Type D Personality, Stress Levels, and Coping Strategies in Women with Androgenetic Alopecia and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND The study was aimed to determine level of stress and using of coping strategies and frequency of type D personality in women with androgenetic alopecia with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), to correlate personality type with level of stress and coping strategies, and to correlate severity of alopecia with personality type, level of stress, and coping strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted in 2023 and included 146 Polish women aged 18 to 45 years with androgenetic alopecia and PCOS. A questionnaire containing social-demographic data, gynecological and obstetric history, health history, history of diagnosis, and treatment of PCOS in the past and present. Three standardized questionnaires were used: the Type-D Scale (DS)-14, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)-10, and Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) inventory. RESULTS Type D personality was found in 45% of patients. Most patients perceived high levels of stress (44%) and most frequently used active and supportive strategies, with avoidance strategies being less frequent. Women with type D personality experienced significantly higher levels of stress, used active strategies less often, and used avoidant strategies more often. Stages of androgenetic alopecia did not correlate with type D personality or levels of perceived stress. CONCLUSIONS In women with androgenetic alopecia, type D personality is determinative of a high level of perceived stress and more frequent use of dysfunctional coping strategies. The severity of the condition did not correlate with personality type and level of stress, while it was related to certain coping strategies.

Efficacy of photodynamic therapy using ALAHCl in gel with a lipid nanoemulsion and MALHCl in cream in superficial basal cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a therapeutic option for low-risk basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of topical PDT in the treatment of superficial BCC (sBCC) using two different photosensitizers: aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride (ALA-HCl) in a gel formulation with a lipid nanoemulsion (ALA-HCl in gel) and ALA methyl ester hydrochloride (MAL-HCl) in a cream formulation (MAL-HCl in cream). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 21 patients were treated twice with a one week interval between treatments. The formulations were applied onto lesions: 10 patients were treated with MAL-HCl in cream, and 11 with ALA-HCl in gel. After three hours of incubation and removing the preparations, fluorescence was assessed. The skin areas were then irradiated with red light 630 ± 5 nm. RESULTS: At the follow-up visit 12 weeks after the second treatment, complete clinical remission was found in 82% after ALA-HCl in gel and in 80% after MAL-HCl in cream. An excellent cosmetic result was found in 96% of patients after MALHCl in cream and in 100% after ALA-HCl in gel. Faster skin healing and less post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation during follow-up visits was observed after treatment with ALA-HCl in gel. CONCLUSIONS: Both formulations - ALA-HCl in gel and MAL-HCl in cream - were highly effective photosensitisers for PDT. The advantage of ALA-HCl in a gel formulation with a lipid nanoemulsion was faster skin healing, resulting in better cosmetic results.

The Assessment of the Efficacy of Imperatorin in Reducing Overactive Bladder Symptoms.

Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is a prevalent condition that affects the elderly population in particular and significantly impairs quality of life. Imperatorin, a naturally occurring furocoumarin, possesses diverse pharmacological properties that warrant consideration for drug development. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of imperatorin (IMP) to attenuate the cystometric and biochemical changes typically associated with retinyl acetate-induced overactive bladder (OAB) and to assess its viability as a pharmacological intervention for OAB patients. A total of 60 rats were divided into four groups: I-control, II-rats with rapamycin (RA)-induced OAB, III-rats administered IMP at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day, and IV-rats with RA-induced OAB treated with IMP. IMP or vehicle were injected intraperitoneally for 14 days. The cystometry and assessment of bladder blood flow were performed two days after the last dose of IMP. The rats were then placed in metabolic cages for 24 h. Urothelial thickness measurements and biochemical analyses were performed. Intravesical infusion of RA induced OAB. Notably, intraperitoneal administration of imperatorin had no discernible effect on urinary bladder function and micturition cycles in normal rats. IMP attenuated the severity of RA-induced OAB. RA induced increases in urothelial ATP, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3), and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), as well as significant c-Fos expression in all micturition areas analyzed, which were attenuated by IMP. Furthermore, elevated levels of Rho kinase (ROCK1) and VAChT were observed in the detrusor, which were reversed by IMP in the context of RA-induced OAB in the urothelium, detrusor muscle, and urine. Imperatorin has a mitigating effect on detrusor overactivity. The mechanisms of action of IMP in the bladder appear to be diverse and complex. These findings suggest that IMP may provide protection against RA-induced OAB and could potentially develop into an innovative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of OAB.

