White, brown, and bone marrow adipose tissue behavior in DHEA-induced PCOS mice.

METHODS: Thirty-one female C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: two were treated with subcutaneous dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) implants and divided into normal and hypercaloric diet (HFD). Two were control and divided into normal and HFD. Presence of insulin resistance, growth, and adipocyte markers expression of white and brown adipose tissues and growth and inflammatory cytokines expression of bone marrow adipose tissue were evaluated. RESULTS: Hypercaloric diet groups presented higher total weight gain and huge growth in all fat sites, except bone marrow. They also demonstrated greater expression of adipocyte markers in sites of white adipose tissue. DHEA + HFD group showed more insulin intolerance than all other groups. DHEA shows to abrogate AdipoQ expression in all fatty tissues. CONCLUSIONS: DHEA alone does not influence adipose tissue growth, but contributes to increased insulin resistance and influences the expression of adipokines. Proximal MAT showed different behavior from the other fat depot.

Best Laboratory Screening in Diagnosing Secondary Osteoporosis and Fracture Risk Assessment Tool and the National Osteoporosis Guideline Group Performance in Determining Clinical Risk: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of the Bone Health in Postmenopausal Brazilian Women.

BACKGROUND: Identifying postmenopausal women with a high risk of having osteoporosis and fractures is a current challenge. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of biochemical tests in identifying secondary osteoporosis and the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) in identifying fracture risk. METHODS: Data from biochemical tests and bone densitometry of postmenopausal women were analyzed. Additionally, the FRAX result was obtained and the patients were classified according to the National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG). RESULTS: A total of 646 women were evaluated, of whom 201 (31.1%) had osteoporosis or a previous frailty fracture. These women had statistically different parathyroid hormone (PTH) and alkaline phosphatase serum levels (p<0.01 and p=0.02, respectively) than those without osteoporosis or fracture. However, those at high risk had a higher prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (46% vs. 36%) and hypocalciuria (17% vs. 9%). The FRAX showed an area under the curve of 0.757 (p<0.01) and 0.788 (p<0.01) for identifying women at risk for "major fractures" and "hip," respectively. The NOGG categorization had a sensitivity of 19% to identify high-risk women, a specificity of 91.3% for low-risk women, with a positive predictive value of 57.4% and a negative predictive value of 64.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of PTH, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, serum calcium, and 24-hr urinary calcium proved adequate for initial osteoporosis screening. The FRAX tool has a regular ability to screen women at risk for fracture, and the NOGG method has high specificity to identify those at low risk.

