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.

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.

Dietary Natural Compounds and Vitamins as Potential Cofactors in Uterine Fibroids Growth and Development.

An analysis of the literature generated within the past 20 year-span concerning risks of uterine fibroids (UFs) occurrence and dietary factors was carried out. A link between Vitamin D deficiency and UFs formation is strongly indicated, making it a potent compound in leiomyoma therapy. Analogs of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, not susceptible to degradation by tissue 24-hydroxylase, appear to be especially promising and tend to show better therapeutic results. Although research on the role of Vitamin A in the formation of fibroids is contradictory, Vitamin A-enriched diet, as well as synthetic retinoid analogues, may be preventative or limit the growth of fibroids. Unambiguous conclusions cannot be drawn regarding Vitamin E and C supplementation, except for alpha-tocopherol. Alpha-tocopherol as a phytoestrogen taking part in the modulation of estrogen receptors (ERs) involved in UF etiology, should be particularly avoided in therapy. A diet enriched in fruits and vegetables, as sources of carotenoids, polyphenols, quercetin, and indole-3-carbinol, constitutes an easily modifiable lifestyle element with beneficial results in patients with UFs. Other natural substances, such as curcumin, can reduce the oxidative stress and protect against inflammation in leiomyoma. Although the exact effect of probiotics on uterine fibroids has not yet been thoroughly evaluated at this point, the protective role of dairy products, i.e., yogurt consumption, has been indicated. Trace elements such as selenium can also contribute to antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of a recommended diet. In contrast, heavy metals, endocrine disrupting chemicals, cigarette smoking, and a diet low in antioxidants and fiber were, alongside genetic predispositions, associated with UFs formation.

Markers of Inflammation and Vascular Parameters in Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulator (Ulipristal Acetate)-Treated Uterine Fibroids.

The exact mechanism of selective progesterone receptor modulator action in leiomyoma still challenges researchers. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of ulipristal acetate (UPA) on immunoexpression of inflammatory markers and vascularization in fibroids. UPA-treated patients were divided into three groups: (1) good response (≥25% reduction in volume of fibroid), (2) weak response (insignificant volume reduction), (3) and no response to treatment (no decrease or increase in fibroid volume). The percentage of TGFß, IL6, IL10, CD117, and CD68-positive cells were significantly lower in the group with a good response to treatment vs. the control group. Moreover, the percentage of IL10 and CD68-positive cells in the group with a good response to treatment were also significantly lower compared to the no response group. Additionally, a significant decrease in the percentage of IL10-positive cells was found in the good response group vs. the weak response group. There were no statistical differences in the percentage of TNFα-positive cells and vessel parameters between all compared groups. The results of the study indicate that a good response to UPA treatment may be associated with a decrease of inflammatory markers, but it does not influence myoma vascularization.

Nutrition Strategy and Life Style in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-Narrative Review.

Here we present an extensive narrative review of the broadly understood modifications to the lifestyles of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The PubMed database was analyzed, combining PCOS entries with causes, diseases, diet supplementation, lifestyle, physical activity, and use of herbs. The metabolic pathways leading to disturbances in lipid, carbohydrate, and hormonal metabolism in targeted patients are described. The article refers to sleep disorders, changes in mental health parameters, and causes of oxidative stress and inflammation. These conditions consistently lead to the occurrence of severe diseases in patients suffering from diabetes, the fatty degeneration of internal organs, infertility, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, dysbiosis, and cancer. The modification of lifestyles, diet patterns and proper selection of nutrients, pharmacological and natural supplementation in the form of herbs, and physical activity have been proposed. The progress and consequences of PCOS are largely modifiable and depend on the patient's approach, although we have to take into account also the genetic determinants.

Evaluation of the Diagnostic Accuracy of the Interview and Physical Examination in the Diagnosis of Endometriosis as the Cause of Chronic Pelvic Pain.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pelvic pain affects approximately 15% of reproductive age women. It is mainly caused by adhesions (20-40%). Despite CPP being the main symptom of endometriosis, the disease is confirmed by laparoscopy only in 12-18% of cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of laparoscopy in women with CCP and to assess the sensitivity and specificity of elements of an interview and clinical examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 148 women with CPP. Each patient underwent laparoscopy. In laparoscopy, the presence of endometriosis and/or peritoneal adhesions was confirmed. Then, the sensitivity and specificity and the positive and negative predictive value of endometriosis symptoms or abnormalities in the gynecological examination were statistically calculated. RESULTS: After previous surgery, adhesions were found in almost half (47%) of patients. In patients without a history of surgery, adhesions were diagnosed in 6.34% of patients. Endometriosis without coexisting adhesions was more often diagnosed in women without previous surgery (34.9%), compared to 10.58% in the group with a history of surgery (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal adhesions are most common in women after pelvic surgery and with chronic ailments. The best results for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value in the diagnosis of endometriosis are found in women with irregular menstruations during which the pain increases. Laparoscopy still remains the primary diagnostic and therapeutic method for these women.