The Cannabinoid Ligand Arachidonyl-2'-Chloroethylamide (ACEA) Ameliorates Depressive and Overactive Bladder Symptoms in a Corticosterone-Induced Female Wistar Rat Model.

There is growing need to increase the knowledge on the cannabinoid ligands in the treatment of overactive bladder. Among potential candidates, arachidonyl-2'-chloroethylamide (ACEA), a selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist is proposed. The aim of this paper was to determine if ACEA, a selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist, could reverse the effects of corticosterone (CORT), characteristic of depressive and bladder overactivity potential. The animals (48 female rats) were divided into four groups: I-control, II-received CORT, III-received ACEA, and IV-received the combination of CORT and ACEA. The conscious cystometry, forced swim test (FST), and locomotor activity measurements were performed 3 days after the last dose of ACEA, followed by ELISA measurements. In group IV, ACEA restored urodynamic parameters that were altered by CORT. CORT prolonged the immobility time in FST and the values were lowered by ACEA. ACEA normalized the expression of c-Fos in all the analyzed central micturition centers (group IV vs. group II). ACEA restored the CORT-induced changes in the biomarkers in urine (BDNF, NGF), bladder detrusor (VAChT, Rho kinase), bladder urothelium (CGRP, ATP, CRF, OCT-3, TRPV1), and hippocampus (TNF-α, IL-1ß and Il-6, CRF, IL-10, BDNF, NGF). In conclusion, ACEA was proven to reverse CORT-induced changes in both cystometric and biochemical parameters that are determinants of OAB/depression, which represents an example of an existing link between OAB and depression via cannabinoid receptors.

Anxiety and Depression in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Background and Objectives: Mental health disorders are often the consequence of hormonal disorders such as those accompanying polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where changes in appearance and having to deal with a number of other problems occur due to this illness. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of anxiety and depression symptoms, the level of ego-resiliency, and the ways that women with PCOS cope with stress compared to healthy women in order to determine the influence of socio-demographic characteristics in relation to levels of anxiety and depression with ego-resiliency and stress-coping methods. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Poland in 2021 and included 230 women with PCOS and 199 healthy controls aged 20-40 years old. The hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADs), ego-resiliency scale, as well as the MINI-COPE inventory were used. Results: The women with PCOS had higher levels of anxiety and depression and poorer ego-resiliency in comparison to the healthy women. The women with PCOS used passive stress-coping strategies significantly more commonly than the healthy women. Living in rural areas, having a lower level of education and being childless increased anxiety levels. Similarly, being over 30, living in a rural area, having a lower level of education, being childless, and being obese increased depression levels in the women with PCOS. A low level of ego-resiliency and passive stress-coping strategies are predictors of high levels of anxiety and depression in women with PCOS. Conclusions: Women with PCOS should be checked for anxiety and depression. They should also be checked to see whether they have the resources to cope with chronic stress in order to optimize therapeutic interventions.

Metabolic Syndrome, BMI, and Polymorphism of Estrogen Receptor-α in Peri- and Post-Menopausal Polish Women.

The study aimed to investigate the association between the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) polymorphism and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity, as well as the coexistence of MetS and obesity, in peri- and post-menopausal Polish women. The study group consisted of 202 peri-menopausal and 202 post-menopausal women. ERα polymorphism: Xba I and Pvu II, MetS, BMI, and serum estrogen concentration were analyzed. MetS was found in 29% of the peri-menopausal women and in 21% of the post-menopausal women. BMI did not significantly differ between the peri- and post-menopausal women (≈42% were normal weight, ≈40% were overweight, and ≈18% were obese), (p = 0.82). Serum estrogen concentration in the peri-menopausal women was 91 ± 75 pg/mL, while that in the post-menopausal women was 17 ± 9. pg/mL, on average. Peri-menopausal women with AA and TT genotypes of the ERα polymorphism have a lower risk of obesity and MetS and the co-existence of obesity and MetS, whereas those women with the G or C allele have a higher risk of those health problems.