Performance of the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool Associated with Muscle Mass Measurements and Handgrip to Screen for the Risk of Osteoporosis in Young Postmenopausal Women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the improvement in screening accuracy of the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) for the risk of developing osteoporosis among young postmenopausal women by associating with it clinical muscle mass measures. METHODS: A sample of postmenopausal women was submitted to calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS), application of the FRAX questionnaire, and screening for the risk of developing sarcopenia at a health fair held in the city of São Bernardo do Campo in 2019. The sample also underwent anthropometric measurements, muscle mass, walking speed and handgrip tests. A major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) risk ≥ 8.5% on the FRAX, a classification of medium risk on the clinical guideline of the National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG), and a QUS T-score ≤ -1.8 sd were considered risks of having low bone mass, and QUS T-score ≤ -2.5sd, risk of having fractures. RESULTS: In total, 198 women were evaluated, with a median age of 64 ± 7.7 years, median body mass index (BMI) of 27.3 ± 5.3 kg/m2 and median QUS T-score of -1.3 ± 1.3 sd. The accuracy of the FRAX with a MOF risk ≥ 8.5% to identify women with T-scores ≤ -1.8 sd was poor, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.604 (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.509-0.694) for women under 65 years of age, and of 0.642 (95%CI: 0.571-0.709) when age was not considered. Including data on muscle mass in the statistical analysis led to a significant improvement for the group of women under 65 years of age, with an AUC of 0,705 (95%CI: 0.612-0.786). The ability of the high-risk NOGG tool to identify T-scores ≤ -1.8 sd was limited. CONCLUSION: Clinical muscle mass measurements increased the accuracy of the FRAX to screen for osteoporosis in women aged under 65 years.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a melhora da precisão da Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (Ferramenta de Avaliação do Risco de Fraturas, FRAX, em inglês) no rastreio do risco de desenvolver osteoporose em mulheres jovens pós-menopáusicas com a associação de medidas clínicas de massa muscular e preensão manual. MéTODOS: Uma amostra de mulheres pós-menopáusicas foi submetida a ultrassom quantitativo (USQ) de calcâneo, à aplicação do questionário FRAX, e rastreadas quanto ao risco de desenvolver sarcopenia em uma feira de saúde realizada em 2019 em São Bernardo do Campo. Além disso, a amostra também foi submetida a antropometria, e a testes de massa muscular, velocidade de marcha, e preensão manual. Um risco de grandes fraturas osteoporóticas (GFOs) ≥ 8,5% no FRAX, classificação de médio risco nas diretrizes clínicas do National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG), e T-score no USQ ≤ -1,8 dp foram considerados riscos de ter baixa massa óssea, e T-score no QUS ≤ -2,5 sd, risco de ter fraturas. RESULTADOS: Ao todo, 198 mulheres foram avaliadas, com idade média de 64 ± 7,7 anos, índice de massa corporal (IMC) médio de 27,3 ± 5,3 kg/m2, e T-score médio no USQ de -1,3 ± 1,3 sd. A precisão do FRAX com um risco de GFO ≥ 8,5% para identificar mulheres com T-score ≤ -1,8 dp foi precária, com uma área sob a curva (ASC) de 0,604 (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%]: 0,509­0,694), para mulheres menores de 65 anos de idade, e de 0,642 (IC95%: 0,571­0,709) quando a idade não foi considerada. A inclusão de dados da massa muscular na análise estatística levou a uma melhora significativa no grupo menor de 65 anos de idade, com uma ASC de 0,705 (IC95%: 0,612­0,786). A habilidade da ferramenta NOGG de alto risco para identificar T-scores ≤ -1,8 dp foi limitada. CONCLUSãO: As medidas clínicas da massa muscular aumentaram a precisão do FRAX no rastreio de osteoporose em mulheres menores de 65 anos de idade.

Bleeding Pattern and Management of Unexpected Bleeding/Spotting with an Extended Regimen of a Combination of Ethinylestradiol 20 mcg and Drospirenone 3 mg.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the bleeding pattern in women using ethinylestradiol 20 mcg/drospirenone 3 mg (EE 20 mcg/DRSP 3 mg) in a 24/4-day cyclic regimen with an extended regimen. Unexpected bleeding/spotting in the extended regimen group was managed by allowing a 4-day hormone-free interval (HFI). METHODS: This was a randomized, prospective, open-label, multicenter study. Participants (N = 348) were randomized to receive EE 20 mcg/DRSP 3 mg in either an extended regimen (EE/DRSPes group) or a 24/4-day cyclic regimen (EE/DRSP24/4 group) and followed for 168 days. In the EE/DRSPes group, a 4-day HFI was allowed whenever unexpected bleeding/spotting persisted for ≥7 consecutive days. The participants assessed their bleeding daily as "no bleeding," "spotting," or "light," "moderate," or "heavy" bleeding according to a predefined scale. RESULTS: EE/DRSPes group experienced fewer days of bleeding than those using a 24/4 cyclic regimen (P < 0.001). After 168 days, 57.5% of women in the EE/DRSPes group achieved complete amenorrhea (i.e., neither bleeding nor spotting) and 73.9% achieved "no bleeding" (i.e., no bleeding with or without spotting) during the final 28-day interval of the study period. Women in the extended group who instituted the 4-day HFI experienced a 94.1% rate of successful management of unexpected bleeding/spotting. CONCLUSION: The use of EE 20 mcg/DRSP 3 mg in an extended regimen resulted in high rates of amenorrhea and "no bleeding". Unexpected bleeding/spotting in the EE/DRSPes group could be managed effectively with a 4-day HFI. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN57661673): http://www.controlled-trials.com/isrctn/pf/57661673.

