Involvement in Tumorigenesis and Clinical Significance of CXCL1 in Reproductive Cancers: Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Ovarian Cancer and Prostate Cancer.

C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) is a member of the CXC chemokine subfamily and a ligand for CXCR2. Its main function in the immune system is the chemoattraction of neutrophils. However, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews summarizing the significance of CXCL1 in cancer processes. To fill this gap, this work describes the clinical significance and participation of CXCL1 in cancer processes in the most important reproductive cancers: breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer. The focus is on both clinical aspects and the significance of CXCL1 in molecular cancer processes. We describe the association of CXCL1 with clinical features of tumors, including prognosis, ER, PR and HER2 status, and TNM stage. We present the molecular contribution of CXCL1 to chemoresistance and radioresistance in selected tumors and its influence on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells. Additionally, we present the impact of CXCL1 on the microenvironment of reproductive cancers, including its effect on angiogenesis, recruitment, and function of cancer-associated cells (macrophages, neutrophils, MDSC, and Treg). The article concludes by summarizing the significance of introducing drugs targeting CXCL1. This paper also discusses the significance of ACKR1/DARC in reproductive cancers.

[Probiotics intake as gut-microbiota modulating therapy in an interdisciplinary aspect]. / Rola probiotyków jako modulatora regulacji zaburzen mikroflory jelitowej w podejsciu interdyscyplinarnym.

The gut microbiota was defined as one of the endocrine organs. It consists of many various microorganisms with huge metabolic potential. An imbalance of the gut microbiota was assessed as one of risk factors for various metabolic, infectious, and inflammatory disorders, but also stress-related disorders. Link between the gut microbiological environment and the development of such pathologies as: metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or PCO syndrome has been proven. Diet with probiotics intake could be effective in the prevention and treatment of many diseases and associated metabolic disorders. Increasing the amount of "beneficial" gut microbiota may favorably affect the functioning of the whole organism. Treatment options for specific diseases must be compliant with the guidelines of recommendations for these disorders. However, probiotic supplementation can positively strengthen the results of this treatment. It is recognized that probiotics, by increasing beneficial intestinal microflora, inhibit development of pathogens and change metabolic and enzymatic activity. It reduces inflammation and positively regulates immunologic activity of intestines. On the base of conducted studies beneficial effects of probiotic supplementation in patients with metabolic, endocrine and mental disorders were noted. Prebiotics and probiotics influence on modification of gastrointestinal microflora. Changes of gut microbiota, by diet with probiotics intake, cause the maintenance of gut epithelial barrier integrity and may be useful in prevention and treatment of many diseases and concomitant metabolic disorders. It may have potential implications for protection against adverse, long-term health consequences of these disorders.

Ozone in the food industry: Principles of ozone treatment, mechanisms of action, and applications: An overview.

The food contamination issue requires continuous control of food at each step of the production process. High quality and safety of products are equally important factors in the food industry. They may be achieved with several, more or less technologically advanced methodologies. In this work, we review the role, contribution, importance, and impact of ozone as a decontaminating agent used to control and eliminate the presence of microorganisms in food products as well as to extend their shelf-life and remove undesirable odors. Several researchers have been focusing on the ozone's properties and applications, proving that ozone treatment technology can be applied to all types of foods, from fruits, vegetables, spices, meat, and seafood products to beverages. A compilation of those works, presented in this review, can be a useful tool for establishing appropriate ozone treatment conditions, and factors affecting the improved quality and safety of food products. A critical evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of ozone in the context of its application in the food industry is presented as well.

Assessment of ovarian reserve as an indicator of fertility and health consequences in patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3-4.

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether ovarian reserve depends on chronic kidney disease. Twenty-four patients, 23-45 years with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3-4 were included in the study. All the patients underwent transvaginal ultrasounds to assess antral follicle count (AFC) and ovarian volume. The serum samples were obtained on days 3-5 of the menstrual cycle from all participants for anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol (E2) levels. On the base of the study, it was concluded that the most sensitive parameters of ovarian reserve are AMH and AFC. AMH levels and number of antral follicles in both ovaries were statistically significantly lower in the group of patients with CKD than in control ones. But there were no significant differences in the ovarian volumes (right and left ovary), FSH and E2 levels between study and control groups. Ovarian reserve is not dependent on the duration of CKD and hormonal parameters of ovarian reserve like FSH and estradiol (E2) are not dependent on the presence or absence of proteinuria in patients with CKD, but the most sensitive parameter - AMH is significantly lower in patients with CKD and proteinuria.