Potentilla chinensis aqueous extract attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rat model.

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) damages all mucosal defence lines and induces hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) leading to detrusor overactivity. Patients who undergo combined chemio-radiotherapy are at higher risk of HC. Potentilla chinensis extract (PCE) prevent oxidative stress-dependent diseases. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of PCE on urinary bladder function in CYP-induced HC in preclinical study. 60 rats were divided into 4 groups, as follows: I-control, II-rats with CYP-induced HC, III-rats received PCE in dose of 500 mg/kg, and IV-rats with CYP-induced HC which received PCE in dose of 500 mg/kg. PCE or vehicle were administered orally for 14 days. The cystometry was performed 3 days after the last dose of the PCE. Next, urothelium thickness and oedema measurement and biochemical analyses were performed. Cyclophosphamide induced hemorrhagic cystitis. PCE had no influence on the urinary bladder function and micturition cycles in normal rats. PCE diminished the severity of CYP-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. In the urothelium the cyclophosphamide induced the elevation of CGRP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, OTC3, NIT, and MAL. Also, the level of T-H protein, HB-EGF, and ZO1 was decreased. Moreover, the level of ROCK1 and VAChT in detrusor muscle increased. cyclophosphamide caused an increased concentration of BDNF and NGF in the urine. In turn, PCE in cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis caused a reversal of the described biochemical changes within urothelium, detrusor muscle and urine. PCE attenuates detrusor overactivity. In conclusion, our results revealed that PCE attenuates detrusor overactivity in case of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. The potential properties of PCE appear to be important in terms of preventing of oxidative stress-dependent dysfunction of urinary bladder. PCE may become a potential supportive treatment in patient to whom cyclophosphamide-based chemotherapy is used.

Assessment of the effect of estradiol on biochemical bone turnover markers among postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: Estrogen deficiency found in postmenopausal women may lead to disturbances in the balance of bone metabolism. Study of the influence of estradiol on markers of bone turnover may help to understand the mechanisms of bone metabolism and to monitor osteoporosis therapy in postmenopausal women at high risk of fractures. The aim of the study was evaluation of the effect of estradiol on the basic markers of bone turnover in postmenopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a group of 92 postmenopausal women, divided into two groups: Gr-1 with low estradiol levels ≤ 10 pg/ml and Gr-2 with reference estradiol levels ≥ 25 pg/ml). Basic markers of bone turnover were examined: Ctx (C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen alpha chain) and OC (osteocalcin); pro-resorptive cytokines: IL-6 and TNF-α; vitamin 25(OH)D3 and lipid profile. Women was also analyzed according to demographic and clinical data. RESULTS: A positive relationship was found between estradiol and the main bone formation marker - OC (p = 0.041, r = 0.213) and IL-6, TNF-α (p = 0.007, r = 0.281 and p = 0.018, r = 0.246, respectivly, but only in the group with a reference hormone level. Moreover, the main markers of bone turnover: Ctx and OC showed a mutual positive correlation (p = 0.013; r = 0.257) in women with reference estradiol levels. Relationships between markers of bone remodeling, pro-resorptive cytokines and vitamin D3 depending on the level of estradiol showed no statistically significant correlation. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that only in women with the reference estradiol level (≥ 25 pg/ml) were the bone formation and resorption processes balanced.

