Endometriosis: Update of Pathophysiology, (Epi) Genetic and Environmental Involvement.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease caused by ectopic endometrial tissue. Endometriotic implants induce inflammation, leading to chronic pain and impaired fertility. Characterized by their dependence on estradiol (via estrogen receptor ß (ESRß)) and their resistance to progesterone, endometriotic implants produce their own source of estradiol through active aromatase. Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1) is a key transcription factor that promotes aromatase synthesis. The expression of SF1 and ESRß is enhanced by the demethylation of their promoter in progenitor cells of the female reproductive system. High local concentrations of estrogen are involved in the chronic inflammatory environment favoring the implantation and development of endometriotic implants. Similar local conditions can promote, directly and indirectly, the appearance and development of genital cancer. Recently, certain components of the microbiota have been identified as potentially promoting a high level of estrogen in the blood. Many environmental factors are also suspected of increasing the estrogen concentration, especially prenatal exposure to estrogen-like endocrine disruptors such as DES and bisphenol A. Phthalates are also suspected of promoting endometriosis but throughmeans other than binding to estradiol receptors. The impact of dioxin or tobacco seems to be more controversial.

Telomere length in granulosa cells and leukocytes: a potential marker of female fertility? A systematic review of the literature.

In the context of a continuously increased delay of motherhood and of an increase of the incidence of premature ovarian failure, it is of the greatest interest to dispose of a predictive marker of the duration of the fertility window. Unfortunately, current available markers of women's fertility (hormonal rates or echography count of small follicles) have a poor predictive value of premature ovarian failure. In the last ten years, some studies have suggested that telomere length may be correlated with premature ovarian failure, but the results of these studies are contradictory.In accordance with guidelines from Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), this systematic review of the literature selected studies evaluating telomere length or telomerase activity in granulosa cells and/or in leukocytes as a premature ovarian failure marker.Five publications (252 premature ovarian failure patients) were included in this review of experimental evidence. Two of them studied telomere length and/or telomerase activity in granulosa cells and 4 in leukocytes in women with premature ovarian failure. For each study, authors determined if there was a positive or a negative correlation between telomeric parameters and premature ovarian failure.3 studies (178 premature ovarian failure patients) found shorter telomere length in granulosa cells and/or leukocytes and/or lower telomerase activity in premature ovarian failure patients. 2 studies (74 premature ovarian failure patients) presented contradictory results about the correlation of leucocyte telomere length with premature ovarian failure.Shorter telomeres and diminished telomerase activity in granulosa cells appear to be associated with ovarian insufficiency. However, the number of studies and of subjects within are low and the methodology questionable. The confirmation of these results is essential with more subjects, better defined populations and more adapted methodology, in order to consider telomere length in granulosa cells and/or in leucocytes as an early and reliable marker for the decline of ovarian function.

Evaluation of a Flotation Adapted Parasep® for Stool Ova and Parasite Examination.

Stool ova and parasite examination using concentration methods remains the gold standard for the investigation of digestive parasitosis. Recently, single-use filtration devices have been marketed for stool concentration sedimentation methods such as MIF or Bailenger, which improve the analytical quality by avoiding contact with feces. In this study, the Parasep® device was adapted to the Faust technique flotation method. In addition, the performance between conventional techniques (MIF concentration and Faust) and techniques using this device was evaluated on 25 formalin-preserved stools and 3 fresh stools. With the Parasep device, the main parasites (protozoa or helminths) were isolated, and the technical requirements such as hygiene control for the operator and realization according to good laboratory practice were improved due to the filtration device.

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in men with hereditary hemochromatosis.

Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic disease that progresses silently. This disease is often diagnosed late when complications appear. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is one of the classical complications of hemochromatosis. Its frequency is declining probably because of earlier diagnosis and better informed physicians. Certain symptoms linked to HH can have an impact on a patient's sexuality, such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and impairment of ejaculation, as well as on his reproductive capacities. This review is based on an online search in English, French and German language publications found in PubMed/Medline, up to 23 September 2016 using the following key word: Male infertility, Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism, Hereditary Hemochromatosis. Thirty-four papers met these inclusion criteria. This review describes the impact of iron overload on male fertility, resulting in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and proposes treatment modalities.

L'Hémochromatose Héréditaire est. une maladie génétique qui évolue en silence. Son diagnostic est. souvent fait tardivement, au stade des complications. Même si son incidence diminue, l'Hypogonadisme Hypogonadotrope (HH) est. l'une des complications classiques de l'Hémochromatose. Ceci est. probablement le résultat d'un diagnostic plus précoce, d'une meilleure information des médecins. Certains symptômes en lien avec l'HH, peuvent avoir un impact sur la sexualité (diminution de la libido, dysfonction érectile ou troubles de l'éjaculation…) ainsi que sur la reproduction.Cette revue repose sur une recherche online en langue anglaise, française et allemande de publications disponibles sur PubMed/Medline, jusqu'au 23 sept. 2016 à partir des mots clés suivants: infertilité masculine, hypogonadisme hypogonadotrope, Hémochromatose Héréditaire. Trente quatre publications ont satisfait aux critères de sélection. Cet article de revue décrit l'impact d'une surcharge en fer sur la fertilité masculine, notamment via l'Hypogonadisme Hypogonadotrope qu'elle induit et propose des modalités de traitement.