Decreased serum profile of the interleukin-36α in polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the serum adiponectin and interleukin-36 alpha (IL-36α) levels in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and their relationship with obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observatory study included 80 PCOS patients and 58 controls. The clinical, biochemical, and hormonal parameters, and serum adiponectin and IL-36α levels of the patients were evaluated. RESULTS: The serum IL-36α levels of the PCOS patients were significantly lower when compared to the control group, despite a similar mean body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.000). The adiponectin levels were significantly lower in the obese PCOS group when compared to the obese control group (P = 0.03). The plasma IL-36α level was positively correlated with adiponectin level, but negatively correlated with the serum LH level (P = 0.000 and P = 0.004, respectively). Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, the cut-off value of IL-36α was calculated as 0.815 for PCOS. In the multiple binary logistic regression analysis, IL-36α (OR [95% CI] 0.432 [0.303, 0.616], P < 0.001) and adiponectin (OR [95% CI] 1.044 [1.005, 1.084], P = 0.028) were determined to be significantly associated with PCOS. CONCLUSION: A reduced IL-36α level may play a role in the pathogenesis of ovulatory disfunction and insulin resistance in PCOS patients. Further studies are needed to understand the pathogenic and clinical significance of the IL-36 system in PCOS.

rs7903146 mutation of Type 2 diabetes mellitus-related gene TCF7L2 is not associated with polycystic ovary syndrome in a cohort of Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether TCF7L2 gene mutation rs7903146 is in association with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: A total of 44 PCOS and 48 control participants were recruited for this study. After DNA extraction from peripheral blood, quantitative PCR method was used for genotyping. With a case-control study design, two groups were compared for genotype and allele frequencies as well as clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Mean testosterone level was significantly higher in PCOS group, whereas mean progesterone level was significantly higher in control group. In PCOS group, mean thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level was significantly higher in polymorphic allele carriers. Genotype and allele frequencies were not different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: When investigated for the first time in a population from Turkey, no association between PCOS and TCF7L2 gene rs7903146 polymorphism was detected. However, considering contradictory results of other populations and low cohort scale of this study, replication studies with greater cohorts are needed.

Adenovirus-36 infection and obesity: A case control study of Turkish women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Adenovirus-36 (Ad-36) seropositivity has been shown to be involved in the aetiology of obesity. The aim of this study was to examine Ad-36 positivity in obese and normal-weight patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: There were two groups including 92 and 110 subjects. This study was a prospective case-control study. The enzyme-immunoassay method was used to quantitatively determine antibodies (Abs) specific to human Ad-36 in the serum samples. Age, body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose levels and insulin levels of the participants were recorded. The PCOS and control group patients were divided into two groups: the overweight group with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and non-obese group with BMI <25 kg/m2. RESULTS: Ad-36 Ab positivity in the PCOS group was found to be significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.001). Ad-36 Ab positivity was significantly higher in the PCOS obese group than in the control obese group (p < 0.001). Ad-36 Ab positivity and BMI ≥25 kg/m2 were identified as independent predictors of PCOS in logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Ad-36 Ab positivity was significantly higher in the obese/overweight PCOS patients. Obesity can be prevented in patients with PCOS by treating Ad-36.

Comparison of the Effect of Kinesio Taping and Manual Lymphatic Drainage on Breast Engorgement in Postpartum Women: A Randomized-Controlled Trial.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of kinesio taping (KT) and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on pain severity, breast engorgement, and milk volume in postpartum women. Materials and Methods: In this prospective randomized-controlled trial, we recruited 67 postpartum women who had breast engorgement and randomly assigned them to the KT, MLD, and control group. In the KT group, taping plus breast care was performed, MLD plus breast care was performed in the MLD group, and in the control group, only routine breast care was given for 10 days. Pain, breast engorgement, body temperature, and milk volume were measured. Examinations were repeated on days 1, 4, and 10. Results: The MLD group had significant reductions in pain and breast engorgement at all postintervention days compared with the control and KT group (p < 0.05). Milk volume increased among three groups, but the change in the MLD group was higher than in the KT and control groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the milk volume among the KT and control groups at all postintervention days (p > 0.05). Conclusions: MLD relieved breast pain and firmness more and increased milk volume in postpartum women compared with the KT and control groups. MLD can be recommended to postnatal mothers to better manage breast engorgement.