A Properly Balanced Reduction Diet and/or Supplementation Solve the Problem with the Deficiency of These Vitamins Soluble in Water in Patients with PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an increasingly common problem for women in the reproductive age throughout the entire world. A reduction diet with a low glycaemic index (GI) has proved to support the treatment of PCOS. The aim of the study was to analyse the influence of the diet on the level of vitamins soluble in water. The study included 55 women, 40 of which suffered from PCOS (identified by means of the Rotterdam Criteria) and 15 healthy women of the Caucasian race. The level of vitamins before and after the dietary intervention was measured. The diet was a reduction diet with a reduced glycaemic index (GI). Biochemical analyses were made on the basis of liquid chromatography-Infinity 1260 Binary liquid chromatography (LC) Agilent Technology. The level of vitamins in the serum was analysed together with the consumption before and after the dietary intervention. A higher level of vitamin C in the plasma was observed before and after the dietary intervention in the PCOS group in comparison to the control group despite the lower intake of this vitamin in the PCOS group. The remaining vitamins were at a comparable or lower level (B1, B3, B5, B6 and B12). After the dietary intervention, only B1 and B9 were at a clearly lower level (a trend of p = 0.093 and p = 0.085). A properly balanced reduction diet with reduced GI improves the supply of vitamins in women with PCOS. An additional recommendation should be the additional supplementation of B1, niacinamide and the combination of folates with inositol. The level of vitamin C in the plasma may not be a good marker of its supply in the PCOS group.

Markers of Cellular Proliferation, Apoptosis, Estrogen/Progesterone Receptor Expression and Fibrosis in Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulator (Ulipristal Acetate)-Treated Uterine Fibroids.

There appear to be very few data on the exact mechanisms of a selective progesterone receptor modulator action in myomas. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of ulipristal acetate (UPA) on fibroids, especially on estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) immunoexpression, proliferation, apoptosis and tissue fibrosis, and to compare the above parameters in untreated (surgical attention only) and UPA-treated leiomyomas. UPA-treated patients were divided into three groups: (1) good response (≥25% reduction in volume of fibroid), (2) weak response (insignificant volume reduction) and (3) no response to treatment (no decrease or increase in fibroid volume). The study observed a significant decrease in the percentage of collagen volume fraction and ER and PR immunoexpression in the good response group, in the percentage of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)- and Ki67-positive cells in the groups with good and weak reactions vs. control group; significantly higher apoptotic index (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells) in the good reaction group vs. control group. The results of the study indicate that a good response to UPA, manifested by a volume reduction of myoma, may be associated with a decrease in fibrosis, ER/PR and PCNA and Ki67 immunoexpression and an increase in cell apoptosis within the myoma.

[How to reduce the failure rate in surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence]. / Jak ograniczyc odsetek niepowodzen w operacyjnym leczeniu wysilkowego nietrzymania moczu.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common chronic diseases in women, occurring in all age groups. UI is found in 20-60% of the female population and is considered as a social disease. We use conservative and surgical methods to treat stress urinary incontinence. Conseravtive treatment is the first line therapy. In case of severe symptoms of SUI, in patients with urethral sphincter insufficiency and prolaps conservative treatment is not effective. Currently, the most common are used slings: TVT and TOT as well as Burch operations. Therapeutic success depends on many elements, such as proper qualification for surgery, proper pre and postoperative procedure, correct surgical technique and operator's experience. Pelvic ultrasound plays a major role in urogynecology both in qualification for surgery and in postoperative control.

[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.

Predictive Factors of Response to Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulator (Ulipristal Acetate) in the Pharmacological Treatment of Uterine Fibroids.

