear regression analysis. Endocan could be useful diagnostic tool in the estimation of cardiovascular risk in young women.

FORCED INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT OF THE UKRAINIAN POPULATION: RISKS RAISED BY WAR

The large-scale war forced millions of Ukrainians to leave their homes in search of safety. The mass displacement of the population led to an increase in the level of uncertainty and raised risks for both individuals and the whole of society. This article aims to assess the scale of internal migration in Ukraine during the war and to investigate the impact of this phenomenon on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the labor potential and the possibilities of its use. Our assessment of the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and our examination of the state of their adaptation and integration in the new territories of residence are based on administrative data about the registration of citizens as IDPs provided by social services as well as the surveys and research findings by international organizations and domestic sociological institutions. We present an overview of individual challenges and risks raised by the forced displacement of the population, and highlight the specific features of their manifestation. In particular, we single out an increase in the demographic burden, a decrease in the number of people of reproductive age, a reduction in the number of jobs, an increase in the burden on the budget, a drop in labor productivity, a loss or reduction in the income of a large part of the population, a limit of access to quality social services, as well as unemployment, deterioration of the quality of employment, increased social vulnerability, and weakening of social cohesion. Risks increase the probability of negative changes that lead to uncertainty, deterioration of the demographic situation, weakening of the stability of the economy, decline in the level and quality of life of the population, deepening of social inequality, growth of social tension, decline in the consumption capacity of the population, complete or partial loss of social ties and jobs. We offer recommendations regarding priorities and specific measures of the national state policy aimed at avoiding risks and minimizing their possible consequences. The implementation of this policy should be focused on establishing legal, economic, and institutional frameworks for easing tensions in the areas of material security and employment, improving the demographic situation as well as the quality and availability of social services, and improving living conditions.

Народжуваність та сімейна політика у країнах Європи у період пандемії COVID-19

The study of shifts in the fertility dynamics during crisis periods along with changes in the system of family policy in European countries is a relevant direction of research for the further development of Ukraine’s demographic policy, increasing its effectiveness, especially in the period of post-war reconstruction. In this regard, the purpose of our paper is to find out the changes in trends and structural characteristics of fertility in the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic in European countries in combination with the analysis of change in family policy, effectiveness of current and implemented during this period policy measures. The main methods used in the paper were systematization and generalization of statistical information from various sources, structural-logical and comparative analysis and critical assessment of measures implemented to counter crisis situations in developed European countries. The scientific novelty consists in generalizing fertility characteristics and family policy measures to counteract the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on family wellbeing in European countries. The grouping of European countries was based on the changes that occurred in the fertility dynamics on the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic and in 2020—2021. In most countries, there was a decrease in the total fertility rate in 2020 followed by a rather sharp rise in 2021. This became possible due to the increase in childbirth among women of middle and older reproductive age. The countries in which there was a long period of decline in the total fertility rate before the epidemic but in 2021 fertility increased despite the complexity of the epidemiological situation (Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland, Norway) have drawn the most attention. Consistency, comprehensiveness, adherence to principles, variety are key characteristics of family policy that strengthen reproductive resilience. Along with providing financial assistance to families with children, in many countries, parents were given additional paid leave, measures were introduced to counter the dismissal of employees who have children, support was provided to institutions that continued to provide childcare services, and remote employment opportunities were expanded. The issues of the influence of population’s trust in the government (especially in periods of crisis) on formation of reproductive intentions and their realization need further study.

The impact of climate change anxiety on premenstrual syndrome: A cross-sectional study.