[Polycystic ovary syndrome - current state of knowledge]. / Zespól policystycznych jajników ­ aktualny stan wiedzy.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder, affecting 5-10% women of reproductive age. It is one of the most common causes of functional infertility and a clinical problem that can be faced by doctors of many specialities. PCOS is characterized by hyperandrogenism, oligoovulations and metabolic disorders. ESHRE/ASRM (2003) or AES (2006) criteria are used to diagnose a patient with polycystic ovary syndrome. Although a lot of studies are carried out, ethiology and pathogenesis of PCOS is still not clear. The treatment must be long-term, causal and depending on the patient's expectations. The fundamental part of the therapy are lifestyle modifications and weight loss. Losing as little as 5% of body mass increases frequency of ovulations, chances of pregnancy and improves hormonal profile. First-line therapy is clomiphene citrate and for hyperandrogenism reduction combined oral contraceptive pill is frequently used. Metformin, not only improves carbohydrate metabolism, but also increases ovulations' frequency and chances of pregnancy. Metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension and higher risk of endometrial cancer are characteristic for patients with PCOS.

Zika virus intrauterine infections from the obstetrician's perspective.

Zika virus (ZIKAV) infections could potentially occur in Poland due to international travel made by its nationals to regions where the Aedes mosquito is active. A causal relationship between prenatal ZIKAV infection and microcephaly and other serious brain anomalies has been found due to the time association between the infection in pregnancy and a presence of congenital nervous system malformations, together with the detectable pathogen in amniotic fluid and fetus's tissues. Two ZIKAV infection cases of pregnant women who were diagnosed with fetal microcephaly in the state of Paraiba, Brazil, later described in Ultrasound Obstetrics and Gynecology by Oliveira Mello et al. are discussed, in the context of the possible introduction of ZIKAV into Poland and the role the obstetrician should play in the detection and rapid reaction to potential threats. According to recommendations of international agencies for disease control and prevention, Polish obstetricians who take care of pregnant women and of those planning to become pregnant in the nearest future, and declaring travels to areas of the Aedes mosquito activity, should advise their patients to consider postponing travel or if they must travel, to take necessary precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites. Pregnant women who have travelled to areas with ZIKAV transmission, or whose male partners had travelled to such areas and returned in the period of their female part-ner's pregnancy, should be monitored appropriately in the context of congenital abnormalities, including microcephaly.

[New methods of uterine fibroids treatment]. / Nowe metody leczenia miesniaków macicy.

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors of the uterus. Their main symptoms are prolonged menstrual bleeding, leading over time to a secondary anemia, bleeding and spotting between periods, pelvic pain and infertility. It is recognized that fibroids are the most common indication for surgery in gynecology. Currently radical surgical treatment of fibroids is abandon. Ulipristalu acetate is used in pharmacological treatment. This medicine reduces the growth of fibroids. New non-invasive technique is also MR-guided focused ultrasound surgery using thermal tissue destruction by focusing ultrasound beam. Ability to avoid the often crippling surgery makes conservative methods increasingly popular.

[Pro-health prevention in perimenopausal women with regard to estrogen treatment]. / Profilaktyka prozdrowotna u kobiet w okresie okolomenopauzalnym z uwzglednieniem leczenia estrogenami.

According to the latest demographic forecast in Poland is observed the progressive aging of the population with growing population of perimenopausal women. This is a special time in woman's life, in which there are many metabolic changes, neurovegetative symptoms and mental changes. All of them are connected with decreased concentration of sex hormones. Very important in this period are health behaviors, including healthy lifestyle, regular exercises and proper diet. Highly effective in removing menopausal symptoms is hormone replacement therapy. It also prevents the effects of metabolic disorders. This therapy is primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis, depression, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and urogenital atrophy. It also has to delay the process of aging. Clinical studies of HERS, WHI and MWS caused extreme caution in the use of hormone replacement therapy and distrust for this therapy between doctors and their patients. It is therefore important to establish priorities for action and individualized therapy, depending on the indications and contraindications for its use.

[Role of office hysteroscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of uterine pathology]. / Rola minihisteroskopii w diagnostyce i leczeniu patologii jamy macicy.

