Reproductive Period Of Life Research Articles

The RNA-Seq data analysis shows how the ontogenesis defines aging.

This paper presents a global statistical analysis of the RNA-Seq results of the entire Mus musculus genome. We explain aging by a gradual redistribution of limited resources between two major tasks of the organism: its self-sustenance based on the function of the housekeeping gene group (HG) and functional differentiation provided by the integrative gene group (IntG). All known disorders associated with aging are the result of a deficiency in the repair processes provided by the cellular infrastructure. Understanding exactly how this deficiency arises is our primary goal. Analysis of RNA production data of 35,630 genes, from which 5,101 were identified as HG genes, showed that RNA production levels in the HG and IntG genes had statistically significant differences (p-value <0.0001) throughout the entire observation period. In the reproductive period of life, which has the lowest actual mortality risk for Mus musculus, changes in the age dynamics of RNA production occur. The statistically significant dynamics of the decrease of RNA production in the HG group in contrast to the IntG group was determined (p-value = 0.0045). The trend toward significant shift in the HG/IntG ratio occurs after the end of the reproductive period, coinciding with the beginning of the mortality rate increase in Mus musculus indirectly supports our hypothesis. The results demonstrate a different orientation of the impact of ontogenesis regulatory mechanisms on the groups of genes representing cell infrastructures and their organismal functions, making the chosen direction promising for further research and understanding the mechanisms of aging.

A study of benign breast disease management based on clinical, radiological and pathological assessment

Benign breast disorders are usually hormone induced and therefore usually seen in the reproductive period of life with dramatic fall in incidence after menopause. As compared to breast cancers, benign breast lesions are 10 times more common.&#x0D; The aim of the study was to determine the spectrum and incidence of various benign breast diseases in female patients attending our institute and to compare the results with those of other studies.&#x0D; Material and methods: 80 cases of benign breast diseases which were clinically diagnosed and confirmed pathologically or radiologically were subjected for therapeutic interventions and the results were analysed.&#x0D; Results: In the present study of 80 cases, the age group most affected by benign breast diseases was 21-30 years. 63 patients (78.8 %) presented with lump in the breast and 23 patients’ common symptom is pain. In most of the cases of lump had duration between 7-12 months (38.8 %), pain for 1-5 days (13.8 %), discharge for 0-5 days (11.3 %). Both breasts were involved in 6 cases (7.5 %) whereas right and left breasts are equally involved in 47 cases each (46.25 %). Most of the patients were nulliparous (46.3 %) followed by multiparous (38.8 %) and uniparous (15.0 %). Fibroadenoma constituted in 53.8 % of patients (44 cases), breast abscess constituted 21.25 % (17 cases). The most commonly affected age group was 21-30 years. 63 patients (78.8 %) presented with lump in the breast and 23 patients presented with pain. HRUSG findings correlated with that of clinical diagnosis in 70 cases. 60 cases underwent core biopsy, and in 41 cases (68.33 %) there were fibroadenoma and 7 cases (11.66 %) fibro adenosis. 59 cases (73.75 %) underwent excision, and 18 cases (22.5 %) incision and drainage.&#x0D; Conclusion: The most common benign breast disease was fibroadenoma. Most common age group affected with benign breast disease was 21-30 years. 88.7 % of clinical diagnosis, 90.3 % of radiological diagnosis, 93.3 % of core needle biopsy diagnoses were correlating with the histopathology diagnosis

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Pathophysiology of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women’s reproductive period of life. The presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD, one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease in the Western world, is increased in women with PCOS. This review aims to present current knowledge in epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostics, and treatment of NAFLD in PCOS with an emphasis on the molecular basis of development of NAFLD in PCOS women. Methods: Authors investigated the available data on PCOS and NAFLD by a MEDLINE and Pub Med search during the years 1990–2021 using a combination of keywords such as “PCOS”, “NAFLD”, “steatohepatitis”, “insulin resistance”, “hyperandrogenaemia”, “inflammation”, “adipose tissue”, and “obesity”. Peer-reviewed articles regarding NAFLD and PCOS were included in this manuscript. Additional articles were identified from the references of relevant papers. Results: PCOS and NAFLD are multifactorial diseases, The development of NAFLD in PCOS women is linked to insulin resistance, hyperandrogenemia, obesity, adipose tissue dysfunction, and inflammation. There is the possible role of the gut microbiome, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endocannabinoid system in the maintenance of NAFLD in PCOS women. Conclusions: There is a need for further investigation about the mechanism of the development of NAFLD in PCOS women. New data about the molecular basis of development of NAFLD in PCOS integrated with epidemiological and clinical information could influence the evolution of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of NAFLD in PCOS.

