Evaluation of adipokines concentrations in plasma, peritoneal, and endometrioma fluids in women operated on for ovarian endometriosis.

Introduction: Some studies indicate the role of selected adipokines in the development of endometriosis. However, a comprehensive assessment of plasma, peritoneal, and endometrioma fluids adipokines concentrations in women with ovarian endometriosis has not yet been performed. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze plasma, peritoneal, and endometrioma fluids selected adipokines concentrations in women operated on for ovarian endometriosis. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional cohort study involved 56 women operated on for ovarian endometriosis. Body mass, height, and waist circumference were measured, and BMI was calculated. Plasma, peritoneal, and endometrioma fluids adiponectin, leptin, omentin resistin, RBP4, and visfatin/NAMPT were determined by ELISA. Results: The highest plasma levels of adiponectin, leptin, omentin, and RBP4 than in the endometrioma and peritoneal fluids were found, while levels of resistin and visfatin/NAMPT were significantly higher in endometrioma fluid than in plasma and peritoneal fluid. In addition, levels of visfatin/NAMPT were significantly higher in peritoneal fluid than in plasma. There were also positive correlations between leptin, RBP4, and adiponectin levels in endometrioma and peritoneal fluids (ρ = 0.28; p < 0.05; ρ = 0.31; p < 0.05; ρ= 0.32; p < 0.05, respectively). There were no associations between adipokines levels in plasma, endometrioma, and peritoneal fluids and endometriosis stage. Conclusion: Our results show that visfatin/NAMPT and resistin may be locally secreted in endometrioma related to inflammation regardless of the stage of endometriosis.

Quality of Sex Life in Intestinal Stoma Patients-A Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: Stoma surgery may reduce the quality of life, including sex life. A literature review was undertaken to explore what factors impact on the sexual health and sexuality of people with a stoma. METHODOLOGY: A review of the literature was undertaken using the online databases Cochrane, PsychInfo, Embase and Pubmed. The search was limited to articles on colostomates and ileostomates in the English language that were peer-reviewed and written in the past 5 years. RESULTS: Intestinal stoma surgery affects many aspects of a patient's life, including body image, relationship with a partner and quality of sex life. The introduction of perioperative educational programmes for patients qualified for ostomy surgery and their relatives will provide the necessary support in the face of physical and mental difficulties that may be associated with the procedure.

Pre and Postoperative Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Leriche Syndrome-A Prospective Pilot Study.

Background: Recovery of normal arterial inflow in the lower limbs after Leriche's syndrome surgery does not always improve erection. This study assesses the effects of Leriche syndrome on erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction in patients awaiting surgical treatment and the impact of treatment used on sexual dysfunctions. Methods: 35 men with Leriche syndrome aged 61.3 years (SD = 7.74) were assessed for erectile dysfunction. The patients were classified into three groups: aortofemoral bypass (group 1); stenting of the iliac artery (group 2) and aortobifemoral bypass (group 3). The patients were qualified for surgery based on the TASC II guidelines. Follow-up was done 3 months after treatment. Results: The mean preoperative IIEF-5 score was 14. 69 (+/- 5.30), with better preoperative scores obtained by 54.3% of patients. A total of 51.4% and 48.6% of patients, respectively, reported normal erection enabling satisfactory penetration and normal ejaculation before treatment. After surgical treatment, satisfactory erection was reported by 60% of all surgically treated patients, whereas the presence of ejaculation was reported by only 14.2% of patients. Conclusions: The IIEF-5 score is a tool for careful assessment of vascular erectile dysfunctions, it allows for the evaluation of erectile dysfunctions in relation to atherosclerosis risk factors. The treatment strategy used allowed for slight improvement as evidenced to erection but decreasing normal ejaculation.

Contact thermography - a modern method and its role in breast cancer prevention.

