Serum concentrations of heavy metals in women with endometrial polyps.

Endometrial polyps are one of the common reasons of abnormal uterine bleeding in women. Industrialisation, urbanisation and increased air pollution cause increased heavy metal exposure. Heavy metals that have oestrogenic effects in human body are named as metalloestrogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum metalloestrogen levels such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), aluminium (Al), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni) and Cu/Zn ratio and their possible relationship with the occurrence of endometrial polyps. Eighty women with abnormal uterine bleeding were divided into two groups: 40 women diagnosed with endometrial polyp (study group) and 40 women without endometrial polyp (control group). Ages, body mass indices, smoking behaviours, drinking water choices, chronic diseases and intrauterine device histories were noted for all patients. Blood levels of Cu, Zn, Al, Pb, Ni and Cu/Zn ratio were analysed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry method for both groups. No statistically significant differences were observed in terms of serum median levels of Cu and Pb between the study and the control groups. The serum median levels of Zn, Ni and Al were found to be statistically lower in the study group when compared with the control group. The Cu/Zn ratio was statistically higher in the study group. High Cu/Zn ratio, as a biomarker of oxidative stress, suggests the role of oxidative stress in etiopathogenesis of endometrial polyps.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Studies demonstrate that oestrogen and progesterone play an important role in pathogenesis of endometrial polyps. Inorganic heavy metal ions that bind and activate oestrogen receptors are referred to as 'metalloestrogens'. Apart from toxic effects, metalloestrogens have been linked to the aetiology of oestrogen-dependent diseases such as breast and endometrium cancer and endometriosis. However, serum levels of heavy metals were not investigated in a large group of endometrial polyp patients.What do the results of this study add? This is the first study investigating the serum levels of heavy metals in a large group of endometrial polyp patients. We did not observe any increased serum levels of heavy metals in endometrial polyp patients. Our results might suggest that oestrogenic heavy metal exposure has no role in the appearance of endometrial polyps. However, increased Cu/Zn ratio due to low serum levels zinc suggests oxidative stress might play a role in endometrial polyps.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Further research of heavy metals in endometrial polyps with simultaneous blood and tissue samples could show the precise effect of environmental exposure of metalloestrogens in aetiopathogenesis of endometrial polyps.

Ultrasonographic and hormonal characterization of reproductive health and disease in wild, semiwild, and aquarium-housed southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus).

OBJECTIVE: To characterize physical examination, plasma biochemical, and ultrasonographic findings in aquarium-housed, managed semiwild, and wild southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus) with and without reproductive disease. ANIMALS: Southern stingrays from aquarium (n = 48), lagoon (managed semiwild; 34), and wild (12) habitats. PROCEDURES: Limited, opportunistic prosections were performed of presumed anatomically normal wild southern stingrays and compared with findings for aquarium-housed stingrays with reproductive disease. Ultrasonographic video data from both groups were used to assign a score (1 to 5) indicating increasing severity of ovarian and uterine reproductive disease. Plasma total 17ß-estradiol, estrone, progesterone, and testosterone concentrations were measured with enzyme immunoassays validated for use in southern stingrays. RESULTS: Ultrasonographic ovarian scores were significantly correlated with uterine scores. No reproductive disease was detected in semiwild or wild stingrays, but 65% (31/48) of aquarium-housed stingrays had developing or advanced reproductive disease (ie, ultrasonographic ovarian or uterine score of 4 or 5). Significant correlations were identified between ovarian and uterine disease status and plasma concentrations of all steroid hormones except testosterone. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggested that ultrasonography and plasma hormone concentrations may be useful in the identification of reproductive disease and determination of disease severity in southern stingrays.

Transrectal ultrasonography and blood lactate measurement: a combined diagnostic approach for severe uterine torsion in dairy cattle.

In this study, we aimed to elucidate the utility of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and blood lactate concentration (bLac) measurement to diagnose cows with severe uterine torsion. We investigated the association of TRUS and bLac measurement with macroscopic findings on laparotomy for severe uterine torsion in nine cows. We found that an increased ultrasonographic cross-sectional thickness (15-25 mm) and multiple hypoechogenic areas corresponded to macroscopic vascular compromise in the uterus on laparotomy. In addition, bLac was elevated (≥5.0 mmol/l) in cows showing uterine necrosis on laparotomy. A combined diagnostic approach with TRUS and bLac measurement enables assessment of the uterine vascular status and has utility for selecting the treatment option (including laparotomy) and predicting the outcomes.