The Effect of Testosterone Replacement on Intramedullary, Inguinal and Visceral Fat in Ovariectomized Rats.

OBJECTIVE: The present article aims to evaluate the impact of testosterone treatment on the expansion of visceral, subcutaneous and intramedullary adipose tissue of ovariectomized rats and the visceral and subcutaneous fat expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) gamma. METHODS: In total 48 female Wistar rats were castrated and randomly divided into 6 treatment groups: group E2 was submitted to estradiol 5 µg/day; group T, to testosterone 5 µg/day; group E2 + T, to estradiol 5 µg/day + testosterone 5 µg/day; group TT, to testosterone 30 µg/day; group E2 + TT, to estradiol 5 µg/day + testosterone 30 µg/day; and placebo was administered to group P. After 5 weeks, the rats were euthanized, the inguinal and visceral adipose tissues were harvested, weighted, and had their PPAR gamma expression evaluated by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The right femurs were harvested and histologically prepared to perform the number count of the intramedullary adipocytes. RESULTS: The expansion of visceral fat tissue was much higher in the TT group when compared with other treated groups (p < 0.001). The TT group also showed a higher expansion of inguinal fat (p < 0.01), and groups E2 + T and E2 + TT presented lower growth compared to the P group (p < 0.01). The number of femur intramedullary adipocytes only showed significant differences between groups TT and E2 + TT (p < 0.05). The expression of PPAR gamma showed no differences among the groups. CONCLUSION: The use of testosterone in high doses leads to an important expansion in both visceral and inguinal adipose tissues. Association with estradiol exerts an expansion-repressive effect on the visceral and inguinal adipose tissues.

OBJETIVO: Este artigo tem como objetivo avaliar o impacto do tratamento com testosterona na expansão dos tecidos adiposos visceral, subcutâneo e intramedular de ratas ovariectomizadas e a expressão de receptores ativados por proliferadores de peroxissoma (RAPPs) gama nas gorduras visceral e subcutânea. MéTODOS: No total, 48 ratas Wistar foram castradas e divididas aleatoriamente em 6 grupos de tratamento: o grupo E2 recebeu estradiol 5 µg/dia; o grupo T, testosterona 5 µg/dia; o grupo E2 + T, estradiol 5 µg/dia + testosterona 5 µg/dia; o grupo TT, testosterona 30 µg/dia; o grupo E2 + TT, estradiol 5 µg/dia + testosterona 30 µg/dia; e o grupo P recebeu placebo. Após 5 semanas, as ratas foram submetidas a eutanásia, o tecido adiposo inguinal e visceral foi coletado, pesado, e se avaliou a expressão dos RAPP gama por reação em cadeia da polimerase via transcriptase reversa quantitativa (RCP-TRq). Os ossos do fêmur direito foram colhidos e processados histologicamente para contagem de números de adipócitos intramedulares. RESULTADOS: A expansão do tecido adiposo visceral foi muito maior no grupo TT quando comparado a outros grupos tratados (p < 0,001). O grupo TT também apresentou maior expansão da gordura inguinal (p < 0,01), e os grupos E2 + T e E2 + TT apresentaram menor crescimento em relação ao grupo P (p < 0,01). O número de adipócitos intramedulares no fêmur mostrou apenas diferenças significativas entre os grupos TT e E2 + TT (p < 0,05). A expressão de RAPP gama não mostrou diferenças entre os grupos. CONCLUSãO: O uso de testosterona em altas doses leva a uma importante expansão nos tecidos adiposos visceral e inguinal. A associação com o estradiol exerce um efeito repressivo de expansão nos tecidos adiposos visceral e inguinal.

