A comparison of hyaluronic acid and estradiol treatment in vulvovaginal atrophy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the effects of vaginal estrogen and hyaluronic acid on vulvovaginal atrophy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled study included a total of 300 patients, with 150 patients in each group (Group E and Group H). The VHI score was determined based on a pre-treatment evaluation conducted by a gynecologist. After one month of receiving vaginal estrogen in Group E and vaginal hyaluronic acid in Group H, the patients were re-evaluated by their physicians. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between the pre- and post-treatment VHI scores in Group E and Group H (p = 0.000; p = 0.000). No statistical difference was found between Group E and Group H in terms of treatment efficacy (p = 0.712). The pre- and post-treatment complaints of dryness, itching, dyspareunia, burning, and dysuria were found to be statistically significant in Group E and Group H (p = 0.000; p = 0.000; p = 0.000; p = 0.000; p = 0.000 in Group E, respectively) (p = 0.000; p = 0.000; p = 0.000; p = 0.000; p = 0.000 in Group H, respectively). No statistical difference was observed regarding dyspareunia, dysuria, and burning complaints (p = 0.632; p = 0.106; p = 0.128, respectively). However, hyaluronic acid was found to be significantly more effective for itching complaints (p = 0.002), while estrogen was found to be significantly more effective for dryness complaints (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Hyaluronic acid and estrogen were equally effective in vaginal treatment. Hyaluronic acid may be preferred for patients in whom hormonal therapy is contraindicated or for those who prefer non-hormonal therapy.

Can M-30, M-65, and IL-6 serum levels be useful markers in the diagnosis of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes?

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the maternal and fetal serum M-30, M-65 and IL-6 levels in preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in both maternal and cord blood. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Women with preeclampsia (n=30), GDM (n=30), and uncomplicated pregnancy (n=28) were evaluated in a cross-sectional study. After clamping during delivery, the serum M-30, M-65, and IL-6 levels were measured in both maternal venous blood and cord blood. RESULTS: The serum M-30, M-65, and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in preeclampsia and GDM patients' maternal blood and cord blood samples compared to the control group. In the preeclampsia group, M-65 was significantly higher in cord blood compared with the level in maternal serum, but there was no significant difference between the GDM and control groups. The control group's IL-6 level in cord blood was statistically significantly lower than the other groups. Although the M-30 value in both maternal and cord blood was statistically lower in the control group than in the GDM group, there was no significant difference between the two groups when compared to the preeclampsia group. CONCLUSIONS: M-30 and M-65 molecules appear to have the potential to serve as biochemical markers in placental diseases, particularly preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Due to the insufficient sample sizes, more research is needed.

Prokineticin 1 - Is it a reliable biomarker in polycystic ovarian syndrome?

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a very common endocrine disorder that leads to follicular dysfunction and even infertility. Prokineticin 1 (PROK1) has been shown to be released from the theca interna and stroma of ovaries. PROK1 is also known to be a major prokineticin involved in reproduction and to play a crucial role in ovarian physiology. The present study investigated whether PROK1 might be a reliable biomarker for PCOS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted in Koru Ankara Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Of the 88 women included in the study, 44 were diagnosed with PCOS. The remaining comprised the control group. Ten ml of venous blood sample was taken from every woman and stored at -80°C until analysis. All tests were two-tailed, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age. The mean serum levels of LH/FSH and E2 were significantly higher in PCOS patients compared to controls. No statistically significant difference was found in PROK1 levels between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: PCOS is a very common endocrine disease affecting the life quality of a woman from adolescence to reproductive age. Some in vitro animal studies and a few human studies have revealed higher PROK1 levels in women with PCOS compared to healthy controls. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first in vivo study on humans; investigating the relationship between PROK1 and PCOS. However, larger-scale studies may be designed to reveal the role of this peptide.