Platelet-rich plasma improves therapeutic effects of menstrual blood-derived stromal cells in rat model of intrauterine adhesion.

BACKGROUND: Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a major cause of female secondary infertility. We previously demonstrated that menstrual blood-derived stromal cell (MenSC) transplantation helped severe IUA patients have pregnancy and endometrium regeneration. We also initiated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) acted as a beneficial supplement in MenSC culturing and a potential endometrial receptivity regulator. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effect of combined transplantation of MenSCs with PRP in rat IUA models and the mechanisms of MenSCs in endometrium regeneration. METHODS: Rat IUA models were established by intrauterine mechanical injured. Nine days later, all rats were randomly assigned to four groups received different treatment: placebo, MenSC transplantation, PRP transplantation, and MenSCs + PRP transplantation. The traces of MenSCs were tracked with GFP label. Endometrial morphology and pathology, tissue proliferation, inflammation, pregnancy outcomes, and mechanism of MenSCs in the regeneration of endometrium were investigated. RESULTS: Notably, at days 9 and 18 post-treatment, MenSC transplantation significantly improved endometrial proliferation, angiogenesis, and morphology recovery and decreased collagen fibrosis and inflammation in the uterus. MenSCs had lesion chemotaxis, colonized around the endometrial glands. Gene expression of human-derived secretory protein IGF-1, SDF-1, and TSP-1 was detected in the uterus received MenSCs at day 18. The three treatments can all improve fertility in IUA rats. Moreover, gene expressions of cell proliferation, developmental processes, and other biological processes were induced in MenSC transplantation group. Hippo signaling pathway was the most significantly changed pathway, and the downstream factors CTGF, Wnt5a, and Gdf5 were significantly regulated in treatment groups. PRP enhanced these parameters through a synergistic effect. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, MenSCs could effectively improve uterine proliferation, markedly accelerate endometrial damage repairment and promote fertility restoration in IUA rats, suggesting a paracrine restorative effect and Hippo signaling pathway stimulation. Our results indicate MenSCs, a valuable source of cells for transplantation in the treatment intrauterine adhesion. Combined with PRP, this cell therapy was more effective.

Endometrial Intracrinology: Oestrogens, Androgens and Endometrial Disorders.

Peripheral tissue metabolism of steroids (intracrinology) is now accepted as a key way in which tissues, such as the endometrium, can utilise inactive steroids present in the blood to respond to local physiological demands and 'fine-tune' the activation or inhibition of steroid hormone receptor-dependent processes. Expression of enzymes that play a critical role in the activation and inactivation of bioactive oestrogens (E1, E2) and androgens (A4, T, DHT), as well as expression of steroid hormone receptors, has been detected in endometrial tissues and cells recovered during the menstrual cycle. There is robust evidence that increased expression of aromatase is important for creating a local microenvironment that can support a pregnancy. Measurement of intra-tissue concentrations of steroids using liquid chromatography⁻tandem mass spectrometry has been important in advancing our understanding of a role for androgens in the endometrium, acting both as active ligands for the androgen receptor and as substrates for oestrogen biosynthesis. The emergence of intracrinology, associated with disordered expression of key enzymes such as aromatase, in the aetiology of common women's health disorders such as endometriosis and endometrial cancer has prompted renewed interest in the development of drugs targeting these pathways, opening up new opportunities for targeted therapies and precision medicine.

Serum neuropeptide concentrations in cows with intrapartum uterine torsion.

Intrapartum uterine torsion is a common cause of dystocia in dairy cows. To clarify the pathophysiology of this disease, the aim of the present study was to examine serum neuropeptide and cytokine concentrations of cows with intrapartum uterine torsion. Blood samples of 20 cows with uterine torsion, 36 healthy controls, and 15 intrapartum cows without uterine torsion were obtained. Concentrations for substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) were quantified by using commercially available ELISA kits. Significant differences between groups were observed for SP in cows with uterine torsion and cows calving normally (P < 0.01). Markedly greater SP concentrations were observed in calving cows than in cows with uterine torsion. Compared with healthy controls, there were greater SP concentrations during parturition (P < 0.01). No significant group differences were detected for VIP concentrations. Global differences were observed in IL-1ß (P = 0.04). Large amounts of SP are released into the blood during parturition. Because SP is mainly present within the cervix and functions as a biomarker and mediator of pain, cows with uterine torsion are presumed to not experience as much pain as cows that are calving normally. Consistent with this, in cows with uterine torsion, there is a disturbance in the opening of the cervix, along with only mild signs of colic. Furthermore, significantly elevated IL-1ß concentrations correlate with the inflammation that occurs in cases of uterine torsion. Further research is needed to support these findings and clarify the clinical relevance.