Is the Expression of the Components of the Carotid Matrix of Rats Influenced by Estrogen, Progestin and Tibolone?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of estrogen alone or in combination with progestogens and tibolone (TIB) on the expression of the extracellular matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9), of perlecan, and of heparanase (HPSE) of the vascular walls of the carotid arteries. METHODS: A total of 30 250-day-old ovariectomized Wistar rats were orally treated for 5 weeks with: a) 1 mg/kg of estradiol benzoate (EB); b) EB + 0.2 mg/kg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA); c) EB + 0.2mg/kg of norethisterone acetate (NETA); d) EB + 2 mg/kg of dydrogesterone (DI); e) 1 mg/kg of TIB; f) placebo (CTR). Following treatment, the expression of mRNA for MMP-2, MMP-9, and HPSE was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain-reaction (PCR), and the expression of MMP-2, of MMP-9, of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2), and of perlecan was quantified by immunohistochemistry in the carotid arteries. RESULTS: The groups showed significant differences on mRNA HPSE expression (p = 0.048), which was higher in the EB, EB + MPA, and TIB groups. There was no statistically significant difference in mRNA MMP-2 or MMP-9 expression. The immunohistochemical expression of MMP-2, of TIMP-2, of MMP-9, of HPSE, and of perlecan showed no differences between groups. CONCLUSION: Estradiol alone or associated with MPA and TIB treatment can increase mRNA HSPE expression of the walls of the carotid arteries in ovariectomized rats.

OBJETIVO: Analisar os efeitos do estrogênio isolado ou em combinação com progestogênios e tibolona (TIB) na expressão das metaloproteinases 2 e 9 da matriz extracelular (MMP-2 e MMP-9), da perlecan e da heparanase (HPSE) das paredes vasculares das artérias carótidas. MéTODOS: Trinta ratas Wistar ovariectomizadas com 250 dias de idade foram tratadas oralmente por 5 semanas com: a) 1 mg/kg de benzoato de estradiol (EB); b) EB + 0,2 mg/kg de acetato de medroxiprogesterona (MPA); c) EB + 0,2mg/kg de acetato de noretisterona (NETA); d) EB + 2 mg/kg de didrogesterona (DI); e) 1 mg/kg de TIB; f) placebo (CTR). Após o tratamento, a expressão de mRNA para MMP-2, MMP-9, e HPSE foi analisada por reação em cadeia da polimerase (RCP) em tempo real, e a expressão de MMP-2, MMP-9, inibidor tecidual de metaloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2), e de perlecan foi quantificado por imunohistoquímica em artérias carótidas. RESULTADOS: Os grupos apresentaram diferenças significativas na expressão do mRNA HPSE (p = 0,048), sendo maiores nos grupos EB, EB + MPA e TIB. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa nas expressões de mRNA MMP-2 ou MMP-9. A expressão imunohistoquímica de MMP-2, TIMP-2, MMP-9, HPSE e perlecan não mostrou diferenças entre os grupos. CONCLUSãO: O estradiol isolado ou associado ao tratamento com MPA e TIB pode aumentar a expressão de mRNA HSPE nas paredes das artérias carótidas em ratas ovariectomizadas.

Personality Traits of Postmenopausal Women with Sexual Dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to identify the association between personality traits of postmenopausal women and the occurrence of sexual dysfunction. METHODS: A total of 43 postmenopausal women were evaluated according to their self-perception of the quality of their sexual life. They answered the following questionnaires: Sociodemographic Profile Questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Factorial Personality Inventory (FPI-II). RESULTS: Women with poorer sexual self-perception showed low affective need (p < 0.01) and low need for organization (p < 0.01). Based on the need for control and opposition, there was no difference between the groups. Groups separated by the scores obtained on the FSFI showed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women with lower schooling and personality characteristics that demonstrate low affective and organizational needs are more likely to present sexual dysfunction.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar a associação entre características de personalidade de mulheres na pós-menopausa e ocorrência de disfunção sexual. MéTODO: No total, 43 mulheres na pós-menopausa foram avaliadas de acordo com suas percepções da qualidade de suas vidas sexuais. Elas responderam aos seguintes questionários: Perfil Sociodemográfico, Índice de Função Sexual Feminino (FSFI, na sigla em inglês), Inventário de Depressão Beck (BDI, na sigla em inglês) e Inventário Fatorial de Personalidade (IFP-II). RESULTADOS: Mulheres com pior percepção sexual demonstraram baixa necessidade afetiva (p < 0,01) e baixa necessidade de organização (p < 0,01). Com base na necessidade de controle e oposição, não houve diferença entre os grupos. Os grupos de mulheres separadas pelo FSFI não demonstraram diferenças significativas. CONCLUSãO: Mulheres na pós-menopausa com menor escolaridade e características de personalidade que demonstre baixa necessidade afetiva e de organização possuem maior chance de apresentar disfunção sexual.