Background: Selective progesterone receptor modulator ulipristal acetate (UPA) is a drug used in management of symptomatic myomas. It was observed that the response to UPA treatment in uterine myomas varied amongst patients. An attempt was thus made at establishing predictive factors conducive to better reaction to treatment with UPA. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of UPA treatment in women with myomas, depending on pretreatment myomas' volume, number of myomas, age of patients, estrogenic status of women, and pretreatment blood flow in uterine arteries. Materials and methods: The study included patients with one to four myomas. The UPA treatment was a preparation stage for surgical treatment in all patients. The study group was divided into the subgroups according to pretreatment myomas' volume, number of myomas, age of patients, estrogenic status of women, and pretreatment blood flow in uterine arteries. Results: A better effect of reduction in size of myomas after UPA treatment was noted when pretreatment myomas' volume was lower than 30 cm3. A significant reduction in fibroids' size was observed after UPA therapy independently of the number of myomas and age of patients. A good response after the UPA therapy was observed when pretreatment estradiol concentration was below 50 pg/mL and when uterine artery resistance index (RI) was above 0.8. Conclusions: Our research demonstrates that treatment with ulipristal acetate is an efficient method in preoperative preparation of patients with uterine fibroids. The most important factor of positive response to UPA therapy is myoma volume. The number of myomas and patient's age do not interfere with effects of UPA therapy. Pretreatment estradiol concentration is significant, yet secondary for the effects of therapy. The UPA therapy has no impact on blood flow in the uterine arteries and no adverse influence on estradiol concentrations.

[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.

[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.

Cardiovascular system diseases in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome - the role of inflammation process in this pathology and possibility of early diagnosis and prevention.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disorder which affects 5-10% of women in reproductive age. PCOS is a cause of hyperandrogenism, menstrual disorders and infertility. The most common clinical symptoms are hirsutism, acne and obesity. Patients often suffer from metabolic disorders: insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, dislipidemia, leading to atherosclerosis and others irregularities of the metabolic syndrome. Patients are in the high risk group for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) development because of the metabolic abnormalities. Obesity is observed in 35-60% of women with PCOS. Lean women with PCOS are also exposed to a greater risk of glucose intolerance development and abnormalities in lipid profile than women without PCOS with comparable BMI. Adipocytes are the source of many compounds of the paracrine and endocrine activity. Some of them are also markers and mediators of inflammation. Increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines in blood can promote atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Markers: IL-18, TNF, IL-6 and hs-CRP are often elevated in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. An increase in inflammatory markers may be an early indicator of the risk of developing insulin resistance and atherosclerosis, and may become a useful prognostic and therapeutic tool for monitoring patients with PCOS: lean and those with overweight and obesity. Assessment of the concentrations of inflammatory markers may become a very useful test in evaluating the risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, long before their clinical manifestation. It will also allow for the appropriate prophylaxis.

[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.

Insulin resistance assessment in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome using different diagnostic criteria--impact of metformin treatment.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most frequent reasons for anovulation in infertile women. It can affect 5%-10% of women of reproductive age. One of the important factors associated with the typical clinical signs and hormonal disorders could be insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia. The primary objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of insulin resistance in PCOS women. The secondary objective was to evaluate changes in body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and insulin sensitivity after 3 months of metformin therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 68 patients were enrolled in the study. In all participants fasting and 2-h post-load glucose and insulin levels, WHR and BMI were evaluated before and after metformin (2 x 850 mg) therapy. Insulin resistance was assessed using G0/I0, G120/I120, and HOMA-IR indexes. RESULTS: Before the treatment, insulin resistance was observed in 26% patients according to HOMA-IR, and in 16% or 28% according to G0/I0 or G120/I120, respectively. Metformin therapy was associated with improvement in insulin sensitivity in HOMA-IR and G120/I120 defined insulin resistant patients. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of insulin resistant PCOS patients differed depending on the method applied. It is necessary to find a single most useful method to measure insulin resistance. Metformin treatment significantly improves insulin sensitivity in insulin resistant patients.

[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.

[Risk factors of pelvic organ prolapsed in women qualified to reconstructive surgery--the Polish multicenter study]. / Czynniki ryzyka defektów dna miednicy u kobiet zakwalifikowanych do operacji rekonstrukcyjnych--polskie badanie wieloosrodkowe.