Climate change is thought to have possible effects on changes in the menstruation process, which covers an important period of time in women's lives. Our study aimed to determine the impact of climate change anxiety on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women of reproductive age. This is a cross-sectional study. The research was conducted online using various digital platforms between December 2023 and February 2024. This study was conducted on 456 women of reproductive age. The Personal Information Form, PMS Scale and Eco-Anxiety Scale were used for the data collection. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The prevalence of PMS was 44.7%. The average score for the Eco-Anxiety Scale was 27.28 ± 6.44. A significant majority of participants (81.4%) stated that climate change would affect women's health, and 81.1% thought that they were affected by climate change. The Eco-Anxiety Scale scores were higher in women with PMS (p < 0.05). The results of the binary logistic regression analysis showed that being affected by climate change (odds ratio [OR] = 2.109, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.045-4.259, p = 0.035), age at menarche (OR = 1.249, 95% Cl = 1.073-1.453, p = 0.004) and Eco-Anxiety Scale scores were significant predictors of PMS (OR = 0.828, 95% Cl = 0.791-0.867, p < 0.001). The results of our study showed that women with PMS had higher Eco-Anxiety Scale scores. Given the global effects of climate change, it is important to investigate its effects as a risk factor for the emergence of PMS. Furthermore, women's healthcare providers play an important and beneficial role in adapting to a changing climate; these efforts will have long-term impacts.

ER stress-induced LINC00173 promotes the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells by regulating the HRK/PI3K/AKT pathway in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder and metabolic abnormality disease that mainly affects women of reproductive age. LINC00173, a novel long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), has emerged as an important factor in the development of PCOS. However, the role of LINC00173 in PCOS development and its specific upstream and downstream mechanisms remain to be further clarified. Here, we found that LINC00173 was significantly upregulated in granulosa cells (GCs) of PCOS patients, and played a crucial role in promoting apoptosis of GCs. Mechanistically, we observed the activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the GCs of PCOS patients, and the ER stress sensor ATF4 could directly induce LINC00173 expression by binding to its promoter. LINC00173 further upregulated the expression of Harakiri (HRK) and subsequently inhibited downstream PI3K/AKT pathway. In conclusions, our study uncovered that ER stress-induced upregulation of LINC00173 leads to increased HRK expression and inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby promoting the progression of PCOS. These findings provide a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of PCOS.

Triad of female athletes

The female sports triad is a spectrum of dysfunctions related to energy availability, menstrual function, and bone mineral density. Energy availability is considered the trigger for the triad. Scientists have proven that women who do sports consume approximately 30% less energy and carbohydrates in relation to their body weight. Sufficient energy availability ensures the presence of a menstrual cycle, directly affects the stimulation of the production of female sex hormones (estrogen in particular). Thus, it prevents resorption of bone tissue. When energy availability is too low, a physiological mechanism reduces the amount of energy used for cell maintenance, thermoregulation, growth, and reproductive function. This compensation tends to restore energy balance and promotes survival, but impairs health. Low body weight in women of reproductive age, particularly in adolescence and the first reproductive age, is a biological marker of somatic and reproductive dysfunction. Osteoporosis in young female athletes is manifested by fractures unusual for young women or by frequent and multiple bone fractures during an athletic career. In this review article, an analytical review of literary and informational sources regarding the history of research on the problem of the triad of female athletes is carried out. The specifics of the negative impact of the athlete triad on the female body, the components of the athlete triad (amenorrhea, eating disorders, and osteoporosis) are examined in detail. The article focuses on its main cause - energy imbalance. The impact of the triad of female athletes on the psyche and behavior is considered. The question of its consequences for health both in the short-term and in the long-term perspective is considered. The prevention of RED-S syndrome was also investigated. The purpose of the study: Systematization of current knowledge about the triad of female athletes (relative energy deficiency syndrome (RED-S)). Research methods. Theoretical analysis of literary sources, systematization, generalization of scientific-methodical and special literature.

Life history in Caenorhabditis elegans: from molecular genetics to evolutionary ecology.

Life history is defined by traits that reflect key components of fitness, especially those relating to reproduction and survival. Research in life history seeks to unravel the relationships among these traits and understand how life history strategies evolve to maximize fitness. As such, life history research integrates the study of the genetic and developmental mechanisms underlying trait determination with the evolutionary and ecological context of Darwinian fitness. As a leading model organism for molecular and developmental genetics, Caenorhabditis elegans is unmatched in the characterization of life history-related processes, including developmental timing and plasticity, reproductive behaviors, sex determination, stress tolerance, and aging. Building on recent studies of natural populations and ecology, the combination of C. elegans' historical research strengths with new insights into trait variation now positions it as a uniquely valuable model for life history research. In this review, we summarize the contributions of C. elegans and related species to life history and its evolution. We begin by reviewing the key characteristics of C. elegans life history, with an emphasis on its distinctive reproductive strategies and notable life cycle plasticity. Next, we explore intraspecific variation in life history traits and its underlying genetic architecture. Finally, we provide an overview of how C. elegans has guided research on major life history transitions both within the genus Caenorhabditis and across the broader phylum Nematoda. While C. elegans is relatively new to life history research, significant progress has been made by leveraging its distinctive biological traits, establishing it as a highly cross-disciplinary system for life history studies.