Differential Diagnosis between Bartholin Cyst and Vulvar Leiomyoma: Case Report.

Genital leiomyomas are rare tumors that can often be misdiagnosed as Bartholin cyst. We report a case of a 32-year-old patient who had a cystic nodulation in the left labium majus that was suggestive of Bartholin cyst. A resection surgery was performed, and the definitive histopathology diagnosis was vulvar leiomyoma. The macroscopic features of cystic lesions difficult the differential diagnosis between leiomyoma and Bartholin cyst; therefore, a histopathologic examination is often recommended.

Os leiomiomas genitais são tumores raros, e frequentemente são diagnosticados como cisto de Bartholin. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente de 32 anos em que ocorreu nodulação cística no grande lábio esquerdo sugestiva de cisto de Bartholin. Uma cirurgia de ressecção foi realizada, e o diagnóstico histopatológico definitivo foi leiomioma vulvar. As características macroscópicas das lesões císticas dificultam o diagnóstico diferencial entre o leiomioma e o cisto de Bartholin, de modo que o exame histopatológico é frequentemente recomendado.

Performance of the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool Associated with Muscle Mass Measurements and Handgrip to Screen for the Risk of Osteoporosis in Young Postmenopausal Women / Desempenho da ferramenta de avaliação de risco de fraturas associada à medida de massa muscular e à preensão manual no rastreio de risco de osteoporose em mulheres jovens pós-menopáusicas

Abstract Objective To evaluate the improvement in screening accuracy of the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) for the risk of developing osteoporosis among young postmenopausal women by associating with it clinical muscle mass measures. Methods A sample of postmenopausal women was submitted to calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS), application of the FRAX questionnaire, and screening for the risk of developing sarcopenia at a health fair held in the city of São Bernardo do Campo in 2019. The sample also underwent anthropometric measurements, muscle mass, walking speed and handgrip tests. A major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) risk ≥ 8.5% on the FRAX, a classification of medium risk on the clinical guideline of the National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG), and a QUS T-score ≤ -1.8 sd were considered risks of having low bone mass, and QUS T-score ≤ -2.5sd, risk of having fractures. Results In total, 198 women were evaluated, with a median age of 64±7.7 years, median body mass index (BMI) of 27.3±5.3 kg/m2 and median QUS T-score of -1.3±1.3 sd. The accuracy of the FRAX with a MOF risk ≥ 8.5% to identify women with T-scores ≤ -1.8 sd was poor, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.604 (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.509-0.694) for women under 65 years of age, and of 0.642 (95%CI: 0.571-0.709) when age was not considered. Including data on muscle mass in the statistical analysis led to a significant improvement for the group of women under 65 years of age, with an AUC of 0,705 (95%CI: 0.612-0.786). The ability of the high-risk NOGG tool to identify T-scores ≤ -1.8 sd was limited. Conclusion Clinical muscle mass measurements increased the accuracy of the FRAX to screen for osteoporosis in women aged under 65 years.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a melhora da precisão da Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (Ferramenta de Avaliação do Risco de Fraturas, FRAX, em inglês) no rastreio do risco de desenvolver osteoporose em mulheres jovens pós-menopáusicas com a associação de medidas clínicas de massa muscular e preensão manual. Métodos Uma amostra de mulheres pós-menopáusicas foi submetida a ultrassom quantitativo (USQ) de calcâneo, à aplicação do questionário FRAX, e rastreadas quanto ao risco de desenvolver sarcopenia em uma feira de saúde realizada em 2019 em São Bernardo do Campo. Alémdisso, a amostra tambémfoi submetida a antropometria, e a testes de massa muscular, velocidade de marcha, e preensão manual. Um risco de grandes fraturas osteoporóticas (GFOs) ≥ 8,5% no FRAX, classificação de médio risco nas diretrizes clínicas do National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG), e T-score no USQ ≤ -1,8 dp foram considerados riscos de ter baixa massa óssea, e T-score no QUS ≤ -2,5 sd, risco de ter fraturas. Resultados Ao todo, 198 mulheres foram avaliadas, com idade média de 64±7,7 anos, índice de massa corporal (IMC) médio de 27,3±5,3 kg/m2, e T-score médio no USQ de -1,3±1,3 sd. A precisão do FRAX comumrisco de GFO≥ 8,5% para identificar mulheres com T-score ≤ -1,8 dp foi precária, com uma área sob a curva (ASC) de 0,604 (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%]: 0,509-0,694), para mulheres menores de 65 anos de idade, e de 0,642 (IC95%: 0,571-0,709) quando a idade não foi considerada. A inclusão de dados da massa muscular na análise estatística levou a uma melhora significativa no grupo menor de 65 anos de idade, com uma ASC de 0,705 (IC95%: 0,612-0,786). A habilidade da ferramenta NOGG de alto risco para identificar T-scores ≤ -1,8 dp foi limitada. Conclusão As medidas clínicas da massa muscular aumentaram a precisão do FRAX no rastreio de osteoporose em mulheres menores de 65 anos de idade.