Nowadays endoscopic techniques are one of the basic diagnostic and operative methods in gynecology. Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are the most popular of them. Office hysteroscopy is a modern diagnostic and therapeutic method feasible in an outpatient room because no necessity of anesthesia. It is the first-line procedure in the infertility diagnosis and treatment of uterine pathology such as polyps, submucosal fibroids and adhesions. Limitation of this method is the cervical canal atresia. Contraindications to it are: pregnancy, uterine bleeding, active inflammation of pelvic organs, cervical cancer. Due to the high sensitivity and specificity, simplicity of execution and no need for patient hospitalization, office hysteroscopy becomes important diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in uterine pathologies.

[Chronic inflammation and metabolic syndrome in comparison with other signs belonging to the image of polycystic ovary syndrome]. / Przewlekly stan zapalny oraz zespó1 metaboliczny na tie innych objawów nalezacych do obrazu zespolu policystycznych jajników.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder which concern even 5-10% of women in reproductive age. PCOS is a cause of hyperandrogenism and menstrual disorders with chronic anovulation. The most common clinical symptoms observed in PCOS are hirsutism, acne and obesity. Patients with PCOS often suffer from metabolic disorders like insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, arteriosclerosis and other abnormalities of the metabolic syndrome. 35 to 60% of women with PCOS are obese and about 50% of them have insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis emphasizes the role of inflammatory processes. There are a number of markers of the inflammation process. They are also observed in PCOS and may indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women. More than 46% of women with PCOS can be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Because of the fact that patients with PCOS are at higher risk group of the earlier development of complications such as diabetes t 2, atherosclerosis, hypertension and cardiovascular system diseases, it is important to carry out metabolic disorders diagnosis in every patient with PCOS. It will help to estimate the risk of complications and allow for the implementation of prevention or treatment of metabolic diseases belonging to the image of PCOS.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex-A Case Study.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is characterized by lung cysts that cause lung deterioration, changes in the lymphatic system, and tumors in the kidneys. It mainly affects women of reproductive age and is a progressive disease. LAM can occur as an isolated disease or coexist with tuberous sclerosis (TSC). The source of LAM cells is unknown. Patients with confirmed LAM should be treated with an mTOR inhibitor, sirolimus, or everolimus. We present a case of LAM with TSC in a patient whose symptoms, including those in the lymph nodes and chyaloperitoneum, mainly concern the abdominal cavity.

Late Diagnosis of Swyer Syndrome in a Patient with Bilateral Germ Cell Tumor Treated with a Contraceptive Due to Primary Amenorrhea.

Swyer syndrome is a special form of DSD (disorders of sex development), so-called pure gonadal dysgenesis with a karyotype 46, XY and a female phenotype. One of the most important problems in patients with DSD is the risk of gonadal tumors. We present a case of a 26-year-old patient with Swyer syndrome. The patient had primary amenorrhea and no puberty characteristics. In ultrasound imaging in the vicinity of the uterus, there were two homogeneous structures. A genetic diagnosis was also performed, which showed karyotype 46, XY. The patient underwent a bilateral gonadectomy. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of dysgerminoma in both dysgenetic gonads. The follow-up of five years now did not show any changes suspected of invasion. We concluded that the primary amenorrhea, along with the absence of development of sexual characteristics, should prompt an expanded diagnosis for disorders of sex development. Gonadal dysgerminoma should be suspected even in the absence of tumor features on ultrasound and blood laboratory tests. Early prophylactic gonadectomy could protect patients from developing tumors in dysgenetic gonads.

Quality of Life in Female Patients with Overactive Bladder after Botulinum Toxin Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Manifestations of OAB can considerably diminish the quality of life. Botulinum toxin has emerged as a valuable treatment option in diseases whose symptoms cannot be controlled adequately with other available therapies. The aim of the present study was to compare the subjective quality of life of patients with OAB before the injection of botulinum toxin and three and six months after the intervention. METHODS: This study was based on a diagnostic survey with three validated questionnaires, ICIQ-OAB, ICIQ-OABqol, and ICIQ-LUTSqol, and an additional questionnaire developed by the authors to collect sociodemographic characteristics and selected medical data. RESULTS: This study demonstrated significant differences between pre-treatment scores and those at three and six months post injection. At three and six months after the intervention, mean scores for all three instruments (ICIQ-OAB, ICIQ-OABqol, ICIQ-LUTSqol) were significantly lower than the respective pre-treatment values, implying a significant attenuation of OAB symptoms and their lower impact on the quality of life. However, the severity of OAB symptoms and their impact on the quality of life at six months post intervention were significantly higher than at three months, except for the social interaction domain. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin is an effective treatment for OAB.