Effect of interactions between APOE and ESR1 polymorphisms on cognitive functions in postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: During menopause the level of estrogens is decreased, which may lead to cognitive impairment or dementia. Some forms of genetic polymorphism were found to be related to cognitive functions, including APOE and ESR1 (PvuII and XbaI) polymorphisms. In the present study we aimed to analyze the impact of interactions between APOE and ESR1 polymorphisms on cognitive functions in the group of postmenopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 266 postmenopausal women aged 50-65 years without symptoms of dementia. A computerized battery of the Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNS VS) test was used to diagnose cognitive functions. APOE and ESR1 polymorphisms were genotyped using multiplex PCR and PCR-RFLP methods, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance in Statistica software. RESULTS: The best memory, visual memory, processing and psychomotor speeds were found in women carrying the C allele of the PvuII polymorphism (TC + CC genotypes) in the presence of the APOE ε2/ε3 genotype, while a lower outcome was noted in women with ε3/ε3, and the lowest if they had the ε4 allele. In the case of women with TT genotype of the PvuII polymorphism, cognitive functioning did not decrease in women with the ε4 allele. A similar effect on cognitive functions was observed for AG + GG genotypes of the XbaI and APOE polymorphisms. Women who simultaneously carried CC PvuII and GG XbaI genotypes had the lowest cognitive functions. CONCLUSIONS: Interactions of polymorphic variants of APOE and ESR1 genes influenced cognitive functions in postmenopausal women.

Interactions of Cortisol and Prolactin with Other Selected Menstrual Cycle Hormones Affecting the Chances of Conception in Infertile Women.

One of the major problems of success in infertility treatment could depend on the understanding how the potential factors may affect the conception. The aim of this study was to evaluate present understanding of such factors or hormonal causes that may induce infertility. We studied the interactions between the two menstrual cycle hormones i.e., cortisol (COR) and prolactin (PRL), along with the ultrasonographic ovulation parameters in a group of N = 205 women with diagnosed infertility. The control group consisted of N = 100 women with confirmed fertility. In both groups, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), PRL, COR were examined on the third day of the cycle, and estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), and COR were examined during ovulation and 7-days afterwards. In the infertile group, higher levels of PRL and COR were observed than that of in the control group. Cortisol levels at all phases of the menstrual cycle and PRL negatively correlated with E2 secretion during and after ovulation, thus contributed to the attenuation of the ovulatory LH surge. Infertile women who conceived presented with higher levels of E2 during and after ovulation, higher P after ovulation, and thicker endometrium than that of the women who failed to conceive. In conclusion, elevated secretion of COR and PRL in infertile women impairs the menstrual cycle by decreasing the pre-ovulatory LH peak and E2 and postovulatory E2 levels that affect the endometrial growth, and consequently reduce the chances to conceive.

Self-government HPV vaccination programmes in Poland, 2009-2016.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer is the fourth neoplasm in women with respect to incidence. In Poland, both cervical cancer incidence and corresponding mortality are gradually decreasing. Despite these improvements, the epidemiological situation significantly deviates from European standards. Poland has one of Europe's lowest five-year survival rates at 54.1% for patients diagnosed in 2000-2002, compared to the European mean value of 62.1%. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to present health policy programmes related to HPV vaccinations run by local self-government units in 2009-2016. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research is based on analysis of already existing data developed by provincial governors and annual information reviews on health-policy programmes implemented by local self-government units presented to the Ministry of Health. All the programmes that included HPV vaccinations have been subjected to analysis. RESULTS: In 2009-2016, local government units implemented a total of 1,204 health policy programmes that covered HPV vaccinations. Under these programmes, 2.05% of girls aged 10-14 were vaccinated. Percentage-wise, these were communes that contributed the most financially to the HPV vaccination programmes, whereas the counties the least. CONCLUSIONS: Local self-government's programmes covering HPV vaccinations conform with the trends outlined in strategic documents on fighting neoplastic diseases. It is possible that the availability of HPV vaccination was limited for girls living in rural communes. Differences in the number of programmes, number of vaccinated girls and the financial outlays allocated for the implementation of HPV vaccination programmes in particular provinces, may be determined by the epidemiological situation in a given region, measured by the incidence rate of cervical cancer.