Breast cancer is one of the most common oncological conditions among Polish women and is a serious health, social, as well as economic problem. Knowledge of early cancer detection methods, risk factors and prevention methods are key issues in the fight against breast cancer in women. Introduction of modern technologies using contact thermography can be both practical and complementary diagnostic method in relation to mammography or ultrasonography of mammary gland.

Circulating omentin-1 levels and inflammation in polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyze interrelation between plasma omentin-1 levels and nutritional status and inflammation in PCOS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 86 PCOS (47 obese) and 72 Non-PCOS women (41 obese) determined anthropometric parameters and body composition. Serum glucose, insulin and omentin-1, TNF-α, sTNFRs, IL-6 and sR-IL6 were measured in the fasting state. RESULTS: Plasma omentin-1 levels were significantly lower in the PCOS than in the Non-PCOS group and both corresponding normal weight and obese subgroups. In three analyzed least-angle regression (LARS) models the lower plasma omentin- 1 levels was associated with PCOS occurrence, higher circulating TNF-α and lower IL-6 levels. CONCLUSIONS: Suppressed omentin-1 levels in PCOS are characteristic for this disturbance and proinflammatory cytokines are factors modifying secretion of this adipokine.

Circulating vaspin levels and nutritional status and insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the associations between circulating vaspin levels and nutritional status (assessed on tha basis of BMI) as well as insulin resistance in PCOS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-seven PCOS women, 48 obese and 39 normal weight, were enrolled in the cross-sectional study. Seventy-two Non-PCOS women, 41 obese and 31 normal weight, constituted a control group. Body mass, height and waist circumference as well as body composition by bioimpedance were measured. In the morning (16h after the last meal) we determined: serum glucose, insulin, androgens, gonadotropin (LH, FSH) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) as well as plasma vaspin levels. Standard HOMA-IR formula was used to assess insulin resistance (IR). RESULTS: Plasma vaspin levels were significantly lower in PCOS, both normal weight and obese, than in Non-PCOS groups. Vaspin levels were similar in normal weight and obese PCOS subgroups. There was no association between plasma vaspin levels and anthropometric parameters in PCOS group. While in Non-PCOS group a negative correlation between plasma vaspin levels and body mass (r = -0.26; p < 0.05) was found. We did not observe correlations between plasma vaspin levels and serum glucose and insulin concentrations as well as HOMA-IR values, however, in multivariable, stepwise backward regression waist circumference and HOMA-IR values explained 18.0% of plasma vaspin levels variability in the study subjects. CONCLUSIONS: PCOS occurrence is associated with decreased vaspin levels. The influence of nutritional status on vaspin level observed in Non-PCOS is abolished in PCOS women, possibly by more severe insulin resistance.

Analysis of Sexual Disorders in Men with Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treated by Stent-Graft or Prosthesis Implantation-A Pilot Study.

Background and objectives: Patients with obstruction or stenosis of the aorta and iliac arteries or with aortic aneurysm, often co-existing with iliac artery aneurysms, suffer from sexual disorders because of insufficient perfusion to the pelvic organs and penis. This is often the cause of visits to a medical doctor's office with reports of a difficult life situation and a problem with the satisfactory completion of sexual intercourse. A low percentage of vascular surgeons or angiologists are prepared to talk about issues related to the hereditary sphere with a patient who qualifies for the treatment of Leriche syndrome or abdominal aortic aneurysm. The aim of this study was to analyze sexual disorders in men with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm treated by stent-graft or prosthesis implantation. Material and methods, Outcomes: 38 patients who completed the IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile for Men) questionnaire are presented. Initially, 146 qualified for the study after meeting the study inclusion criteria for surgery (Group 1) or for endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (Group 2). Results: In the study, no negative impact of smoking was found; however, over 95% of respondents had been smoking for many years in both groups. Patients who qualified for vascular prosthesis implantation were subject to a more advanced atherosclerotic process involving the aorta and iliac arteries. Patients who qualified for stent-graft implantation were twice as often treated for coronary vessel stenosis. In Group 1, the percentage differences, as shown by questions 1 and 5, were statistically significant (58, i.e., 25%, and 40, i.e., 29%). Conclusions: Education should target medical personnel in terms of conversations with patients, as well as men who are directly affected by this problem, although their partners and families should not be neglected in these activities. The ability to communicate properly allows for an open dialogue on issues that the patient finds difficult, particularly in the field of sexology.