Influence of Vitamin D on the Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome and Hormonal Balance in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder that affects 8-13% of women of reproductive age. It is one of the most common causes of infertility and is associated with hyperandrogenism in the form of hirsutism and acne, non-ovulatory cycles, and characteristic ovarian morphology. The available research on serum vitamin D deficiency in patients with PCOS and the appropriateness of vitamin D supplementation in this group of women is inconclusive, so we decided to investigate the influence of vitamin D on the incidence of metabolic syndrome and hormonal balance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. The study comprised 120 women aged between 18 and 42 years, who were divided into two groups: a group with diagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and a group of regularly menstruating women without features of androgenisation, in whom polycystic ovary syndrome was excluded. Each patient underwent a history and physical examination, including a gynecological examination, anthropometric measurements were taken, including height, weight, waist, and hip circumference, and blood pressure was measured using the Korotkow method. In the female patients, the following parameters were also determined from the blood: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol, TSH, ft4, prolactin (PRL), total testosterone, DHEASO4, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), androstendione, 25(OH) vitamin D3 metabolite. The majority of the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were found to have deficient or suboptimal serum vitamin D levels, and the effects of vitamin D on the SHBG levels and free-androgen indices in these patients was examined. The effects of vitamin D on the incidence of metabolic syndrome and BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference, and blood pressure in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were also found.

Metabolic and Dietary Factors in Acne Vulgaris and Evaluation of the Acne Vulgaris Treatment with Oral Contraceptive-Based Therapies in Young Adult Women.

The etiopathogenesis of acne is complex, as several endo- and exogenous factors that affect the sebaceous-hair unit are involved in the development of acne lesions. The main aim of the study was to evaluate selected metabolic parameters before treatment. Another goal of the study was to determine the correlation between selected metabolic and dietary parameters and the severity of acne before treatment. The third objective was to assess the severity of acne before and after treatment, considering the type of treatment used. The final objective was to assess the relationship between the difference in acne severity before and after treatment, considering the type of treatment used and factors of dairy or sweets intake. 168 women participated in the study. The patients belonged to two groups: the study group (99 patients with acne vulgaris) and the control group (69 patients without skin lesions). The study group was divided into subgroups according to the treatment used: contraceptive preparation, contraceptive preparation and cyproterone acetate, and contraceptive preparation and isotretinoin preparation. We found that LDL levels and consumption of sweets correlated with acne severity. The mainstay of acne treatment is contraceptive treatment (ethinylestradiol and drospirenone). The effectiveness of the three contraceptive-based treatments was confirmed by observing the severity of acne. There were no significant correlations between the difference in acne severity before and after treatment with the three treatments and factors of dairy or sweet consumption.

Associations of Hormonal and Metabolic Parameters with Bone Mineralization in Young Adult Females.

Osteoporosis is characterized by impaired bone mineralization and microarchitecture. An important protective factor is a high peak bone mass (PBM), attained in the second and third decade of life. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of hormonal and metabolic parameters on bone mineralization in young adult female patients. A total of 111 participants qualified for the study. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and whole skeleton was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Hormonal parameters were determined: the concentrations of androstendione, dihydroepiandrosterone sulphate, testosterone, sex hormone binding protein, 17-OH-progesterone, folliculotropic hormone, estradiol, thyrotropic hormone, free thyroxine and cortisol. Metabolic parameters were also examined. The study showed a statistically significant correlation between bone mineral density and estradiol concentration and a negative relationship between cortisol concentration and the bone mineral density (BMD) Z-score of the lumbar spine. Sclerostin measurements taken during this study were not related to bone mineral density. It has been shown that the concentration of the hormones tested, even within the reference range, may affect bone mineralization. We suggest observing the follow-up of the menstrual cycles, as well as analyzing the results of test patients in an annual examination system. However, each clinical case should be considered individually. The sclerostin test is currently not useful in the clinical evaluation of bone mineralization in young adult women.

Influence of hsCRP Parameter on the Occurrence of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a common endocrine disorder that affects 8-13% of women of reproductive age. Increased body weight and insulin resistance may be associated with chronic inflammation, which increases the risk of cardiovascular complications. CRP (C-reactive protein) tests may be use to assess persistent inflammation. Elevated CRP levels may be associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Determination of hsCRP, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, can be used to assess cardiovascular risk in women with PCOS. In this study, 120 women between the ages of 18 and 42 were divided into two groups: patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (n = 80) and regular menstruating women in whom PCOS was excluded (n = 40). Lipid and carbohydrate metabolism parameters and hsCRP levels were assessed, followed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for hsCRP, where metabolic syndrome was the dependent variable. For hsCRP, the cutoff point was 1.44 (mg/dL). Sensitivity for the cutoff point was 0.913 and specificity was 0.691. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.851 (p < 0.000). The closer the AUC value is to unity, the better the predictive ability of the studied variable. There was also a statistically significant correlation between hsCRP levels and the presence of metabolic syndrome.