Epilepsy in paediatric patients with schizencephaly.

INTRODUCTION: Schizencephaly is one of the rare congenital defects of the central nervous system (CNS), known as neuronal migration disorders. The etiology of schizencecephaly is unequivocal. Established etiologies include in-utero infections (cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus, HSV type I), toxic abuse (cocaine, alcohol), as well as drug use (warfarin). OBJECTIVES: he aim of the study was to analyze the clinical presentation of schizencephaly with particular consideration of the course of epilepsy in paediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 38 children with schizencephaly (20 of them had seizure) and was retrospectively assessed. Data were analyzed using SAS version 9.4. U Mann-Whitney and χ 2 tests and logistic regression analysis were used in statistical analyses. RESULTS: Epilepsy was the most frequent in bilateral type II schizencephaly (p=0.033). In logistic regression analysis, the presence of bilateral open schizencephaly significantly increased the risk of seizures (OR=11.67; 95%CI 2.44-55.83; p=0.002). Drug-resistant epilepsy was observed in 9 children (45% of the children with epilepsy). Prevalence of both epilepsy and drug-resistant epilepsy in schizencephaly did not significantly depend on gender, stage of development, type or localization of schizencephaly, and other coexisting CNS defects or clinical presentation of schizencephaly at follow-up in the study group of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The bilateral type of schizencephaly was identified as an independent risk factor for epilepsy in the analyzed children.

Serum concentration of osteopontin and interleukin 17 in psoriatic patients.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic, autoinflammatory disease characterized by activation and differentiation of naive T lymphocytes towards T helper CD4+ (including Th1 and Th17) and T cytotoxic CD8+. Osteopontin (OPN), which plays an important role in both physiological processes and inflammatory, neoplastic and autoimmune diseases, is also considered in the context of psoriasis pathogenesis. Current data indicates that OPN is a multifunctional protein involved in the modulation of Th1 and Th17 cellular responses, in stimulating keratinocyte proliferation, and in the regulation of cellular apoptosis. OBJECTIVES: The assessment of OPN and interleukin 17 (IL-17) concentrations in the peripheral blood of psoriatic patients in comparison to healthy volunteers as well as the correlations of OPN and IL-17 with the severity of psoriasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 107 male psoriatic patients and 41 age-matched healthy men. The serum concentrations of IL-17 and OPN were examined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The skin change severity of psoriasis was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Body Surface Area (BSA), Physician Global Assessment (PGA), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). RESULTS: Psoriatic patients had significantly higher concentrations of OPN (31.65 ng/mL on average) than the healthy volunteers (11.42 ng/mL on average) (p < 0.001). Interleukin 17 was also higher in psoriatic patients (0.53 pg/mL on average) compared to healthy volunteers (0.09 pg/mL on average) (p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between OPN and IL-17 concentrations in psoriatic patients and in healthy volunteers. Psoriasis severity correlated positively to IL-17 serum concentration, but not to OPN. CONCLUSIONS: Although the study did not show a relationship between OPN and IL-17 concentrations in psoriatic patients, it should be emphasized that serum concentrations were significantly higher in the patients with psoriasis compared to healthy volunteers.

Atherogenic lipid profile and health behaviours in women post-menopause working in agriculture.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: There is a significantly higher risk of lipid disorders occurrence, including atherogenic dyslipidemia in women after menopause than it is in general population. The aim of the work was to investigate the correlation between health behaviours and the occurrence of lipid disorders in women after menopause working in agriculture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in years 2015-2016 and included 843 post-menopausal women working in agriculture. The following were used: a questionnaire including socio-demographic data, laboratory lipid tests, inventory of health behaviours. The following were estimated: logistic regression models for serum lipids concentration versus frequency of health behaviours in the examined women. RESULTS: Adverse lipid profile was found in over a half of post-menopausal women working in agriculture, whereas the frequency of health behaviours were estimated at the average level, although the frequency of correct eating habits and health practices was significantly lower than preventive behaviours and positive psychological attitudes. A correlation was found between the frequency of health behaviours and the occurrence of lipid disorders in women after menopause working in agriculture: more frequent health practices co-existed with the lower concentration of total cholesterol and a higher concentration of HDL-cholesterol, more frequent preventive behaviours co-existed with lower concentration of LDL-cholesterol. Women with higher concentration of triglycerides undertook pro-health practices relatively more often. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed a high prevalence of lipid disorders in postmenopausal women working in agriculture. More effective health education programmes are necessary in the area of reduction the risk factors of CVD in the population of women working in agriculture.