Clinical Evaluation of Vanga Bhasma on Shweta PradarA

Shweta pradara is a very common lakshana symptom in females during reproductive period of life. Shweta pradara is not considered as a disease in brihatrayees but as a symptom in kaphaja yoni vyapad.Shweta srava from genital organs along with yoni kandu kati shoola lower back ache yoni daha burning sensation in vagina are the clinical symptoms of shweta pradara. Detailed description of this disease is found in later books like laghutrayi i.e. after the medieval period. Indians were the first to use metals for their therapeutic values. Vanga known as pootiloha which melts easily is one among loha and was in use during samhita period as an external medicine krimighna.Vanga bhasma is one of the medicines described to have the action of ldquoShweta asrugdhara nashardquo by Rasataranginikara. Considering this reference an observational study has been conducted to study the efficacy of vanga bhasma on Shwetapradara.30 patients were selected randomly by conducting camp at OPD at TGAMC Bellary and treated with 250mg vanga bhasma in equally divided doses with madhu as anupana for 15 days. The patients were followed up on 30th 45th and 60th days. Reduction in clinical parameters in non-specific group patients was statistically significant whereas in specific groups was statistically non-significant. The action of vanga bhasma in both nonspecific and specific groups in Shwetha pradara is effective in variation with duration of treatment

Perceptions of Decision-making in Accessing Reproductive Healthcare Services of Urban Women

Introduction: Women’s healthcare during the reproductive period of life, especially decisions involving her own health is generally one of the least concerns to the common people. Women’s autonomy in decision-making within the family is fairly debatable and determines the health service seeking behaviour.&#x0D; Objective: To find out the perceptions about key persons involved in decision-making for accessing reproductive healthcare services as well as factors that influence those decisions among urban women of Bangladesh.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study was conducted by key informant interviewing (KII) of 72 respondents about their perceptions of decision-making in women’s reproductive health services in Dhaka South City Corporation during the period of January 2019 to April 2019. Health professionals of various levels, administrators, family heads were selected as key informants by purposive sampling method. An open-ended semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection.&#x0D; Result: Among the key informants, more than half were doctors (58.3%). The majority of the respondents were female (72%) and having educational qualification up to graduate level (40.3%). Majority of the informants (73.9%) mentioned ‘both parents’ as key persons in under 18 marriage of their daughters; 57.1% of respondents opined that ‘Factors like social environment, social status, uncertainty to find better groom, dowry etc.’ influences in decision-making. All of the respondents felt antenatal care ‘essential’ and about half of them (50.0%) mentioned the importance of complication detection and treatment during pregnancy. According to the respondents, ‘mother-in-law’ is the key person in women’s decision-making regarding antenatal care (65.3%) and ‘husband’ is the key person regarding selection of the place of delivery and postnatal care (79.2%, 72.2%) respectively. Half of the respondents (50%) expressed the family size determination in an urban area is done mutually by ‘both partners’ while the role of the ‘husband’ is still perceived important (41.7%). Majority expressed that economic condition of the family (63.9%) have an influence in determining family size by the respondents. According to more than half of the respondents (52.8%), both partners take part in decision-making regarding family planning.&#x0D; Conclusion: Although the educated employed women enjoy some degree of autonomy in urban areas of Bangladesh, the decision-making in accessing woman’s reproductive healthcare services is directed by the husband. Involvement of both partners in decision-making is essential for better utilization of reproductive health services.&#x0D; Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.14(1) 2018: 15-20

Effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on motility of isolated fallopian tube.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) affect the smooth muscle cells acting on voltage-dependent channels for Na+ , K+ and Ca2+ , but their action is tissue and species specific. The aim of our study was to investigate effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on motility of the isolated fallopian tubes. Isolated preparations of isthmus and ampoule were taken from fallopian tubes of 20 women during hysterectomy due to uterine fibroids and then tested for reactivity on increasing concentrations of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Escitalopram (from 0.9×10-9 M/L to 1.4×10-6 M/L) produced concentration-dependent increase of spontaneous contractions of the isolated ampulla (EC50=1.20±1.06×10-8 M/L, r=0.580, P<0.05) (F=2.980, df1 =6, df2 =28, P<0.05). Paroxetine (from 1.2×10-9 M/L to 5.1×10-5 M/L) produced concentration-dependent increase of spontaneous contractions of the isolated isthmus (EC50=7.01±3.50×10-8 M/L, r=0.500, P<0.05) (F=2.350, df1 =9, df2 =40, P<0.05). The SSRIs differ among themselves in regard to their potential to affect motility of the fallopian tubes. Escitalopram and paroxetine have clear stimulating effect which may interfere with functioning of the fallopian tubes, and potentially impair fertility if taken by women in reproductive period of life. The other SSRIs tested in the study did not produce significant effect throughout the concentration range used in the experiments.

Hormonal Status of Females in Reproductive Age Group with Benign Breast Disease: A Study of 150 Cases

Background: Benign disorder of breast in female usually seen in reproductive period of life, is thought to be largely hormone induced and there is a dramatic fall in the incidence after menopause due to cessation of ovarian stimulation.Objectives: To find out the relationship between different types of benign breast disease and hormones acting on breast mainly oestrogen, testesteron and prolactin.Methodology: This is a prospective observational study conducted in the department of surgery, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital. Total 150 female patients of reproductive age were included in the study. Serum levels of oestrogen, testosterone and prolactin were done in all patients. Other relevant radiological and cytological investigations were done accordingly where indicated.Results: Mean age of the study subjects were 28 ±8.46 years. Among the study subjects 64 (42.7%) patients used hormonal contraception, on the other hand 86 patients (57.3%) did not used hormonal contraceptive. 68 (45.3%) patients were non parous, 29( 19.3%) were primi parous and 53 ( 35.3%) were multiparous. 87 (58%) had positive history of breast feeding, 63 (42%) patients did not breast fed their babies. Fibrocystic disease was most common diagnosis among study group followed by fibroadenoma. 96 (64%) patients had fibrocystic disease followed by 38 (25.3%) had fibroadenoma. Mean oestrogen, testosterone and prolactin level was 71.16± 57.63 pg/ml, 0.59 ± 0.42 nmol/L and 22.61 ± 16.65 ng/ml respectively.Conclusion: With this small sample size it is difficult to conclude regarding relation between oestrogen, testosterone, prolactin and benign breast disease. But this study can be used as a base line document regarding benign breast disease, hormone profile, type, distribution and frequency of benign breast disease.J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, December 2016, Vol.8(2); 54-57

Follow-up studies on genome damage in children after Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident.

As children are more susceptible to ionizing radiation than adults, each nuclear accident demands special attention and care of this vulnerable population. The Chernobyl nuclear disaster occurred in a region populated with a large number of children, but despite all efforts and expertise of nuclear specialists, it was not possible to avoid casualties. As vast regions of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia were exposed to doses of ionizing radiation, which are known to be related with different diseases, shortly after the accident medical surveillance was launched, which also included analysis of genome damage. Child population affected by internal and external radiation consisted of subjects exposed prenatally, postnatally (both evacuated and non-evacuated), born by irradiated fathers who worked as liquidators, and parents exposed environmentally. In all groups of children during the last 30years who were exposed to doses which were significantly higher than that recommended for general population of 1mSv per year, increased genome damage was detected. Increased genome damage includes statistically higher frequency of dicentric and ring chromosomes, chromated and chromosome breaks, acentric fragments, translocations, and micronuclei. The presence of rogue cells confirmed internal contamination. Genome instability and radiosensitivity in children was detected both in evacuated and continuously exposed children. Today the population exposed to ionizing radiation in 1986 is in reproductive period of life and follow-up of this population and their offspring is of great importance. This review aims to give insight in results of studies, which reported genome damage in children in journals without language restrictions.