Body mass composition and dietary habits in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to assess differences in body composition between female participants in the study group who suffer from PCOS versus a healthy control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 85, 14-22-year-old, female participants. Participants belonged to one of two groups. Thirty seven participants with a diagnosis of PCOS were in the clinical group, and 48 participants were in the healthy control group with no prior diagnosis of PCOS. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference between groups was found in their answer regarding diet. A correlation was found between the body fat index and the use of dieting among participants; participants with a lower body fat index (in kilograms) were less likely to be on a diet. CONCLUSIONS: The young female participants with PCOS were shown to have similar body composition to age-matched healthy controls. However, the clinical group with PCOS reported more frequent use of dieting, with less use of exercise.

Circulating sclerostin levels in relation to nutritional status, sex hormones and selected bone turnover biochemical markers levels in peri- and postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVES: Hormonal changes during the peri- and postmenopausal age, especially decreasing estradiol levels as the result of the expired ovarian function, are an established link of the pathogenesis of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The objective of the study was to examine the association between the circulating sclerostin levels and nutritional status, sex hormones and selected bone markers turnover levels in peri- and postmenopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study enrolled 84 stable-body mass women (31 perimenopausal and 54 postmenopausal). Anthropometric measurements and serum estrone, testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA-S, osteocalcin, ß-CTx, 25-OHVitamin D and sclerostin levels were obtained. RESULTS: There were not any differences between body mass, BMI, body fat and waist circumference between the study groups. The serum androstenedione and DHEA-S levels were similar in both study groups. However, estrone and total testosterone levels were observed to be notably higher in the perimenopausal group, unlike in the postmenopausal group (124.1 pg/mL vs. 98.3 pg/mL, p < 0.01 and 0.3 pg/mL vs. 0.22 pg/mL, p < 0.01, respectively). Higher plasma osteocalcin and ß-CTx levels were shown in the postmenopausal rather than in the perimenopausal group (19.8 ng/mL vs. 16.8 ng/mL, p < 0.001 and 0.35 ng/mL vs. 0.29 ng/mL, p < 0.05, respectively). Plasma sclerostin and 25-OH-Vitamin D levels were similar. There was not any correlation between plasma sclerostin levels and the other studied parameters. In the multivariate regression analyses, sclerostin levels were proportional to the androstenedione ones (b = 0.06; p < 0.05) but inversely related to the log10(testosterone) levels (b = -0.18; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Circulating sclerostin levels are similar in peri- and postmenopausal women and are related to the androstenedione and testosterone levels regardless of the nutritional status.

Symptomatic uterine fibroids in pregnancy - wait or operate? Own experience.

OBJECTIVES: Uterine fibroids are one of the most common benign tumors of the female genital tract. The major complication of myomas in pregnancy is a recurrent pain, however the misscariage is the main threat. The negative impact of myomas on the course of pregnancy may also result in i.e. uterine bleeding, higher incidence of a maternal-fetal incommunicability, an incorrect position of the fetus and its deformities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patient aged 31 was admitted to Mother and Child Health Center in Zabrze due to the threatened miscarriage. The primigravid at 19 weeks' gestation was previously diagnosed with myoma. On admission the ultrasonography revealed one alive fetus in the uterus and a nodular change on the right side of the uterine fundus, 13 x 11 cm in size and non-homogenous echo. RESULTS: The patient was qualified to the conservative myomectomy. 11 days after the enucleation of 25 cm in diameter myoma, patient in good condition, with the maintained, alive foetus was discharged from the hospital. Patient at 34 weeks' gestation was re-admitted due to the beginning of uterine contraction. After one week of observation within the ward, with tocolytic drugs and steroids administered, at 35th week of pregnancy the patient gave birth to a live daughter via the Ceasarian section. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal myomectomy can be safely performed in the first and second trimester of pregnancy, however it is recommended to deliver the baby via Caesarean section, due to fear of intrauterine rupture of the uterus.

