The Relationship between Depressiveness and Eating Behaviors among Women.

(1) The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between depressiveness and the occurrence of eating disorders, i.e., emotional eating, uncontrolled eating, cognitive restraint of eating, and the risk of orthorexia. (2) The study was conducted among 556 women from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship (Poland). The study employed the diagnostic survey method using a questionnaire technique: The Beck Depression Inventory, the ORTO-15 Questionnaire, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. (3) Higher depressiveness severity is associated with a higher score on the "Cognitive Restraint of Eating" scale. The authors' original study demonstrated a statistically significant relationship only between depressiveness and the "Uncontrolled Eating" subscale (p = 0.001). (4) The results of this study suggest that depressiveness is an important factor that contributes to a better understanding of eating behaviors. In addition, the results of this study suggest that eating behaviors and psychological factors should be taken into account in psychological interventions in the treatment of eating disorders. The clinical goal can be considered to be an improvement in non-normative eating behaviors, such as a reduction in overeating episodes or eating less frequently in the absence of a feeling of hunger.

Management of Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer-Comparison of Global Guidelines over the Last 5 Years.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage of its development, which results in lower overall survival (OS). Prognosis is also poor even with curative-intent surgery. Approximately 80% of patients with localized PDAC have micrometastases at the time of diagnosis, which leads to a worse prognosis than in other cancers. The objective of this study is to present the progress in the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer based on the recommendations of oncological scientific societies, such as ESMO, NCCN, ASCO, NICE and SEOM, over the last 5 years. Combined FOLFIRINOX therapy is mostly a recommended therapy among patients with good performance statuses, while gemcitabine is recommended for more fragile patients as a first-line treatment. The newest guidelines suggest that molecular profiling of the tumor should be the first step in determining the course of treatment. The use of modern molecular therapies in patients with specific gene mutations should extend the survival of patients with this disease.

Relationships of Body Mass Index, Relative Fat Mass Index, and Waist Circumference with Serum Concentrations of Parameters of Chronic Inflammation.

(1) Background: Obesity in the perimenopausal period is associated with hormonal changes, lifestyle, and environment. In obesity, elevated levels of IL-6 and TNF-α and reduced levels of adiponectin are observed, and the associated chronic inflammation favors the development of cardiometabolic diseases. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the relationship between selected measures of obesity (BMI, WC, RFM, VAI, WHtR) and parameters of chronic inflammation (CRP, TNF-α, IL-6) in perimenopausal women. (2) Methods: The study involved 172 perimenopausal women. The methods used in this study were diagnostic surveys, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurements, and venous blood sampling. (3) Results: Preliminary multivariate linear regression analysis showed that CRP moderately positively correlated with IL-6 (ß = 0.25; p = 0.001) and weakly negatively correlated with adiponectin (ß = -0.23; p = 0.002). Similar associations were noted in preliminary multivariate linear regression analysis adjusted for age, menopausal status, and smoking status. Preliminary multivariate linear regression analysis also showed that BMI positively correlated with IL-6 (ß = 0.16; p = 0.033). VAI weakly positively correlated with CRP (ß = 0.25; p = 0.001) and negatively correlated with adiponectin (ß = -0.43; p = 0.000). (4) BMI, WC, RFM, VAI, and WHtR are clearly related to selected parameters of chronic inflammation. Our study suggests that each of the anthropometric variables provides distinct information on metabolic processes associated with inflammatory parameters.

Selenium as a Factor Moderating Depression and Obesity in Middle-Aged Women.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of serum selenium on PPAR-γ and the selected proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α) in relation to depressive symptoms and obesity in middle-aged women. The research procedure was as follows: a survey was performed using the authors' questionnaire and the BDI, anthropometric measurements, and the analysis of blood for the levels of selenium, cytokines, and genetic analysis of the PPAR-γ polymorphism (n = 443). It was found that the BMI increased along with the concentration of IL-6. No moderating effect of selenium was observed, although the cut-off values for "p" were established for IL-ß*Se (p = 0.068) and IL-6*Se (p = 0.068), so there was a potential association with these two markers. At high selenium levels, the effect of higher IL-ß levels on a decrease in BMI was stronger, as was the effect of an increase in IL-6 levels on an increase in BMI. No effect of selenium on PPAR-γ was found in relation to depressive symptoms and obesity. Higher selenium levels may have a beneficial effect on BMI even at high IL-ß concentrations, however, at high IL-6 concentrations, this effect was not observed. Selenium levels had no impact on depressive symptoms.