Effect of Estradiol valerate plus dienogest on body composition of healthy women in the menopausal transition: a prospective one-year evaluation

In the menopausal transition (MT), combined oral contraceptive (COC) should be chosen accordingly to its neutrality on liver metabolism and to its ability to counter the increase of fat mass (FM) that occurs in this reproductive period of life. This prospective multi-centric observational study was conducted on 36 women in their MT at the Universities of Cagliari, Modena and Naples. The body weight (BW), the Body Mass Index (BMI), the waist to hip ratio (WHR), the measurement of body composition (BC) with the Multi-frequency Bioelectrical Impedance (MF-BIA) were performed before, at the 6th and at the 12th month of the study in which a group of women (control group; N.18) did not assume COC, whereas the other 18 women assumed the four-phasic COC containing estradiol valerate (EV) associated with dienogest (EV/DNG group). In comparison to controls in the EV/DNG group, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) of BW (58.8 ± 7.6 to 57.3 ± 7.0), BMI (24.1 ± 2.7 to 23.5 ± 2.8), WHR (0.82 ± 0.052 to 0.79 ± 0.048) and FM (17.7 ± 5.4 to 16.4 ± 5.6) was observed. In controls, FM significantly increased (17.0 ± 11 to 17.7 ± 2.7; p < 0.05). In conclusion, these results suggest that the anti-androgenic and progestinic activities of DNG associated with a weak estrogenic activity of EV, is a contraceptive method capable of counteracting the negative changes of BC occurring in the MT.

Platelet-rich plasma induces morphofunctional restoration of mice testes following doxorubomycine hydrochloride exposure

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) about 8% of couples during the reproductive period of life are faced with the problem of infertility. Thus, the efforts of doctors and researchers are aimed at finding of effective treatment methods for spermatogenesis disorders. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has therapeutic effect due to the presence of growth factors. This work aimed to investigate the function of PRP on mice males’ gonads in experimental toxic affection. After toxic affection of the gonads by doxorubomycine hydrochloride (DH) mice got three injections of PRP. PRP was isolated from whole blood with the processing unit SmartPrep (Harvest Corp.). The introduction of PRP under the skin of scrotum renews the testis microstructure and the state of spermatogenic epitelium in mice, normalizes the amount and functioning of the Sertoly cells. This effect, probably, is conditioned by the activity of the growth factors, which freed from platelets’ α-granules after the PRP injection. Thus, the application of the platelet rich plasma is the effective method for restoration of the gonads of mice males in the condition of toxic affection. J. Exp. Clin. Med., 2014; 31:183-187

Isolated Tubal Torsion in Adolescence: Case Report and Review

Background: Isolated torsion of the fallopian tube is a rare cause of lower abdominal pain in adolescence. Lack of specific clinical signs, images, and laboratory data make preoperative diagnoses difficult. This article presents a case of isolated torsion of the fallopian tube in an adolescent girl. Case: A 15-year-old girl presented with right lower abdominal pain for 6 days, and ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a cystic mass on the left side of her uterus. Urgent laparoscopy was carried out according to the diagnosis of torsion of the left ovarian cyst. The procedure revealed torsion of the right fallopian tube with necrosis and swelling, so a laparoscopic salpingectomy was performed. Results: She was discharged, uneventfully, on the third day after surgery. Conclusions: During the reproductive period of life, prompt diagnosis and treatment are needed to preserve fertility for women. On MRI, the coiling-up sign described by Park et al. might be useful for diagnosis, while laparoscopy is also helpful for diagnosis and treatment. (J GYNECOL SURG 29:39)