Awareness, knowledge and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection causes serious problems leading to maternal complications and foetal anomalies during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for toxoplasmosis and to determine the seroprevalence of the disease with regard to the awareness levels of patients. A total of 214 pregnant women who were admitted to Karabuk University, Gynaecology and Obstetrics Clinic between July 2018 and November 2018 and accepted to participate were included this cross-sectional study. Venous blood samples were obtained and anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM levels were analysed. The demographic characteristics of the patients were recorded and a questionnaire investigating about T. gondii risk factors were completed. The relationship between toxoplasmosis and risk factors was evaluated using multivariate regression analysis. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis among the pregnant women was 14% (35/214). The potential risk factors of toxoplasmosis were primigravidity (AOR = 2.56 95% CI: [1.26-8.26]), cat ownership (AOR = 10.29, 95% CI: [3.58-29.60]), and sausage/salami consumption (AOR = 2.96, 95%CI: [2.10-7.46]);22.4% of the women were aware of toxoplasmosis, and awareness was significantly higher in multigravida women compared with primigravida women (p=.042). Congenital toxoplasmosis can be prevented through pregnancy screening programmes and education aimed at increasing awareness and protection.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis is very variable and may differ significantly between countries, and even different geographic regions of the same country. Raising awareness of the disease among persons in risk groups through education is a primary objective in prevention.What do the results of this study add? T. gondii seropositivity was found to be related with being primigravid, cat ownership and having close contact with cats, and consumption of meat products such as salami and sausages. In addition, primigravidity is a risk factor for toxoplasmosis because the awareness of the disease was lower than in multiparous women.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? It should also be known that women of childbearing age are in the high-risk group for toxoplasmosis, and studies on preventive measures should be performed. Increased awareness can prevent infection and the possibility of complications due to congenital toxoplasmosis, especially in the reproductive period of women.

The effect of kinesio taping and lifestyle changes on pain, body awareness and quality of life in primary dysmenorrhea.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of kinesio taping and lifestyle changes on pain, body awareness, and quality of life in individuals with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). Subjects in the first group underwent kinesio taping and lifestyle changes and subjects in the second group were instructed only lifestyle changes. The pain levels were evaluated using a visual analogue scale, menstrual symptoms using the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire, health-related life quality using the Short Form-36, and changes in body awareness using the Body Awareness Questionnaire form. Pain intensity decreased, and body awareness and quality of life increased in both groups (p < 0.05). However, in the first group, pain severity decreased more, and body awareness and quality of life increased more (p < 0.05). As a result, it is thought that both kinesio taping and lifestyle changes can be used to improve quality of life and body awareness and to decrease pain level.

Serum and placental periostin levels in women with early pregnancy loss.

OBJECTIVES: Periostin is secreted from the placenta in the embryonic period and it is emphasized that it may be involved in endometrial implantation. In this study, we aimed to investigate periostin serum levels and placental tissue expression in first trimester pregnancy losses. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective case-control study, 30 patients who underwent dilatation and curettage with first trimester spontaneous abortion (<10 weeks of gestation) were included in the study group and 30 patients who had voluntary pregnancy termination (<10 gestational weeks) were included in the control group. Serum samples collected from the study and control groups were analyzed usingenzyme-linkedimmunosorbent assay (ELISA), and trophoblastic and decidual tissues were examined using immunohistochemical staining with streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase techniques. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, gravida status, parity number, gestational week, and number of previous abortions. In the spontaneous abortion group, the serum level of periostin was significantly lower than in the voluntary termination group (6.56 ± 4.16 pg/mLvs. 9.51 ± 4.52 pg/mL, p = 0.03). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of periostin expression in decidual and trophoblastic tissue (p = 0.617, p = 0.274, p = 0.497). CONCLUSION: Periostin serum levels were significantly reduced in patients with spontaneous pregnancy loss. Periostin can be used as a predictive marker for the success of endometrial implantation.

Is the presence of Demodex folliculorum increased with impaired glucose regulation in polycystic ovary syndrome?

Demodex parasites may cause skin and eyelash lesions by settling on the pilosebaceous unit. This parasite plays a role in the pathophysiology of acne in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). We aimed to examine the relationship between Demodex folliculorum and blood glucose control in patients with PCOS with skin and eyelash lesions. Forty-four patients with PCOS with skin lesions were enrolled in the study. At least two specimens were taken from the skin lesions using the standard method and at least six epilated eyelashes were taken from both eyes under a biomicroscope and evaluated using a light microscope. The demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI) and clinical parameters of the patients were recorded. Demodex folliculorum was present at a rate of 59.1% in the skin lesions of the patients with PCOS, 40.9% in eyelash samples and 43.18% in both skin and lashes. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), glycosylated haemoglobin (HB A1c) concentrations, and BMIs were significantly higher in the patients who had D. folliculorum in skin samples than in those without (p = .010, p = .007 and p = .02). Impaired glucose regulation may explain the pathophysiology of the increased D. folliculorum presence in the skin lesions of patients with PCOS.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Although several studies on Demodex folliculorum and PCOS have been conducted, we have not yet found a study that examines D. folliculorum parasites in the eyelashes and skin correlating with glucose regulation in PCOS. This study presents new information about the relationship between the presence of D. folliculorum and impaired glucose regulation in women with PCOS.What do the results of this study add? D. folliculorum is seen more commonly in skin lesions in patients with PCOS with impaired blood glucose regulation.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? D. folliculorum is present in both skin and eyelash lesions in patients with PCOS. These lesions may be prevented by avoiding unregulated glucose levels and obesity. In future studies, the investigation of the resorption of D. folliculorum parasites in skin lesions with the continuation of normal glucose levels in patients with PCOS will reveal a more interesting linkage.