Brazilian guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is the leading cause of fractures in the population older than 50 years. This silent disease affects primarily postmenopausal women and the elderly, and the morbidity and mortality rates are high. The main goal of treating osteoporosis is the prevention of fractures. The identification of populations at risk through early diagnosis and treatment is essential. The last Brazilian guideline for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis was elaborated in 2002. Since then, new strategies for diagnosis and risk stratification have been developed, and drugs with novel action mechanisms have been added to the therapeutic arsenal. The Osteoporosis and Osteometabolic Diseases Committee of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology, in conjunction with the Brazilian Medical Association and other Societies, has developed this update of the guidelines for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis according to the best scientific evidence available. This update is intended for professionals in many medical and health specialties involved in the treatment of osteoporosis, for physicians in general and for health-related organizations.

The effect of testosterone replacement on intramedullary, inguinal and visceral fat in ovariectomized rats / Efeito da reposição de testosterona na gordura intramedular, inguinal e visceral em ratas ovariectomizadas

Abstract Objective The present article aims to evaluate the impact of testosterone treatment on the expansion of visceral, subcutaneous and intramedullary adipose tissue of ovariectomized rats and the visceral and subcutaneous fat expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) gamma. Methods In total 48 female Wistar rats were castrated and randomly divided into 6 treatment groups: group E2 was submitted to estradiol 5 μg/day; group T, to testosterone 5 μg/day; group E2+ T, to estradiol 5 μg/day + testosterone 5 μg/day; group TT, to testosterone 30 μg/day; group E2+ TT, to estradiol 5 μg/day+ testosterone 30 μg/day; and placebo was administered to group P. After 5 weeks, the rats were euthanized, the inguinal and visceral adipose tissues were harvested, weighted, and had their PPAR gamma expression evaluated by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTqPCR). The right femurs were harvested and histologically prepared to performthe number count of the intramedullary adipocytes. Results The expansion of visceral fat tissue was much higher in the TT group when compared with other treated groups (p < 0.001). The TT group also showed a higher expansion of inguinal fat (p < 0.01), and groups E2 +T and E2+ TT presented lower growth compared to the P group (p < 0.01). The number of femur intramedullary adipocytes only showed significant differences between groups TT and E2 + TT (p < 0.05). The expression of PPAR gamma showed no differences among the groups. Conclusion The use of testosterone in high doses leads to an important expansion in both visceral and inguinal adipose tissues. Association with estradiol exerts an expansion-repressive effect on the visceral and inguinal adipose tissues.