Elevated levels of adrenomedullin in eutopic endometrium and plasma from women with endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To test adrenomedullin (Adm, ADM) as a downstream target of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in endometrial cells and to test midregional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) as a biomarker of endometriosis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of Adm expression in eutopic endometrium and of MR-proADM in plasma from women with and without endometriosis; and prospective study of MR-proADM levels in women with endometriosis undergoing surgical resection of ectopic lesions. SETTING: Academic medical centers. PATIENT(S): Fifteen patients with endometriosis and 11 healthy control subjects who donated eutopic endometrial biopsies; and 28 patients with endometriosis and 19 healthy control subjects who donated plasma for MR-proADM analysis. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Adm mRNA levels according to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction after activation of STAT3 by interleukin-6 (IL-6) in Ishikawa cells; immunohistochemistry for ADM in eutopic endometrial biopsies from women with endometriosis compared with healthy donors; and MR-proADM levels measured by commercial immunoassay in plasma from healthy women and women with endometriosis who subsequently underwent surgical resection of ectopic lesions. RESULT(S): Activation of STAT3 by IL-6 up-regulated Adm mRNA expression in Ishikawa cells. ADM protein levels were elevated in the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis. MR-proADM concentrations were higher in women with endometriosis but were not correlated with disease stage, corrected by surgery, or predictive of fertility outcome. CONCLUSION(S): MR-proADM may be able to serve as a biomarker of endometriosis, but it is unknown whether elevated MR-proADM levels are secondary to the estrogenic and inflammatory properties of endometriosis or an inciting pathogenic factor.

Depleted lamin B1: a possible marker of the involvement of senescence in endometriosis?

PROPOSE: Endometriosis is a benign disease characterized by implantation and the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity and it shares similarities with cancer. Lamin B1, p16 and p21 play a role on cell cycle regulation, development, cell repair and its activities are related to cancers. Considering the similarities between endometriosis and cancer, the aim of the present cross-sectional study is to detect p16, p21 and Lamin B1 in the ectopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis (n = 8) with eutopic (n = 8) and control endometrium (n = 8) and relate them to the maintenance and development of endometriosis. METHODS: Biopsies were obtained from both eutopic and ectopic, from deep infiltrating lesions, endometrium frozen and used for immunofluorescent (p16) or immunohistochemistry procedures (p16, p21, lamin B1). RESULTS: Detected higher lamin B1 in the eutopic endometrium when compared with ectopic endometrium, with no differences between endometriosis tissue with control endometrium. Similar presence of p16 in all groups of patients and no p21 detection was observed. CONCLUSION: We observed reduced detection of lamin B1 in the ectopic endometrium raising the possibility that the presence of senescent cells might be contributing to the maintenance and progression of endometriosis by apoptosis resistance and peritoneal stress inherent of the disease.

Hematoma retroperitoneal espontáneo concurrente con una atonía uterina poscesárea / Concurrent Spontaneous Retroperitoneal Hematoma with Uterine Atony Post Cesarean