Changes in interregional migration of patients hospitalized in Poland - 2013-2017.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to determine the scale of interregional migrating patients' hospitalizations in Poland in 2013-2017, as well as their demographic and medical factors, total costs and time changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from the NHF (National Health Fund) regarding hospitalizations in a given province of patients registered in another province in Poland in 2013-2017 were statistically analyzed. Times series analyses as well as coefficients of correlation, determination and variation were used. RESULTS: The number of patients hospitalized outside their regional registration and the cost of their hospitalization increased from year-to-year during 2013-2017. There was a large variation in provinces in terms of inflow of patients and costs of their hospitalization, while there was only a small variation in terms of outflow of patients and costs of their hospitalization in the analyzed years. Among the patients hospitalized outside the province where they were registered, there were more women then men, while the age group was dominated by 60-year-olds and their share in the subsequent years increased, while the share of other age groups remained unchanged or decreased. The most and increasingly more from year-to-year hospitalizations outside the regional registration were due to neoplasms and diseases of the circulatory system. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study may significantly contribute to the proper planning of securing the health needs of the inhabitants of particular regions, and to improving the quality and economic efficiency of health services in individual NHF branches.

The influence of electromagnetic fields generated by wireless connectivity systems on the occurrence of emotional disorders in women: A preliminary report.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated by wireless connectivity systems on the occurrence of emotional disorders in women working in the health service and in trade. We also analyzed the relationship between physical activity and emotional state. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study was conducted on a sample of 200 women aged 25 to 35, in Lublin, Poland, in 2017. Shopping center staff spent more time using their mobile phones for conversations and online activities. Medical staff were exposed to stronger electromagnetic fields generated by stationary wireless phones than shopping center staff, they were less exposed to the effect of relay stations. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that exposure to electromagnetic fields from GSM 900 and 1800 generated by base stations contributed to the occurrence of depressive disorders among medical personnel, while exposure to WLAN EMF had the opposite effect. Spending time on phone conversations decreased the feeling of depression and increased trait anxiety in medical staff. Spending free time on physical activity intensified depressive states in women working in trade. Further studies on the influence of low-frequency EMFs on the human nervous system are needed.

Low frequency electromagnetic waves increase human sperm motility - A pilot study revealing the potent effect of 43 kHz radiation.

OBJECTIVES: Abnormalities in the timing and course of spermatozoa capacitation and hyperactivation underlie common pathologies related to male infertility. Recent data shows that low frequency electromagnetic waves may influence cell membrane potential and permeability. It is therefore possible that low frequency electromagnetic waves could affect the maturation and motility processes of spermatozoa. The 43-kHz wave generator was used for modeling the impact of environmental exposure to low frequency electromagnetic radiation on human sperm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sperm samples were gathered from 103 fertile, healthy men aged 25-30 years old and performed computer-assisted sperm analysis. After initial examination, each participant's semen sample was divided into 2 aliquots (control and experimental) and placed in separate automated incubators. The samples constituting the experimental group were placed into the exposure system that emitted 43-kHz electromagnetic waves. Sperm motility was assessed at 3 h, 12 h and 24 h. RESULTS: Exposure to a 43-kHz radio frequency increased the percentage of sperm in progressive motility by up to 5.8% and the velocity of said sperm by up to 2 µm/s. Moreover, the total number of hyperactivated spermatozoa was significantly increased in the semen exposed to the electromagnetic signal. CONCLUSIONS: In vivo environmental exposure to 43-kHz waves may promote the development of infertility related to premature capacitation outside of the vaginal tract. Exposing semen to this particular frequency may also boost the capacitation and hyperactivation of spermatozoa in vitro, prior to conducting assisted reproductive therapies.Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(6):723-739.