Evaluation of the Influence of Biological Factors during the Course of Treatment in Patients with Ovarian Cancer.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of ß-endorphins and serotonin on the course of treatment, disease-free time, and overall survival of patients with ovarian cancer. This study may contribute to the identification of modifiable factors that may influence the treatment of ovarian cancer. The research was carried out in a group of 162 patients of which 139 respondents were included in the research; ovarian cancer was diagnosed in 78 of these patients. The study consisted of three stages. In the first stage of diagnostics, a survey among the patients was carried out. In the second stage-5 mL of blood was collected from each patient (n = 139) in the preoperative period to determine the concentration of ß-endorphin and serotonin. In the third stage-blood samples were collected from those patients who had completed chemotherapy treatment or had surgery. Concentrations of ß-endorphin and serotonin were measured by the Luminex method, using the commercial Luminex Human Discovery Assay kit. The average age of the patients was 62.99 years. The level of ß-endorphin significantly differs among patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer and among patients in the control group (202.86; SD-15.78 vs. 302.00; SD-24.49). A lower level of ß-endorphins was found in the patients with a recurrence of the neoplastic process compared to those without recurrence (178.84; SD-12.98 vs. 205.66; SD-13.37). On the other hand, the level of serotonin before chemotherapy was higher in the group of people with disease recurrence compared to those without recurrence (141.53; SD-15.33 vs. 134.99; SD-10.08). Statistically significantly positive correlations were found between the level of ß-endorphin and both disease-free time (ß-endorphin levels before chemotherapy: rho Spearman 0.379, p < 0.027; ß-endorphin levels after chemotherapy: rho Spearman 0.734 p < 0.001) and survival time (ß-endorphin levels before chemotherapy: rho Spearman 0.267, p < 0.018; ß-endorphin levels after chemotherapy: rho Spearman 0.654 p < 0.001). 1. The levels of serotonin and ß-endorphin levels are significantly related to ovarian cancer and change during treatment. 2. High mean preoperative concentrations of ß-endorphins were significantly related to overall survival and disease-free time.

The Impact of Socio-Demographic Factors on the Functioning of Liver Transplant Patients.

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of socio-demographic factors and the time elapsed since liver transplantation on the functioning of patients after liver transplantation; (2) Methods: This is a survey-based prospective cohort study of 112 patients, performed using: The Inventory of Socially Supportive Behaviors (ISSB), The Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and a questionnaire concerning sociodemographic data prepared using the Delphi method; (3) Results: Subjects under 40 years of age reported the highest social support. The longer the time since surgery, the lower the levels of adherence and support; (4) Conclusions: 1. In the study group, most support was received by women, people under 40 years of age, and those with secondary education. However, the level of social support decreased over time after the liver transplant operation. Patients who had undergone previous transplantation showed lower levels of adherence to therapeutic recommendations. 2. Patients who were in a relationship showed higher levels of illness acceptance than single ones. Women were more likely to experience depressive symptoms than men. 3. The time since liver transplantation is an important factor that affects patients' functioning. This is a time when patients need more care, social support, and assistance in maintaining adherence to therapeutic recommendations.

Serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines and selected bioelements in perimenopausal women with regard to body mass index.

During the menopause, decreased estrogen levels may be accompanied by increased levels of inflammatory mediators. Many studies also show significant relationships between the levels of bioelements and proinflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), and selected bioelements in perimenopausal women with regard to BMI. METHODS: The study of 217 perimenopausal women involved the completion of questionnaires concerning sociodemographic and medical data, anthropometric measurements, and blood collection. RESULTS: In all studied women, the levels of IL-1ß significantly positively correlated with Ca, Mg, and Sr; IFNγ significantly negatively correlated with Sr, and IL-6 with Mg. In women with a normal BMI, the levels of IL-1ß significantly positively correlated with Ca and Sr, and CRP positively correlated with Zn. In overweight women, the levels of IL-1ß positively correlated with Ca, IL-6 with Na, and IFNγ negatively correlated with Sr. In obese women, the levels of CRP positively correlated with Zn, TNFα with Mg, IFNγ with Cu and P. The levels of IL-6 negatively correlated with Ca and Mg. CONCLUSIONS: BMI may be one of the factors that affect the relationship between serum bioelement levels and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and CRP in women, especially during the menopausal period.