Resumo Objetivo Este artigo tem como objetivo avaliar o impacto do tratamento com testosterona na expansão dos tecidos adiposos visceral, subcutâneo e intramedular de ratas ovariectomizadas e a expressão de receptores ativados por proliferadores de peroxissoma (RAPPs) gama nas gorduras visceral e subcutânea. Métodos No total, 48 ratas Wistar foram castradas e divididas aleatoriamente em 6 grupos de tratamento: o grupo E2 recebeu estradiol 5 μg/dia; o grupo T, testosterona 5 μg/dia; o grupo E2 + T, estradiol 5 μg/dia + testosterona 5 μg/dia; o grupo TT, testosterona 30 μg/dia; o grupo E2 + TT, estradiol 5 μg/dia + testosterona 30 μg/dia; e o grupo P recebeu placebo. Após 5 semanas, as ratas foram submetidas a eutanásia, o tecido adiposo inguinal e visceral foi coletado, pesado, e se avaliou a expressão dos RAPP gama por reação em cadeia da polimerase via transcriptase reversa quantitativa (RCP-TRq). Os ossos do fêmur direito foram colhidos e processados histologicamente para contagem de números de adipócitos intramedulares. Resultados A expansão do tecido adiposo visceral foi muito maior no grupo TT quando comparado a outros grupos tratados (p < 0,001). O grupo TT também apresentou maior expansão da gordura inguinal (p < 0,01), e os grupos E2 +T e E2 + TT apresentaram menor crescimento em relação ao grupo P (p < 0,01). O número de adipócitos intramedulares no fêmur mostrou apenas diferenças significativas entre os grupos TT e E2 + TT (p < 0,05). A expressão de RAPP gama não mostrou diferenças entre os grupos. Conclusão O uso de testosterona emaltas doses leva a uma importante expansão nos tecidos adiposos visceral e inguinal. A associação com o estradiol exerce um efeito repressivo de expansão nos tecidos adiposos visceral e inguinal.

Is the expression of the components of the carotid matrix of rats influenced by estrogen, progestin and tibolone? / A expressão dos componentes da matriz carotídea de ratos é influenciada pelo estrogênio, progestagênio e tibolona?

Abstract Objective To analyze the effects of estrogen alone or in combination with progestogens and tibolone (TIB) on the expression of the extracellular matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9), of perlecan, and of heparanase (HPSE) of the vascular walls of the carotid arteries. Methods A total of 30 250-day-old ovariectomized Wistar rats were orally treated for 5 weeks with: a) 1 mg/kg of estradiol benzoate (EB); b) EB + 0.2 mg/kg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA); c) EB + 0.2mg/kg of norethisterone acetate (NETA); d) EB + 2 mg/kg of dydrogesterone (DI); e) 1 mg/kg of TIB; f) placebo (CTR). Following treatment, the expression of mRNA for MMP-2, MMP-9, and HPSE was analyzed by realtime polymerase chain-reaction (PCR), and the expression of MMP-2, of MMP-9, of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2), and of perlecan was quantified by immunohistochemistry in the carotid arteries. Results The groups showed significant differences on mRNA HPSE expression (p = 0.048), which was higher in the EB, EB + MPA, and TIB groups. There was no statistically significant difference in mRNA MMP-2 or MMP-9 expression. The immunohistochemical expression of MMP-2, of TIMP-2, of MMP-9, of HPSE, and of perlecan showed no differences between groups. Conclusion Estradiol alone or associated with MPA and TIB treatment can increase mRNA HSPE expression of the walls of the carotid arteries in ovariectomized rats.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar os efeitos do estrogênio isolado ou em combinação com progestogênios e tibolona (TIB) na expressão das metaloproteinases 2 e 9 da matriz extracelular (MMP-2 e MMP-9), da perlecan e da heparanase (HPSE) das paredes vasculares das artérias carótidas. Métodos Trinta ratas Wistar ovariectomizadas com 250 dias de idade foram tratadas oralmente por 5 semanas com: a) 1 mg/kg de benzoato de estradiol (EB); b) EB + 0,2 mg/kg de acetato de medroxiprogesterona (MPA); c) EB + 0,2mg/kg de acetato de noretisterona (NETA); d) EB + 2 mg/kg de didrogesterona (DI); e) 1 mg/kg de TIB; f) placebo (CTR). Após o tratamento, a expressão de mRNA para MMP-2, MMP- 9, e HPSE foi analisada por reação em cadeia da polimerase (RCP) em tempo real, e a expressão de MMP-2, MMP-9, inibidor tecidual de metaloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2), e de perlecan foi quantificado por imunohistoquímica em artérias carótidas. Resultados Os grupos apresentaram diferenças significativas na expressão do mRNA HPSE (p = 0,048), sendo maiores nos grupos EB, EB + MPA e TIB. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa nas expressões de mRNA MMP-2 ou MMP-9. A expressão imunohistoquímica de MMP-2, TIMP-2, MMP-9, HPSE e perlecan não mostrou diferenças entre os grupos. Conclusão O estradiol isolado ou associado ao tratamento com MPA e TIB pode aumentar a expressão de mRNA HSPE nas paredes das artérias carótidas em ratas ovariectomizadas.