AIM OF STUDY: To evaluate the prevalence rate of various pelvic floor disorders among patients treated in 8 academic centers in Poland due to pelvic organ prolapse (POP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 717 women scheduled for reconstructive surgery due to POP. Risk factors, functional abnormalities along with symptoms affecting quality of life, were assessed by means of disease specific questionnaire. The stage of the disease was assessed after gynecological examination using POP-Q score. RESULTS: The mean age of affected women with POP was 61,25 years (median 61), and mean BMI--27.62 (median--27.29). 80% of women were menopausal. Mean time of symptoms related to disease was 65,6 months; whereas the time relapsed from first doctor diagnosis of POP to hospital admission was 50.6 months. 97.4% affected women were multiparous. Only 1.21% women with POP were nulliparous. Family history of prolapse was found in 13.4% of patients, whereas familial positive history of urinary incontinence was 10%. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) among the analyzed group were as follows: frequency--almost 50%, urgency 32.2%, feeling of improper voiding -29,6% and voiding difficulty -17.7%. Functional disorders of lower bowel were found in 43% of patients and the most prevalent symptom was constipation (31%), followed by empting difficulty (12%), dyschesia (9%), and urge stool empting (7.7%). Cardiovascular diseases were found among 43% of respondents, whereas pulmonary diseases with chronic coughing were present in 20% of the analyzed population. Subjective POP symptoms reported by women were as follows: feeling of heaviness in lower abdomen--378%, perineal pain--27.8%, lumbosacral pain-34.2%, and abdominal pain--28.4%. Female sexual disorders were reported by 9,8% women and dyspareunia was found in 7.6% of responders. POP was the main reason for sexual abstinence only in 1 out of 10 patients. More than 30% of patients from the study group underwent previously pelvic surgery due to various reasons. POP related quality of life measured by VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) was 61.4 points (median--60). The most common finding during gynecological examination was cystocele--96.5%, followed by rectoenterocele--92.7%, and central defect--79%. Mean POP quantification was stage III in POP-Q scale. LUTS symptoms (urinary incontinence, urgency and voiding difficulties) were present among 81% of patients whereas lower gastrointestinal disorders (constipation, fecal incontinence, dyschesia) were found in 43% of women affected by POP. CONCLUSIONS: Mean delay time from objective POP diagnosis until decision concerning surgical treatment was more than 5 years. The most common risk factors associated with POP were: multiparity with vaginal deliveries, obesity and aging. The most common defect found among patients with POP was cystocele, followed by rectoenterocele and central defect however most patients presented with advanced combined defects.

Leptin concentrations in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome before and after met-formin treatment depending on insulin resistance, body mass index and androgen con-centrations--introductory report.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinological and metabolic disorder which may concern about 3-8% of women. Some PCOS women have the increased leptin concentration in blood serum. Leptin concentration is higher in patients with high body mass index (BMI) and impaired tissue sensitivity to insulin. The aim of this study was to determine leptin concentrations in PCOS patients before and after metformin treatment depending on BMI, insulin resistance calculated on the basis of the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) index, as well as concentrations of androgens: testosterone and androstendion. Such values as BMI, insulin resistance according to the HOMA index, and concentrations of androstendion, testosterone and leptin were determined in 35 patients with PCOS before and after 3-month metformin treatment administered in daily doses of 2 x 850 mg. Increased leptin levels before the therapy were observed in 91.3% (21 out of 23) of obese patients, in 75% (9 out of 12) non-obese patients, in 100% (8 patients) insulin resistance women, in 81.5% (22 out of 27) insulin sensitive patients, in 94.7% (18 out of 19) women with elevated androstendion concentration and in 75% (12 out of 16) with normal androstendion concentration, in 93.7% (15 out of 16) patients with increased testosterone concentration and in 78.9% (15 out of 19) patients with testosterone concentrations within the normal range. After treatment statistically significant decrease in leptin concentration was obtained in the patients with BMI

The bone mass density in postmenopausal women using hormonal replacement therapy in relation to polymorphism in vitamin D receptor and estrogen receptor genes.

UNLABELLED: The aims of the study were as follows: (1) To identify the differences in spinal body mass density (BMD) in relation to polymorphism in vitamin D receptor (VDR) and estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha) genes in untreated women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. (2) To assess the efficacy of treatment in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis in relation to polymorphism in VDR and ERalpha genes. (3) To find the estradiol concentration necessary to protect bone tissue in patients with a given polymorphism in VDR and ERalpha genes. METHODS: The study included 44 postmenopausal women with primary osteoporosis who used cyclic hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) for a year. The polymorphism of ERalpha and VDR genes were evaluated. We also determined the age, body mass index and spinal BMD before and after 12 months of administration the HRT. RESULTS: We found a significant spinal BMD increase, what is connected with ERalpha genotype and both VDR and ERalpha genes. There is no such a correlation observed in polymorphism of VDR gene. CONCLUSIONS: (1) There is no relationship between VDR and ERalpha genes polymorphism and the stage of osteoporosis related to the spinal BMD value before treatment. (2) The XX, PP or Bb markers or only X, P, B alleles are connected with a significant decrease of treatment efficacy. (3) Estradiol serum concentration before and during HRT is not dependent on the polymorphism of VDR and ERalpha genes.