Are cadmium and lead levels linked to the development of anxiety and depression? - A systematic review of observational studies.

The aim of this systematic review was to assess if cadmium and lead levels are linked to anxiety and depression. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify observational trials evaluating the impact of cadmium and lead on the incidence and phenotype of depression and anxiety. The search identified 1059 records. Overall eighteen studies comprising 28,304 participants with a female predominance (n = 19,483; 69%) were included. Cadmium and lead levels were analyzed in eight and thirteen studies, respectively. Five studies found an association between blood cadmium levels and depression, among them three trials which reported that individuals in the highest quartile of blood cadmium had higher odds of showing depressive symptoms. Sex and smoking status were found to be potential confounders of cadmium impact on the depressive phenotype. None of the studies found association between the level of anxiety and blood cadmium levels. Nine studies demonstrated association between depressive symptoms and blood lead concentration. High lead levels may be associated with anxiety and neurobehavioral deficits. There are many factors that influence both the levels of cadmium and lead, and the severity of depression and anxiety in the respondents. There is no clear evidence for the impact of cadmium and lead levels on the development of depressive symptoms but a lot of indirect evidence points to this.

Cardiovascular Risk Distribution in a Contemporary Polish Collective.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of selected risk factors for cardiovascular disease (hypertension, overweight, obesity, carbohydrate metabolism disorders, a positive family history, a lack of physical activity), and to estimate the risk of a cardiovascular incident according to the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) algorithm for patients aged 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55 years, included in a primary-care prevention program, with regard to selected variables (sex and age brackets). The study sample consisted of 2009 subjects, 63% of whom were women. The largest group was the group of 35-year-olds (27%). The research method was the analysis of medical documentation of primary-care patients living in West Pomerania included in the Program of Prevention and Early Detection of Cardiovascular Disease of the National Health Fund. We collected data concerning risk factors for cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements (arm circumference, waist circumference, height, weight), body mass index (BMI), and the levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and fasting glucose, as well as the SCORE results. Men more often than women were overweight and obese, had hyperglycemia, and had elevated levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant difference in the odds of a cardiovascular incident (p < 0.001)-the SCORE results obtained by men were higher. Men require special preventive measures in order to reduce their risk factors for cardiovascular disease, especially hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, overweight, obesity, smoking, and a positive family history.

The Impact of a Simplified Hydrostatic Bypass Flow Technique on Error Detection during Surgical Limb Revascularization.

Technical errors have an impact on the results of surgical lower limb revascularization. Use of ultrasound scanning or angiography on the operating table is inconvenient and, in case of angiography, carries a certain risk of radiation and contrast exposure. A simpler method of screening for errors is required. This study assessed the accuracy of a new simple hydrostatic bypass flow technique during surgical limb revascularization. In all, 885 patients were included in the retrospective study. All were treated for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia (CLTI) with a femoropopliteal bypass. Preoperatively, the radiological Vascular Surgery/International Society of Cardiovascular Surgery (SVS/ISCVS) score was used to assess the complexity of the anatomical changes. The surgeon made a subjective runoff assessment for every surgery. In 267 cases, the hydrostatic bypass flow (HBF) technique was used, and, in 66 cases, a digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was used. In each case, a postoperative Doppler ultrasound (DUS) examination was performed following the HBF. Good early results were achieved in 89.46%, and 154 errors (17.4%) were detected (85 were detected on the operating table, including 57 technical errors). Independent efficacy in error detection was proven with a postoperative Doppler examination (Aera Under Curve (AUC) = 0.89; criterion mid-graft peak systolic velocity (PSV) <24 cm/s, p = 0.00001) and hydrostatic bypass flow (AUC = 0.71, criterion HBF < 53 mL/min, p = 0.00001) during surgery. The hydrostatic bypass flow technique is an effective intraoperative screening method in bypass surgery. Algorithmic use of HBF, DSA if needed, and DUS postoperatively improves the outcome. HBF sufficiently reduced the need for on-table angiography.

The Effect of Prophylactic Adnexectomy on the Quality of Life and Psychosocial Functioning of Women with the BRCA1/BRCA2 Mutations.