Radiation dose reduction by using low dose CT protocol of thorax

Abstract CT makes up to 67% of radiation from medical sources. Therefore emphasizes is especially on the importance of reducing doses and the introduction of procedures with the lowest possible dose received by the patient. The so called low dose CT protocol was studied for some chest diagnosis however it was not investigated for the patients with lymphoproliferative diseases. Lymphoproliferative diseases, including most lymphomas involve a large number of younger and middle age patients i.e. patients in the reproductive period of life. A CT exam of these patients is indispensable method for the diagnosis, and later for long life monitoring of the effectiveness of therapy. The aim of this work was to compare the patient doses between two different CT protocols of thorax in patients with this diagnosis. The entrance surface doses were measured and compared using standard CT protocol of thorax which implies 120 kV and 160 mA conditions and low dose CT protocol using 120 kV and 30 mA conditions while maintaining image quality. The study involved 60 patients. Each patient underwent two different CT thorax protocols during regular follow up of the disease. The doses were measured using LiF:Mg,Ti (TLD-100) thermoluminescent (TL) and GD-352M radiophotoluminescent (RPL) dosimeters on the thyroid, eye lens, sternum and gonads. The results showed that low dose protocol yielded with the reduction of doses by the factor of 1.8–15 on the eye lens, 1.0–9.1 on the thyroid, 2.5–7.0 on sternum and 0.3–12.8 on gonads, respectively. The doses were significantly lower using low dose CT protocol while the image quality for lymph node presentation was satisfactory according to European criteria. Therefore the use of low dose CT protocol as a standard for patients with lymphoproliferative disorders is highly recommended.

Aggressives Angiomyxom beim Mann: ein Fallbericht

Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) is a rare mesenchymal tumour of the connective tissue of the pelvis, which was described mainly in women in their reproductive period of life. Until now 45 cases of AA in men are documented with predominantly inguinal, parafunicular or scrotal localisation. These tumours slowly infiltrate the adjacent tissue and since symptoms are noticed only later these tumours have reached a considerable size at the time of diagnosis. In contrast to their benign histological appearance and almost entire absence of metastasis AA tends to (multiple) relapse. We report on a 46-year-old male with a large tumour in the perineum. After complete resection, histological analysis revealed an AA. 26 months after surgery there is no evidence of relapse. AA has to be considered as a possible diagnosis for obscure tumours of the pelvis. Since these tumours tend to relapse, margin-negative resection is most important. Also in cases of relapse, secondary excision should be achieved within healthy tissue. Adjuvant hormonal chemotherapy or radiation can be considered in cases of multiple relapse. Because of the risk of local recurrence rather than metastasis, these patients need a long-term follow up.

Smoking Cigarettes before First Childbirth and Risk of Breast Cancer

Inconsistent epidemiologic findings on cigarette smoking and female breast cancer risk may reflect insufficient assessment of smoking onset and amount relative to reproductive events. To determine the risk of breast cancer associated with smoking during different periods of reproductive life, the authors evaluated 906 incident breast cancer cases in a nationwide cohort of 56,042 female US radiologic technologists (1983-1998) who responded to two questionnaire surveys. After they accounted for age, birth cohort, and established breast cancer risk factors, smoking-related breast cancer risks differed by smoking during three reproductive time periods (p = 0.003), with a statistically significant 3% increase per pack-year of smoking between menarche and first childbirth (relative risk = 1.03, 95% confidence interval: 1.02, 1.05) and no significant association for smoking after first childbirth. Risk also increased with younger age at smoking initiation (p-trend = 0.06), after adjustment for pack-years of smoking before and after first childbirth, indicating an independent effect of age at smoking initiation. The findings from this study suggest that sensitivity of the female breast to tobacco carcinogens is increased during adolescence and early adulthood but decreases after first childbirth, when most breast tissue has terminally differentiated.

Doppler sonography of the normal lacrimal gland

We used Doppler sonography to determine the resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) of the normal lacrimal artery (LA) in both females and males. We also compared the values obtained at various periods of reproductive life. The study was performed in 25 prepubertal girls, 28 females of reproductive age, and 27 postmenopausal women, 23 pregnant women, and 104 healthy males. Doppler sonography was used to determine the RI and PI of the LA. The mean PI for the entire patient population was 1.48 +/- 0.60 and the RI was 0.72 +/- 0.09. The RI and PI values of the LA did not differ between males and females. Similarly, the mean RI and PI values of the LA did not change significantly between the various reproductive phases. The PI and RI of the lacrimal gland are similar in both sexes. Moreover, they are not altered by changes in levels of sex steroids.