Identification and validation of core genes associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and metabolic syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting women of reproductive age, affecting reproductive health, and increasing the incidence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the most common metabolic disorder. Although clinical studies have shown a close association between PCOS and MetS, the molecular mechanisms are unknown. In this study, datasets of PCOS and MetS were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database; differential expression analysis and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed; and gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses also performed of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The PCOS- and MetS-coexpressed DEGs were subsequently intersected with the coexpressed genes in the WGCNA module to obtain the core genes. By constructing receiver operating characteristic curves, we verified the predictive effects of the core genes. We also validated the expression of the core genes in the datasets. Finally, we verified the expression of the core genes by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in human follicular fluid granulosa cells. In addition, we used Cell-type Identification By Estimating Relative Subsets Of RNA Transcripts to analyze the immune infiltration of immune cells in PCOS and MetS. Finally, we obtained 52 coexpressed DEGs of PCOS and MetS and 3 coexpressed genes in the WGCNA module. By taking the intersection of coexpressed DEGs and coexpressed genes of the WGCNA module, we get ELOVL fatty acid elongase 7 (ELOVL7) as the core gene. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that ELOVL7 is a reliable biological marker for PCOS and MetS. The expression level of ELOVL7 in human follicular fluid granulosa cells from PCOS patients was significantly higher than that of controls, as verified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. This study provides the first evidence of the role of ELOVL7 in developing PCOS and MetS. This gene may serve as a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for both conditions.

Association between early menarche and hypertension in pre and postmenopausal women: Baependi Heart Study.

Early menarche has been associated with an increased risk of arterial hypertension. Whether the association between early menarche and hypertension is independent of menopausal status is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association between early menarche and hypertension in pre and postmenopausal women. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 1406 women aged 18-100. Age at menarche, menopause status, hemodynamic, anthropometric, and biochemical data were collected by using standard protocols. Menarche <12 years was defined as early menarche. Systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic ≥90 mmHg and/or intake of antihypertensive medication, were used as criteria for hypertension. In total, 21.3% of women had early menarche (<12 years), and the frequency of hypertension was 38.7%. Premenopausal women with early menarche had a 58% higher chance of developing hypertension, even after adjusting for age, obesity, and smoking [odds ratio (OR) 1.58; (95% confidence interval, CI 1.016-2.461)]. In postmenopausal women, age, obesity, and diabetes mellitus were predictors of hypertension, while early menarche was not. The odds of hypertension were higher with early menarche, but only in women of reproductive age. In postmenopausal women, the physiological changes inherent to aging and the presence of more comorbidities, such as diabetes, might overlap the influence of early menarche on hypertension.

Ongoing Clinical Trials for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Afflicted Infertility in Women: A Narrative Review.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. PCOS is further correlated with infertility, menstrual dysfunction, and hyperandrogenism. Despite the advanced understanding of reproductive biology, the exact causes of PCOS remain ambiguous. Nevertheless, several factors are believed to contribute to the development of PCOS, including insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, obesity, and genetic predispositions. The diagnosis of PCOS is complicated by its phenotypic heterogeneity, which manifests differently in different individuals. Presently, the therapeutic management of PCOS-afflicted infertility depends upon proper pharmaceutical-based therapies aimed at treating underlying symptoms, such as the use of clomiphene citrate, metformin, ovulation-inducing agents, anti-androgens, exogenous gonadotropin administration, laparoscopic ovarian drilling, and in vitro fertilization. The present review focuses on narrating present therapeutic interventions along with lifestyle modifications in PCOS. Furthermore, it focuses on the ongoing clinical trials of various chemotherapeutics to counter PCOS-induced infertility among women.