The main purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) on the quality of life (QoL) and psychosocial functioning of patients with the BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations. This survey-based study was conducted using the Blatt-Kupperman Index, the Women's Health Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the authors' questionnaire. All calculations were done using Statistica 13.3. The QoL after RRSO was statistically significantly lower in most domains compared with the state before surgery. The greatest decline in the QoL was observed in the vasomotor symptoms domain (d = 0.953) and the smallest in the memory/concentration domain (d = 0.167). We observed a statistically significant decrease in the level of anxiety as a state (d = 0.381), as well as a statistically significant increase in the severity of climacteric symptoms (d = 0.315) and depressive symptoms (d = 0.125). Prophylactic surgeries of the reproductive organs have a negative effect on the QoL and psychosocial functioning of women with the BRCA1/2 mutations, as they increase the severity of depressive and climacteric symptoms. At the same time, these surgeries reduce anxiety as a state, which may be associated with the elimination of cancerophobia.

Fatty Acid Profile of Postmenopausal Women Receiving, and Not Receiving, Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Menopause, the permanent cessation of the menstrual cycle, marks the end of a woman's reproductive lifespan. Menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT) can potentially skew the fatty acid profile increasing the risk for developing metabolic diseases and disorders of skeletal, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the fatty acid profile of postmenopausal women receiving, and not receiving, hormone replacement therapy. A total of 156 healthy women with a mean age of 60 participated in this cross-sectional study. Gas chromatography with an Agilent Technologies 7890A GC system was used to determine fatty acid content. Statistical analysis was conducted using R software, version 3.4.1. Women receiving MHT had significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of C14:0 and C16:0. MHT was found to be associated with a tendency (p = 0.053) to diminish concentrations of C18:1n-9, C20:4, and all unsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.05). The longer MHT was used, the higher the concentration of C24:1 (p = 0.04) and the lower the concentration of C18:2n-6 (p = 0.03).

External Validation Of The Surgical Mortality Probability Model (S-MPM) In Patients Undergoing Non-Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative risk assessment is a key issue in the process of patient preparation for surgery and the control of quality improvement in health care and certification programs. Hence, there is a need for a prognostic tool, whose usefulness can be assessed only after validation in the center other than the home one. The aim of the study was to validate the Surgical Mortality Probability Model (S-MPM) for detecting deaths and complications in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery and to assess its suitability for various surgical disciplines. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 38,555 adult patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery in a single center in 2012-2015. The observation period concerned in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality for the total population was 0.89%. Mortality in the S-MPM I class amounted to 0.26%, S-MPM II 2.51%, and in the S-MPM III class 22.14%. This result was in line with those obtained by the authors. The discriminatory power for in-hospital mortality was good (area under curve (AUC) = 0.852, 95% CI: 0.834-0.869, p = 0.0000). The scale was the most accurate in general surgery (AUC = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.858-0.922) and trauma (AUC = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.87-0.915). In the logistic regression analysis, the scale showed a perfect fit/goodness of fit in the cross-validation method (v-fold cross-validation): Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) = 7.945; p = 0.159. This result was confirmed by the traditional derivation and validation data set method (1:3; 9712 vs 22.748 cases): HL test = 3.073 (p = 0.546) in the teaching derivation data set and 10.77 (p = 0.029) in the test sample (validation data set). CONCLUSION: The S-MPM scale by Glance et al has proven to be a useful tool to assess the risk of in-hospital death and can be taken into account when considering treatment indications, patient information, planning post-operative care, and quality control.

The influence of the TNFα rs1800629 polymorphism on some inflammatory biomarkers in 45-60-year-old women with metabolic syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: There are reports that the TNFα gene (rs1800629) can be involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome through an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, we have decided to search for the relationship between the TNFα gene polymorphisms and serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6, TNFα, IFNγ) and CRP in women with metabolic syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 416 women aged 45-60 years, including 118 with metabolic syndrome. The participants were surveyed and subjected to anthropometric, biochemical and genetic analysis. RESULTS: We noticed that in the group meeting the criteria for metabolic syndrome, the G/G genotype of the TNFα gene was related to higher IL-6 levels than in the remainder group. The carriers of the A/G genotype in the metabolic syndrome group had significantly higher levels of IFNγ than those in the group without this syndrome. CRP was significantly higher in the group with metabolic syndrome, irrespective of the women's genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: The upregulation of IFNγ and IL-6 and CRP suggests that autoinflammatory process may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. However, a direct relationship between the TNFα gene polymorphisms and inflammatory biomarkers analyzed in our study was not confirmed.