El hematoma retroperitoneal espontáneo durante el embarazo es una complicación infrecuente definido como el sangrado en el espacio retroperitoneal que ocurre sin historia de trauma reciente, tratamiento anticoagulante o enfermedad vascular. El objetivo del trabajo es presentar un caso grave poco usual en que el hematoma retroperitoneal coexistió en una paciente con atonía uterina. Se presenta una gestante de 21 años y 39 semanas que acudió al Cuerpo de Guardia del Hospital Ginecobstétrico de Guanabacoa en noviembre 2016 por presentar dolor abdominal. Se ingresa en Cuidados perinatales. Los exámenes complementarios, físico y la cardiotocografía fueron normales. Cuatro horas después aqueja dolor lumbar y se detectó dolor a la palpación en región intercostal posterior derecha sin otro hallazgo ni alteraciones hemodinámicas. No hay dinámica uterina y frecuencia fetal 140 latidos/minuto. Dos horas después, presentó un cuadro que el familiar informa como una "convulsión", no observada por personal médico o de enfermería. No hay toma de conciencia y los signos vitales normales, se comprueba una bradicardia fetal que motiva la indicación de cesárea de urgencia. La hemoglobina descendió a 70 g/L. Se repone volumen y se extrae un neonato con Apgar 1-3. Se produce atonía uterina que no cedió al tratamiento medicamentoso y/o masaje. Se realiza técnica de B- Lynch para la hemostasia que se logra. Se comprueba hematoma retroperitoneal no activo desde borde superior hepático hasta flanco derecho. Se estabiliza hemodinámicamente. El neonato fallece a las 72 horas. El diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz del hematoma retroperitoneal contribuye a disminuir la morbilidad y mortalidad materna.

Spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma during pregnancy is an uncommon complication defined as bleeding in the retroperitoneal space that occurs without a history of recent trauma, anticoagulant treatment or vascular disease. The objective of this study is to present an unusual case in which the retroperitoneal hematoma coexisted in a patient with uterine atony. A 21 year old pregnant woman of 39 weeks who went to the Emergency Room at Guanabacoa Gynecobstetric Hospital in November 2016, due to abdominal pain. The patient is admitted to perinatal care. Complementary studies and physical examination were normal, including cardiotocography. Four hours later, she suffered back pain, which was detected on palpation in the right posterior intercostal region without any other finding or hemodynamic changes. There were no uterine dynamics and fetal frequency was 140 beats / minute. Two hours later, this patient presented a "seizure," according to her family member that was not observed by medical or nursing staff. There was no loss of consciousness and her vital signs were normal. A fetal bradycardia is verified that motivates the indication of emergency caesarean section. Hemoglobin decreased to 70 g / L. Volume was replaced and an Apgar 1-3 neonate was extracted. There was uterine atony that did not yield to drug treatment and massage. The B-Lynch technique was performed for the hemostasis that was achieved. A non-active retroperitoneal hematoma was found from the superior border of the liver to the right flank. The patient was hemodynamically stabilized. The neonate died at 72 hours. The diagnosis and early treatment of retroperitoneal hematoma help to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.

DI/LC-MS/MS-Based Metabolic Profiling for Identification of Early Predictive Serum Biomarkers of Metritis in Transition Dairy Cows.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate alterations of metabolites in the blood of dairy cows before, during, and after diagnosis of metritis and identify predictive serum metabolite biomarkers for metritis. DI/LC-MS/MS was used to analyze serum samples collected from both healthy and metritic cows during -8, -4, disease diagnosis, +4, and +8 wks relative to parturition. Results indicated that cows with metritis experienced altered concentrations of serum amino acids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, acylcarnitines, and biogenic amines during the entire experimental period. Moreover, two sets of predictive biomarker models and one set of diagnostic biomarker models for metritis were developed, and all of them showed high sensitivity and specificity (e.g., high AUC values by the ROC curve evaluation), which indicate that serum metabolites identified have pretty accurate predictive, diagnostic, and prognostic abilities for metritis in transition dairy cows.

KRAS Activation and over-expression of SIRT1/BCL6 Contributes to the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis and Progesterone Resistance.

Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition that is associated with progesterone resistance and cell proliferation, resulting in pain, infertility and pregnancy loss. We previously demonstrated phosphorylation of STAT3 in eutopic endometrium of infertile women with this disorder leading to over-expression of the oncogene BCL6 and stabilization of hypoxia-induced factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α). Here we report coordinated activation of KRAS and over-expression of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a histone deacetylase and gene silencer, in the eutopic endometrium from women with endometriosis throughout the menstrual cycle. The mice with conditional activation of KRAS in the PGR positive cells reveal an increase of SIRT1 expression in the endometrium compared to control mice. The expression of progesterone receptor target genes including the Indian Hedgehog pathway genes are significantly down-regulated in the mutant mice. SIRT1 co-localizes with BCL6 in the nuclei of affected individuals and both proteins bind to and suppress the promoter of GLI1, a critical mediator of progesterone action in the Indian Hedgehog pathway, by ChIP analysis. In eutopic endometrium, GLI1 expression is reduced in women with endometriosis. Together, these data suggest that KRAS, SIRT1 and BCL6 are coordinately over-expressed in eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis and likely participate in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Blood lactate concentration as diagnostic predictors of uterine necrosis and its outcome in dairy cows with uterine torsion.