WS03‐08Diagnosis and treatment of PCO syndrome – what is the place of ultrasound

Ultrasound characterization of ovarian morphology and vascularisation has become an important part of gynaecological endocrinology. PCO syndrome is the most prevalent endocrinological problem in women during reproductive period of life. The us diagnostic accuracy has advanced from recognition of ovarian size (volume), characteristic follicular distribution and volume of dense ovarian stroma, to blood flow changes in the uterine and ovarian stromal vessels. Improvement has been made by using innovations such as 3D US, colour and pulsed Doppler US, which allows US quantitative analysis of the ovarian stroma. In the PCOS the ovarian stroma is the source of hyperandrogenemia.One hundred and thirty‐two patients with PCOS, diagnosed by us and endocrinological findings, underwent further clinical, US and endocrine evolution during various kinds of therapy (metformine, ovarian drilling, oral contraception, flutamide and finasteride treatment). Mean age of the PCO patients was 25.5 years (range 15–48), 59.3% were obese (BMI = 28), 75.6% had signs of hirsutism, 43.02% presented with acne and 88.5% have had irregular menstrual cycle. Ultrasound findings (TVUS, colour and pulsed Doppler, 3D US) and hormonal evaluation (FSH, LH Androstendion, DHEA‐a, T, Free T, SHBG, 3 α diol) were performed prior, during and at the end of the therapy.Comparison has been made between these five groups of patients.

Control of pulsatile LH secretion during seasonal anoestrus in the ewe.

The seasonality of reproductive activity in the ewe in temperate latitudes is controlled by photoperiod. Its annual variations control the temporal organization of the sexual cycle by changing the activity of the gonadotrophic axis. Cyclic oestrous behaviour usually appears in the ewe at the end of summer or the beginning of autumn and finishes in winter or at the very beginning of spring. Seasonal anoestrus is characterized by the absence of ovulation and sexual behaviour. During seasonal anoestrus, a decrease in LH pulse frequency is observed. The inhibition of pulsatile LH secretion is maintained throughout the anoestrous season and is responsible for the low reproductive activity during this period. Variation in the seasonal inhibition of LH pulsatility results from an increase in the negative feedback by oestradiol on LH pulse frequency during the long days of spring and summer. The inhibition of LH secretion involves increased action of dopamine in the hypothalamus on the chain of nervous elements which controls gonadotrophic activity. Among the various dopaminergic structures, the retrochiasmatic A15 nucleus is involved in the inhibitory control of LH pulsatility by oestradiol during the long day period. Oestradiol increases the dopaminergic tone of the A15 nucleus in ovariectomized ewes during the long day period. In this structure, the effect of oestradiol on the dopaminergic metabolism probably results from a direct, local activation. In the sheep, dopamine might also participate in the inhibition of gonadotrophin activity during other periods of reproductive life.

Is Irregular Regression of Corpora Lutea in Climacteric Women Caused by Age‐Induced Alterations in the “Tissue Control System”?