Influence of cigarette smoking on hormone and lipid metabolism in women in late reproductive stage.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to analyze lipid and hormone metabolism, body mass index (BMI), and age parameters in late reproductive stage women in relation to cigarette smoking. METHODS: The study enrolled 345 healthy late reproductive stage women living in Poland; 13.33% were smokers. The first part of the study assessed lipid metabolism (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], and triglycerides) and hormone metabolism (estradiol [E2], follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], and anti-Müllerian hormone [AMH] levels) in women in the early phase of the follicular menstrual cycle. The second part of study was carried out using the diagnostic survey method, with a standardized questionnaire (Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders [PRIME-MD]) and the authors' own research tools. RESULTS: The women were aged 42.3±4.5 years (mean ± SD). The BMI (24.8±4.04 kg/m2) did not differ significantly between the groups. The women who smoked cigarettes had a statistically significantly (p<0.05) lower level of HDL as well as higher LDL and triglyceride levels (p<0.05). Differences were also shown in hormone levels: non-smoking participants had statistically significantly higher levels of E2 and FSH (p<0.05). In the group of non-smoking women, age was a predictor exerting a significant positive impact on the levels of total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and AMH (p<0.05). BMI contributed to a decline in HDL and triglyceride levels. In the group of smoking women, age significantly positively influenced the level of E2, and negatively influenced AMH. BMI was associated with a significant decrease in the HDL level. CONCLUSION: Smoking cigarettes affects the physical health of women in late reproductive stage through negative influences on lipid and hormone metabolism, among other factors. Age is an unmodifiable factor adversely affecting both lipids and hormones. Higher BMI has a negative influence on lipid metabolism in both groups of women in this study.

Association between depression, parameters of adiposity and genetic polymorphisms of pro-inflammatory cytokines: IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2 and IL-6 in subjects over 55 years old.

BACKGROUND: During the last few decades, adiposity has become a relatively common phenomenon worldwide. The available data on the effects of pro-inflammatory factors in both depression and adiposity has been attracting great attention. AIM: We sought to assess the prevalence of -889C>T IL-1α, -31T>C and -511C>T IL-1ß, -330T>G IL-2 and -174G>C IL-6 genes and their association with adiposity and depression in Polish subjects. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted in 2013/2014, covering a sample of 297 individuals (217 female and 80 male). Anthropometric data was handled using the BIA analysis method, while for genotyping PCR-RFLP techniques were used. RESULTS: A positive correlation between depression and anthropometric parameters: adipose tissue (in kg) and adipose tissue (in %) (R=0.135 and p=0.02, R=0.114 and p<0.05, respectively) was found. No association between studied polymorphisms and depression was observed. CONCLUSION: Although it was not possible to demonstrate any influence of the studied polymorphisms as the genetic modulator of depression, authors believe that the presented data are noticeable and may provide the basis for future studies on larger groups.

Effects of substances on serum zinc levels in postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: Demographic facts and forecasts about lengthening life expectancy motivate to systematize the knowledge of health problems experienced by women at the age of 50 and older. It refers to the whole health policy including health economics. Longer female life spans cause that an increasing number of women suffer from health problems associated with the perimenopausal period, and become health care recipients. Also a shift of retirement age is the reason to take interdisciplinary actions for women's health and quality of life. This study describes a decline in the levels of many bioelements in hair, urine and blood serum, which progresses with age. It not only correlates with a decrease in the synthesis and secretion of estrogen, but also environmental pollution, unhealthy lifestyle and the use of substances. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between serum zinc levels in postmenopausal women and such variables as the use of substances (cigarettes, alcohol) and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Material and method: The study was conducted among 152 healthy women being 1-16 years after menopause. The women were divided into study group (MHT users) and control group (MHT non-users). A sub-division criterion was the use of substances (cigarettes, alcohol). Serum zinc levels were determined in all women. Results: The use of substances significantly contributed to the lowering of serum zinc levels in postmenopausal women. MHT users had statistically higher average zinc levels in blood serum, which referred both to smokers and consumers of alcohol and those who did not use these substances. CONCLUSIONS: (1) The use-of substances (cigarettes, alcohol) contributes to the lowering of zinc levels in blood serum. (2) MHT positively affects serum zinc levels in postmenopausal women regardless of whether they use substances (cigarettes, alcohol) or not.