Evaluation of bone mineral density and its associated factors in postpartum women.

OBJECTIVE: Although osteoporosis commonly appears among postmenopausal women, it is rarely diagnosed during the postpartum period as pregnancy-lactation associated osteoporosis (PAO). The aim of the study reported here was to investigate low bone mineral density and its associated risk factors in postpartum women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 93 females aged 18-40 years and in the first month of the postpartum period. All the women had low back pain. The bone mineral density (BMD) Z-score values of the lumbar vertebrae, femur (neck and total) were examined using dual energy x-ray absorbtiometry four weeks after birth. Patients body mass index (BMI), 25-hydroxyvitaminD (25-OHD) levels and complete blood counts were recorded. Participants were divided into two groups to their Z scores: the normal group (n = 71) and the low BMD group (n = 22). RESULTS: The 25-OHD levels were significantly lower (p = .02) in the low BMD group [4.45 (4.0-12.4)] than in the control group [22 (12-48)], however, NLR and PLR values were similar between groups. BMI positively correlated with BMD scores for the lumbar, femoral neck and femoral overall (p = .011, p = .026 and p = .026, respectively). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency and BMI may play a critical role in PAO. Low back pain during postpartum period should be carefully evaluated. Adequate calcium and vitamin D supplementation may prevent possible bone loss.

Platelet/lymphocyte ratio is an independent predictor for osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the intercourse between the platelet/lymphocyte (P/L) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (N/L), and vitamin D (Vit-D) levels in low bone mineral density (BMD) of women. Methods: Two hundred fifty-two postmenopausal female outpatients who were admitted to the obstetrics and gynecology and physical therapy clinics between July 2016 and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were grouped in relation to their T-score (normal [n=92], osteopenia [n=112], and PMO [n=48]). The serum levels of P/L, N/L, Vit-D, BMD and complete blood count of the patients were retrospectively examined. Results: The median P/L was significantly higher and Vit-D levels were significantly lower in the PMO group (130.75 [52.89-385] versus 123.05 [54-232.5], p=0.02 and 15.4 [4-34] versus 20.1 [4-47], p=0.003). While BMD and P/L were negatively correlated, a positive correlation between BMD and Vit-D was found. Vitamin D levels were negatively correlated with P/L (p less than 0.001) and N/L (p=0.04). Older age (≥65 years), Vit-D deficiency and P/L values greater than 125.06 were found as independent prognostic factors for PMO in regression analysis. Conclusion: Higher P/L seems to be a quite simple marker to help predict postmenopausal PMO. As seen in our study, having low levels of Vit-D is crucial for PMO.

Dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis in patients with Uterine Myoma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to measure and compare the dynamic thiol and disulphide homeostasis between patients with Uterine Myoma (UM) and healthy subjects. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 54 patients with UM who were diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasonography and 37 age- and body mass index-matched healthy individuals were included in this study. Thiol/disulphide homeostasis was measured by a novel automatic spectrophotometric method. RESULTS: The mean serum native thiol, disulphide, and thiol levels were statistically lower in UM group than those in the control group [(284.66±59.41µmol/L vs. 320.98±56.17µmol/L, P<0.0001), (17.27±5.59µmol/L vs. 22.38±6.93µmol/L, P<0.0001) and (319.21±61.69 vs. 365.76±61.46µmol/L, P<0.0001), respectively]. There were no statistically significant differences in ratios of the disulphide/native thiol, native thiol/total thiol, and disulphide/total thiol among patients with UM versus healthy control group (P=0.096, 0.092, 0.092, respectively). CONCLUSION: It was found that the native thiol, total thiol, and disulphide levels in patients with UM decreased while the ratio of native thiol/disulphide remained unchanged.It is necessary to investigate whether these findings have a role in the etiology and clinical course of the UM.