In order to determine blood lactate concentrations (bLac) and their validity as a diagnostic marker in bovine uterine torsion, blood samples were taken from 54 Holstein cows with uterine torsion before the correction of torsion. bLac in a group of cows with and without uterine necrosis were 15.0 and 3.0 mmol/l, respectively (P<0.01). Moreover, bLac in a group of dead or culled dams and in that of survived dams were 10.2 and 3.1 mmol/l, respectively (P<0.01). Furthermore, the proposed diagnostic cutoffs for bLac based on ROC analysis for detection of uterine necrosis and poor prognosis in dams were set at >5.0 and >6.5 mmol/l, respectively. These findings suggest that in dairy cows with uterine torsion, an increase in bLac is a diagnostic predictor of uterine necrosis as well as poor prognosis in dams.

Impact of opportunistic salpingectomy on anti-Müllerian hormone in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy: a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate whether opportunistic salpingectomy has any deleterious effects on ovarian reserve and increases surgical risk in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy. DESIGN: A multicentre, randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Three university hospitals in Korea. POPULATION: Sixty-eight patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy for the treatment of symptomatic benign uterine diseases. METHODS: Patients were randomised to undergo either opportunistic salpingectomy (n = 34) or no salpingectomy (n = 34) during laparoscopic hysterectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The primary and secondary outcome measures were the change of ovarian reserve, determined by the rate of decline in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level from before surgery to 3 months post-surgery and surgical outcomes, respectively. RESULTS: Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between the two groups. There was also no difference in operative outcomes such as operative time, operative bleeding, or complications between the two groups. In both groups, postoperative AMH levels were significantly lower than preoperative AMH levels (both, P < 0.01). The decline rate in AMH was 12.5% (interquartile range 0.8-60.9%) in the opportunistic salpingectomy group and 10.8% (interquartile range 6.9-27.4%) in the no salpingectomy group, with no significant difference between both groups (P = 0.898). CONCLUSIONS: Opportunistic salpingectomy at the time of laparoscopic hysterectomy did not have any negative effects on ovarian reserve or increased surgical risk. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Opportunistic salpingectomy did not have any negative effects on ovarian reserve or increased surgical risk.

Transcriptional abundance of antioxidant enzymes in endometrium and their circulating levels in Zebu cows with and without uterine infection.

Oxidative stress during peripartum period may compromise the uterine immunity. In the present study, we assessed the oxidative stress and antioxidant status during peripartum period and studied their relationship with postpartum uterine infection in dairy cows. Peripheral blood concentrations of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) were determined (day -21, -7, on the day of calving and day +7, +21, +35) in normal (n=11), puerperal metritic (n=7) and clinical endometritic (n=6) cows. Endometrial biopsy was performed on the day of calving and expression of CAT, GPx4 and SOD2 genes was studied using qRT-PCR. Puerperal metritic cows had significantly (P<0.05) lower TAC (on day -7, day 0, day +7, +21 & +35), higher MDA (on day -21, -7 & on the day of calving) and NO (on day 0, +7 & day +35) concentrations compared to normal cows. Similarly, clinical endometritic cows had significantly (P<0.05) lower TAC (on day -7, 0, +7 & +21), higher MDA (on day -21, -7, +7 and +35) and NO (on day +7, +21 & +35) concentrations compared to normal cows. The expression of CAT and GPx4 genes was lower (P<0.05) and SOD2 gene was higher (P<0.05) in endometrial tissue of cows that developed uterine infection compared to normal cows. The relationship of peripheral levels of MDA and NO with antioxidant enzymes expression in endometrial tissue was found significant. Receiver operator characteristic analysis revealed that the concentrations of TAC on day -7 to day +35, MDA on day -21 to day +7 and NO on the day of calving to day +35 were highly correlated to the development of postpartum uterine infection in cows. It may be inferred that the low serum TAC level and high level of lipid peroxidation and NO during peripartum period influenced the endometrial expression of anitioxidative genes that compromised the uterine health during postpartum period.