The 5HTT and MAO-A polymorphisms associate with depressive mood and climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the 44-bp polymorphism in the 5HTTLPR (SLC 6A4) (serotonin-transporter-linked polymorphic region, solute carrier family 6 member 4) promoter region and the 30-bpVNTR (variable number of tandem repeats) polymorphism in the MAO-A (monoamine oxidase A) promoter region on the prevalence of depressive mood and the severity of climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 630 women from northern Poland who had their last menstrual period at least one year before the study. The women did not abuse alcohol or cigarettes, had not been diagnosed as having endocrinological, cancerous or mental diseases, and had not received psychiatric treatment by the time. This survey-based study was performed using the following research instruments: the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), to evaluate depressive symptoms, and the Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index, to measure the severity of climacteric symptoms. RESULTS: The average age of the women was 57.5 ± 6.4 years. Depressive symptoms of different severity according to the BDI were diagnosed in 29.2% of the women (minor-18.6%, moderate-7.1%, severe-3.5%) and according to the Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index were diagnosed in 42% of the women (minor-24.1%, moderate-9.2%, severe-8.7%). Allele 'l' was significantly more common in the women without climacteric symptoms than those with minor, moderate or severe climacteric complaints (p ≤ 0.05). There was a significant correlation between the severity of climacteric and depressive symptoms (p ≤ 0.05). The women who had severe climacteric symptoms also had more severe depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The 5HTTLPR gene polymorphism contributes to climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women. 2. The Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index is an instrument which can not only be used for the measurement of the severity of climacteric symptoms but also the early detection of perimenopausal women at the risk of developing depressive symptoms.

Effect of menopausal hormone therapy on the levels of magnesium, zinc, lead and cadmium in post-menopausal women.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The level of trace elements is extremely important for the maintenance of normal functioning of the human body. The risk of disturbance of their balance increases especially dynamically during the period of menopause. The objective of the study was the effect of MHT on the levels of bioelements (Mg and Zn) in blood plasma, and toxic metals (Pb and Cd) in the whole blood in postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study covered 323 women at postmenopausal age from the population of the West Pomeranian Region, in whom the levels of Mg, Zn, Pb and Cd were determined. The women were divided into two groups: study and control. The study group were 152 women who used menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). The control group were 171 women who did not use MHT, and had had their final menstrual period at least one year prior to inclusion in the study. The mean age of the women examined was 56±5. RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of the bioelements Mg, Zn were observed in women who used MHT, compared to the control group (p<0.05). The concentration of Pb in whole blood was significantly lower in the study than the control group: 16.09±7.33 µg/l and 20.18±9.01 µg/l, respectively. An elevated level of Cd in whole blood was found in both groups of women: 0.9±1.03 µg/l and 0.8±1.1 µg/l, respectively. It was noted that women who used MHT more frequently declared the presence of climacteric symptoms (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 1) Higher levels of Mg and Zn were found in blood plasma of women who used MHT. 2) The mean concentration of Cd in the blood of women in both groups was similar. 3) In women who use MHT the level of Pb in whole blood was lower, compared to the rest of the women.

[Psychosexual functioning of women after breast cancer therapy]. / Funkcjonowanie psychoseksualne kobiet po leczeniu raka sutka.

AIM: The study was to assess psychosexual functioning of women after breast cancer treatment, since this problem is very rarely discussed in Polish professional literature. METHODS: Our study involved 103 women after breast cancer treatment. The questionnaire was based on the Likert scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the authors' own questions. RESULTS: Some 52% of respondents were operated in 2002-2008; 93% had a radical mastectomy or a breast-sparing operation without reconstruction. About 71% accepted themselves before falling ill, and 65% regarded themselves as pretty. After surgery 57% felt attractive as sexual partners, 48.5% found it difficult to look at themselves naked, and 37.9% were embarrassed in their partners' presence. Some 26.21% of the women had a very good and 42.71% had a satisfactory sexual life before the disease. Following surgery, 54% did not notice any changes in their partners' behaviour, 14% avoided intimate situations, and 11% have not had sexual intercourse since the operation. CONCLUSIONS: In the relationships where sex was important, the quality of sexual intercourse improved. A factor which contributes to successful sexual life of a woman is her acceptance of her body and her feeling of attractiveness.