Influence of Muscle Mass and Strength on Bone Mineralisation with Consideration of Sclerostin Concentration.

Osteoporosis is a disease characterised by a reduction in bone strength due to increased porosity and impaired mineralisation. In our study, we investigated whether muscle strength and mass exert a significant effect on bone mineral density in young adult women. We also tested whether sclerostin can be used as an indicator in the assessment of bone mineralisation. The study included 111 patients. All patients had their bone mineral density determined in the L1-L4 section of the lumbar spine and in the whole skeleton. The parameters of fat mass (FM), lean body mass (LBM) and visceral fat mass (VF) were also determined. Metabolic activity of osteocytes was assessed by measuring the serum sclerostin concentration. There was a statistically significant association of both hands' muscle strength with all parameters expressing bone mineralisation. A statistically significant relationship was also obtained between BMD L1-L4 and the body mass components (FM, LBM). Sclerostin levels in the study did not differ between groups with normal and reduced bone mineral density. Muscle strength assessment may be a potential exponent of reduced bone mineral density, also used clinically in young adult women. The utility of sclerostin in the clinical assessment of bone mineralisation has not been demonstrated.

Hormone concentrations in the homogenates of ovarian tissue and blood serum in postmenopausal women not using hormone therapy.

Ovaries in postmenopausal women synthesize steroids, mostly androgens. Removal of the ovaries after menopause may be reflected by menopausal symptoms and arterial hypertension observed during postoperative period, along with a significantly increased risk of death due to cardiovascular complications. It is not understood if the clinical consequences of gonad removal at different time points after menopause are similar. The aim of this study was to evaluate ovarian steroidogenesis and consequently to define the role of the ovaries in postmenopausal women depending on the time after menopause. Concentrations of hormones were determined in ovarian homogenates and serum of postmenopausal women. This study included 207 postmenopausal women. They were divided into groups depending on the time after menopause. All participants had laparotomic removal of the ovaries. Concentrations of estradiol, testosterone and androstenedione were measured in ovarian homogenate and serum. The study revealed that ovarian homogenate and serum concentrations of estradiol, testosterone and androstenedione were the highest in women up to 5 years after menopause and since then significantly decreased. This study showed that testosterone, androstenedione and estradiol are synthesized in the postmenopausal ovaries. The peak synthesis of these hormones occurs up to 5 years after menopause and significantly decreases thereafter.

Levels of Trace Elements in Erythrocytes as Endocrine Disruptors in Obese and Nonobese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most commonly recognized endocrinopathies in women. The literature lacks clear data that allow any meaningful conclusions to be drawn about the influence of trace elements in erythrocytes on the biochemical parameters of PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted among 47 women meeting the Rotterdam criteria for the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. The research groups included women with PCOS with different BMI values (body mass index): obese women with PCOS (PCOS with BMI ≥ 30, mean BMI index 35.4 ± 4.4 kg/m2), nonobese PCOS women (PCOS with BMI < 30, mean BMI index 25.2 ± 2.8 kg/m2), and healthy control group (CG) with a mean BMI of 23.57 ± 0.9 kg/m2. The contents of trace elements in erythrocytes were determined with an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer. RESULTS: The only trace element showing significant differences in concentration between the studied groups was nickel (Ni). The level of nickel in the obese women with PCOS (BMI ≥ 30) was significantly higher than in nonobese women (BMI < 30). The content of other trace elements in erythrocytes did not differ significantly between the studied groups. Several significant correlations were found within each of the studied PCOS groups: in the group of obese women, the content of zinc (Zn) in erythrocytes positively correlated with prolactin, the content of magnesium (Mg) positively correlated with testosterone, and the content of manganese (Mn) negatively correlated with thyroid-stimulating hormone. In the group of nonobese women, Zn content correlated positively with testosterone, Ni with luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol, and Mg negatively correlated with estradiol. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between the level of trace elements and the level of hormones suggests that, in obese women with PCOS, nickel may play a role in inhibiting the processes of folliculogenesis and ovulation. Research on trace elements and their relationship to ovulatory cycles and the development of PCOS may contribute to reducing the consequences of PCOS and, therefore, should be extended.