Change in the ovarian environment after hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy: is it the technique or surgery itself?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of total laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy (TLH-BS) and total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy (TAH-BS) on ovarian function among women of reproductive age. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred and three patients with a diagnosis of benign uterine disorder were divided into two groups in this prospective longitudinal study. Patients who had never had sexual intercourse and patients with uterovaginal disproportion underwent TAH-BS (n=57), and the remaining patients (n=46) underwent TLH-BS. Ovarian function was assessed before and 6 months after surgery; ovarian volume was assessed by gray-scale ultrasonography, and levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol (E2), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B were measured. RESULTS: Postoperative serum FSH, LH and inhibin B decreased significantly in both groups. Postoperative serum E2 did not change significantly. Postoperative serum AMH and ovarian volume decreased significantly in the TAH-BS group (p=0.016 and p<0.001, respectively), but not in the TLH-BS group. Significant differences were observed between the TLH-BS and TAH-BS groups with respect to change in FSH (p=0.012) and ovarian volume (p=0.001); between-group differences were not significant for changes in AMH and inhibin B. CONCLUSIONS: Although serum AMH did not change significantly in patients who underwent TLH-BS, ovarian aging commenced following both surgical procedures.

Effects of oral calcium supplementation on mineral and acid-base status, energy metabolites, and health of postpartum dairy cows.

Two experiments were conducted to characterize blood concentrations of minerals and acid-base status after oral dosing of Ca salts and to determine the effects of oral Ca on mineral and metabolic status and incidence diseases. The hypotheses were that administration of oral Ca as CaCl2 and CaSO4 maintains blood total Ca (tCa) concentrations ≥2.125 mM and reduces the incidence of diseases in early lactation. In experiment 1, 18 Holstein cows on the day of calving were assigned to receive a single dose of 0, 43, or 86g of Ca as an oral bolus. Blood was sampled before and after treatments to characterize acid-base status and concentrations of minerals. In experiment 2, 450 Holstein cows considered of low (LRM; normal calving) or high risk (HRM; dystocia, twins, stillbirth, retained placenta, vulvo-vaginal laceration, or a combination of these) of metritis (primiparous-LRM=84; primiparous-HRM=84; multiparous-LRM=138; multiparous-HRM=138) on the day of calving were blocked by parity and then randomly assigned to control, no Ca supplementation; 86g of Ca on d 0 and 1 postpartum (CaS1); or 86g of Ca on d 0 and 1 postpartum followed by 43g/d on d 2 to 4 postpartum (CaS4). Blood was sampled before and 30 min after treatment on d 0, and 30 min after treatments on d 1 to 4, and d 7 and 10 for determination of concentrations of minerals and metabolites and blood acid-base responses. Disease incidence was evaluated for the first 30 DIM. Concentrations of ionized Ca (iCa) increased for 2h in cows supplemented with 43g of Ca and fewer than 8h in cows supplemented with 86g of Ca. The changes in iCa concentrations from pretreatment to 30 min after 86g of Ca supplemented on d 0 were 0.11±0.03 mM in multiparous cows and 0.25±0.03 mM in primiparous cows. Oral Ca reduced the incidence of subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH; tCa <2.125mM) in the first 4 d in the experiment (control=69.3%; CaS1=57.5%; CaS4=34.2%). Calcium supplementation decreased the prevalence of SCH on d 0 and 1 postpartum in all cows. Stopping oral Ca in CaS1 on d 1 postpartum, however, caused a rebound in SCH on d 2 to 4 postpartum in primiparous cows. Oral Ca increased the incidence of metritis (control=22.7%; CaS1=34.8%; CaS4=32.8%), primarily because of an increase in LRM primiparous cows (control=17.9%; CaS1=35.7%; CaS4=42.9%). Oral Ca increased morbidity in primiparous cows (control=38.1%; CaS1=61.8%; CaS4=60.3%) but had no effect on multiparous cows (control=38.2%; CaS1=35.1%; CaS4=30.1%). Large doses of oral Ca as salts of chloride and sulfate in the first days postpartum should be avoided in primiparous cows and used only in cows at risk of clinical hypocalcemia.

Gynecological involvement in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Gynceological involvement in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides is rare. We describe a case of ANCA-associated vasculitis in an elderly woman presenting with fevers, cough and a rash. Further investigations revealed vasculitic involvement of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and omentum with an eosinophil-rich infiltrate.

Is there an association between serum vitamin D levels and endometrial polyps?