We have recently observed that the regression of corpora lutea (CL) in women during the reproductive period of life is accompanied by a diminution of Thy-1 differentiation protein release from vascular pericytes and an accumulation of T lymphocytes and activated macrophages among both degenerating granulosa lutein cells (GLC) and theca lutein cells. These data suggest that the immune system and other stromal factors, representing components of the "tissue control system," may play a role in regression of the CL. We investigated degenerating CL from climacteric women to address the possibility that the decline of immune functions with advancing age may result in incomplete regression of luteal tissue. This could contribute to the altered hormonal profiles and abnormal uterine bleeding that frequently occur during the climacteric. Immunoperoxidase staining and image analysis were used to localize Thy-1 differentiation protein of vascular pericytes, cytokeratin staining of GLC, neural cell adhesion molecule expression by theca lutein cells, CD15 of neutrophils, CD4, CD14, CD68, and leukocyte common antigens of macrophages, and CD3 and CD8 determinants of T lymphocytes. We also investigated the expression of luteinizing hormone receptor (LH receptor) and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAP kinases) in luteal cells. Samples of regressing luteal tissue were obtained during the follicular phase from perimenopausal women (age 45-50) who exhibited prolonged or irregular cycles. For comparison, luteal tissues from women with regular cycles (age 29-45) and CL of pregnancy were also investigated. Corpora lutea of the climacteric women exhibited irregular regression of luteal tissue characterized by a lack of cytoplasmic vacuolization and nuclear pyknosis in GLC, and by a persistence of theca lutein cells exhibiting hyperplasia and adjacent theca externa layers. This was accompanied by a continuing release of Thy-1 differentiation protein from vascular pericytes. Persisting GLC lacked surface expression of macrophage markers (CD4, CD14, CD68 and leukocyte common antigen) as well as nuclear granules exhibiting CD15 of neutrophils, detected in regularly regressing GLC. In addition, such persisting GLC showed weak or no LH receptor expression, and retained the expression of cytokeratin. They also exhibited enhanced staining for MAP kinases. Strong cytoplasmic MAP kinase expression with occasional nuclear translocation was also detected in persisting theca lutein cells, indicating high metabolic activity of these cells. T lymphocytes, although occasionally present in luteal stroma within luteal convolutions, did not invade among persisting GLC and were virtually absent from layers of theca externa and theca lutein cells. These data indicate that the regressing CL in climacteric women may exhibit persistence of luteal cells, perhaps because of age-induced alterations of the immune system and other local stromal homeostatic mechanisms involved in the elimination of luteal cells. Persisting GLC and/or theca lutein cells may exhibit abnormal hormonal secretion that contributes to the alteration of target tissues, such as the endometrium, resulting in abnormal uterine bleeding, hyperplasia, and neoplasia.

Male and female health problems in general practice: The differential impact of social position and social roles

Sex, social position and social roles have been identified as important health predictors. Moreover, various social variables have been found to bear differently upon female as compared to male health.This study analyses data from a large-scale registration project in general practice (the Continuous Morbidity Registration), pertaining to the medical diagnoses of nearly 10,000 patients over a five year period. The effects of sex, social class, marital and parental status on a number of distinct categories of health problems were established, and a possible differential impact of social position and social roles on male and female health was explored. Categories of health problems studied were ‘overall health problems’, ‘sex specific conditions’, ‘symptoms without disease’, ‘prevention and diagnostics’ and ‘trauma’.Sex and, above all, social class were identified as important predictors of most categories of health problems, especially during the reproductive period of life. Marital status and parental status did not contribute substantially to most types of health problems. Rates of prevention and diagnostics, sex specific conditions and total number of health problems could to a certain extent be predicted by the four sociodemographic variables, as opposed to trauma rates and symptoms without disease rates. Social class appeared the only variable with a substantially different effect on male vs female rates of sex specific conditions, prevention and diagnostics and trauma, but not so for overall health problems and symptoms without disease. Marital status and parental status did not differ significantly in their effect on male vs female health. Results illustrate that differentiation of the health variable into categories of health problems elucidates the relationship between sex, social variables and health.

Immune control of mammalian aging: A T-cell model

A competent immune response appears to play an important role in retarding aging. On the other hand, the aged immune system is assumed to accelerate the general aging process. In order to approach the underlying mechanism of this paradoxical immune response, the process of clonal deletion in the thymus is addressed under the aspect of aging. It is assumed that T-cell deletion in the thymus brings about a control of cell differentiation in the organism. For proper functioning, this control is suggested to be directed, in the sense of a feedback mechanism, primarily to thymic stromal cells involved in the process of clonal deletion. At the expense of a thymus atrophy, the control system can retard aging up into the reproductive period of life. With the progress of thymic involution, however, the control is predetermined to undergo a breakdown and, in consequence, through loss of self-tolerance it speeds up the whole aging process.