Modifiable lifestyle factors and ovarian cancer incidence in women.

INTRODUCTION: A correct diet plays an important role in the prevention of malignant tumours. The risk of the disease may be reduced by introducing a number of changes to the daily diet. The most important changes concern the amount of fat in the diet, dietary fibre, antioxidants in the food and the reduction of substances having a significant impact on the development of malignant tumours. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to analyse the role of selected modifiable lifestyle factors affecting the development of ovarian cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study covered healthy women and women with diagnosed ovarian cancer. A total of 850 women aged between 21-84 were studied. The study included women visiting the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Hospital of the University of Medical Sciences in Poznan, Poland, between 2011-2013. Patients recognized with malignant ovarian cancer were qualified into the study based on the histopathological examination of the material obtained during surgery. RESULTS: Respondents who consumed fruit and vegetables several times a week have the odds ratio OR = 0.29 level; 95% CI 0.04-2.01 (p =.2085), compared to women not consuming fruit and vegetables at all. Consumption of 100 g of French fries and potato chips several times a week, results in a 2-fold increase in ovarian cancer. The OR for this group of women amounts to 2.06; 95% CI 0.53-7.99 (p=.2966). CONCLUSIONS: A diet rich in fruit and vegetables, including bulb vegetables, and grain products containing whole grains, should be introduced. It is recommended that the consumption of popular fast foods be eliminated.

Cognitive functions and serum cortisol concentration in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women working non-manually.

OBJECTIVES: To asses a possible relationship between serum cortisol concentration and cognitive function in peri- and postmenopausal women engaging in non-manual work. METHODS: The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to screen women for the study and the Computerized Neurocognitive-assessment Software (CNS) Vital Signs to diagnose cognitive functions. RESULTS: Cognitive functions and serum cortisol concentration did not differ between women in early and late perimenopause and postmenopause. The women in the study obtained lower reaction time compared to other cognitive functions studied. Cognitive functions correlated negatively with age and educational level, but not BMI. Serum cortisol concentration correlated negatively to NCI, motor speed, psychomotor speed and reaction time in postmenopausal women, but positively to complex memory in early perimenopausal women and to processing speed in early and late perimenopasal women. CONCLUSION: Higher serum cortisol concentration may negatively effect cognitive functions in women post menopause.

Postmenopausal cognitive changes and androgen levels in the context of apolipoprotein E polymorphism.

INTRODUCTION: The focus of this study was to assess cognitive functions in relation to androgens and specifically testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone in postmenopausal women as well as the correlation between cognitive functions and these two androgens according to polymorphism of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 402 women was recruited to the study (minimum 2 years after the last menstruation, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) more than 30 U/ml and no dementia signs on Montreal Cognitive Assessment). The computerized battery of the Central Nervous System Vital Signs test was used to diagnose cognitive functions. APOE genotyping was performed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Testosterone (TTE) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the blood serum were assessed for further statistical correlations analysis. RESULTS: In the group of postmenopausal women, higher testosterone concentration was associated with lower scores for Neurocognition Index (NCI) (p = 0.028), memory (p = 0.008) and psychomotor speed (p < 0.001). Presence of at least one APOE ε4 allele potentiated testosterone's negative influence on cognitive functions (p < 0.05). Woman with a high normal level of DHEA scored significantly better in verbal (p = 0.027) and visual memory (p < 0.001) than other participants. APOE polymorphism did not modify the relationship between DHEA concentration and scores for cognitive functions. CONCLUSIONS: Hormonal balance variations after menopause may influence brain processes concerned with cognition, especially memory and psychomotor speed. The observed effects may be related to androgens' influence on higher cortical functions in the changed hormonal dynamics of the postmenopausal period.