BACKGROUND/AIM: Anti-proliferative effects of vitamin D (VD) had been proposed previously. Herein, the authors aimed to evaluate serum 25(OH)VitD3 levels in women with endometrial polyps (EPs) and to determine whether VD deficiency is a risk factor for EP formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed as a controlled cross-sectional study. Forty three women with polyps constituted the study group whereas 47 of them constituted the control group. The selection criteria for the study group were hysteroscopic detection and histological confirmation of EPs. The main parameters recorded for each woman were; age, body mass index (BMI), par- ity, smoking status, co-morbidities, dressing style, dairy intake of VD-rich foods, duration of sunlight exposure, skin photo-type, serum levels of 25(OH)VitD3, calcium, phosphor, and albumin. RESULTS: The mean serum 25(OH)VitD3 level was 8.3±7.7 ng/ml in the study group and 9.3 ± 10.2 ng/ml in the control group (p = 0.583). Mean BMI was statistically significantly higher in the study group (p = 0.003). Logistic regression model showed that only significant risk factor for EPs was increased BMI (OR=1.241; 95% CI = 1.070-2.440; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: VD deficiency is common among the reproductive age women and obesity is the most important risk factor for polyp formation. The authors believe that there is no relation between VD and EPs.

[The assessment of the dependence between antigen CA 125 and nicotinism in patients with benign ovarian tumors including endometrial cysts]. / Ocena zaleznosci poziomu antygenu Ca 125 od nikotynizmu u pacjentek z lagodnymi guzami jajników, w tym z torbielami endometrialnymi.

UNLABELLED: Cancer antigen CA-125 is a marker that is primarily used to differentiate benign from malignant tumors as well as to monitor response to ovarian cancer treatment. Taken as a separate marker, it displays low sensitivity and specificity in ovarian cancer diagnosis; however, in combination with other markers it may be successfully applied especially in postmenopausal women. Elevated CA-125 levels in blood serum indicate cancerous as well as non-cancerous diseases. Research aiming to determine environmental factors that may have influence on antigen CA-125 level, and thus on the assessment of this marker's application in gynecological and oncological diseases continues. OBJECTIVES: the aim of the present research is an attempt to estimate the influence of nicotinism on antigen CA-125 in blood serum in patients with diagnosed benign ovarian tumors including endometrial cysts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 174 women aged 16-85 years with diagnosed benign ovarian tumor were qualified for the study. In all patients level of antigen CA-125 in blood serum was assessed preoperatively and nicotinism history was taken. Also transvaginal ultrasound was performed to obtain preliminary diagnosis. Smoking and non-smoking patients were classified into two groups, namely of those with histopathologically confirmed cysts of endometrial type and those with non-endometrial benign ovarian tumors. RESULTS: statistical analysis did not prove any dependence between the CS-125 antigen level and nicotinism in any of these groups. Also additional analysis with division into premenopausal and postmenopausal patients did not determine any statistically significant dependence. CONCLUSION: Nicotinism does not significantly influence the CA-125 antigen level in patients with benign However, the connection between the addiction severity and its influence on antigen CA-125 in blood serum cannot be excluded. ovarian tumors or endometrial cysts.

Influence of the uterine inflammatory response after insemination with frozen-thawed semen on serum concentrations of acute phase proteins in mares.

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical relevance of measuring blood concentrations of serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and fibrinogen (Fib) in horse reproductive management, and changes in response to artificial insemination (AI) with frozen-thawed semen. Standardbred mares (n=18) with different reproductive status (eight healthy mares in first postpartum oestrus, five healthy barren mares and five mares with endometritis) were inseminated with frozen-thawed semen. Endometritis was evaluated during oestrus by bacteriological culture, cytology and presence of ultrasonically visible intrauterine fluid during oestrus. Concentrations of SAA, Hp and Fib were analysed in the blood in every 48h during oestrus and until 5, 6 or 7 days after AI. The day of sampling and number of blood samples varied between mares because of length of the oestrus and time of AI. Changes in concentrations of SAA, Hp and Fib were evaluated based on the day of sampling regard to AI and classification of the mares. There were no differences in SAA, Hp and Fib concentrations over time before or after AI or between the groups of mares. The insemination of mares with frozen-thawed semen did not increase the plasma concentrations of SAA, Hp and Fib above clinical threshold concentration and there were no differences between susceptible or healthy mares.