Personality traits of postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction / Características de personalidade de mulheres na pós-menopausa com disfunção sexual

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study is to identify the association between personality traits of postmenopausal women and the occurrence of sexual dysfunction. Methods A total of 43 postmenopausal women were evaluated according to their self-perception of the quality of their sexual life. They answered the following questionnaires: Sociodemographic Profile Questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Factorial Personality Inventory (FPI-II). Results Women with poorer sexual self-perception showed low affective need (p< 0.01) and low need for organization (p< 0.01). Based on the need for control and opposition, there was no difference between the groups. Groups separated by the scores obtained on the FSFI showed no significant differences. Conclusion Postmenopausal women with lower schooling and personality characteristics that demonstrate low affective and organizational needs are more likely to present sexual dysfunction.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar a associação entre características de personalidade de mulheres na pós-menopausa e ocorrência de disfunção sexual. Método No total, 43 mulheres na pós-menopausa foram avaliadas de acordo com suas percepções da qualidade de suas vidas sexuais. Elas responderam aos seguintes questionários: Perfil Sociodemográfico, Índice de Função Sexual Feminino (FSFI, na sigla em inglês), Inventário de Depressão Beck (BDI, na sigla em inglês) e Inventário Fatorial de Personalidade (IFP-II). Resultados Mulheres com pior percepção sexual demonstraram baixa necessidade afetiva (p< 0,01) e baixa necessidade de organização (p< 0,01). Com base na necessidade de controle e oposição, não houve diferença entre os grupos. Os grupos de mulheres separadas pelo FSFI não demonstraram diferenças significativas. Conclusão Mulheres na pós-menopausa com menor escolaridade e características de personalidade que demonstre baixa necessidade afetiva e de organização possuem maior chance de apresentar disfunção sexual.

Differential Diagnosis between Bartholin Cyst and Vulvar Leiomyoma: Case Report / Diagnóstico diferencial entre cisto de Bartholin e leiomioma vulvar: relato de caso

Abstract Genital leiomyomas are rare tumors that can often be misdiagnosed as Bartholin cyst. We report a case of a 32-year-old patient who had a cystic nodulation in the left labium majus that was suggestive of Bartholin cyst. A resection surgery was performed, and the definitive histopathology diagnosis was vulvar leiomyoma. The macroscopic features of cystic lesions difficult the differential diagnosis between leiomyoma and Bartholin cyst; therefore, a histopathologic examination is often recommended.

Resumo Os leiomiomas genitais são tumores raros, e frequentemente são diagnosticados como cisto de Bartholin. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente de 32 anos em que ocorreu nodulação cística no grande lábio esquerdo sugestiva de cisto de Bartholin. Uma cirurgia de ressecção foi realizada, e o diagnóstico histopatológico definitivo foi leiomioma vulvar. As características macroscópicas das lesões císticas dificultam o diagnóstico diferencial entre o leiomioma e o cisto de Bartholin, demodo que o exame histopatológico é frequentemente recomendado.