Is polycystic ovarian syndrome and insulin resistance associated with abnormal uterine bleeding in adolescents?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine if adolescents with juvenile bleeding had polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a group of 43 females aged 12-18 years, diagnosed with juvenile menorrhagia, and 37 healthy female adolescents aged 12-18 years. The study was conducted during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Menstrual cycle disturbances, acne and hirsutism were recorded. Ultrasound scan determining the condition of the ovaries was conducted. Laboratory tests of the glucose level, cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides fraction, DHEAS, FSH, LH, insulin, SHGB, total testosterone, androstenedione, and free testosterone have been established. RESULTS: The occurrence of regular menstrual cycles (30.23%, p = 0.006) was significantly lower in the juvenile bleeding group. Also, secondary amenorrhea was significantly more likely to be recognized in this group of females (p = 0.03). The concentration of FSH was considerably lower (p = 0.0002) in the group of adolescents with AUB. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) are often diagnosed with secondary amenorrhea, and PCOS. The group with a diagnosis of juvenile bleeding was also diagnosed with higher rates of insulin resistance.

High-grade serous ovarian cancer: the clone wars.

BACKGROUND: The last 5 years' studies using next-generation sequencing provided evidences that many types of solid tumors present spatial and temporal genetic heterogeneity and are composed of multiple populations of genetically distinct subclones that evolve over time following a pattern of branched evolution. The evolutionary nature of cancer has been proposed as the major contributor to drug resistance and treatment failure. In this review, we present the current state of knowledge about the clonal evolution of high-grade serous ovarian cancer and discuss the challenge that clonal evolution poses for efforts to achieve an optimal cancer control. METHODS: A systemic search of peer-reviewed articles published between August 2007 and October 2016 was performed using PUBMED and Google Scholar database. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Recent studies using next-generation sequencing have allowed us to look inside the evolutionary nature of high-grade serous ovarian cancer, which in the light of current evidence can explain the relapsing course of the disease frequently observed in the clinical practice. Since only minimal improvement in the survival of patients treated with standard therapy has been observed in the last decade, novel molecular targeted therapies are of great interest in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. However, both spatial and temporal intratumoral genetic heterogeneity is a major challenge for personalized medicine, and greater knowledge of the molecular rules that drive tumor evolution through space and time is required to achieve a long-term clinical benefit from personalized therapy.

Circulating Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels in Daughters of Women with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess whether circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in daughters of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOSd) correspond with clinical and biochemical features of hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovary morphology and menstrual cycle disturbances. METHODS: Menstrual cycle disturbances, hirsutism, acne and ultrasonographic ovarian morphology were assessed in 75 girls aged 13-18 years (35 PCOSd and 40 daughters of healthy women). Serum gonadotropins, androgens, sex hormone-binding globulin and plasma AMH were measured in a fasting state, and the free androgen index was calculated. RESULTS: A significant correlation between the AMH level and mean ovary volume was found (r = 0.36; p < 0.01). AMH levels were not related to hirsutism, acne and polycystic ovary morphology. Significantly higher AMH levels were found only in PCOSd with irregular menstruation or secondary amenorrhea. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that in that group for each 1-ng/ml increase in the AMH level, the odds ratio of the PCOS occurrence in the future was increased 1.27 times (95% CI: 1.09-1.47; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A higher AMH level in PCOSd is associated with menstrual cycle disturbances and larger ovarian volume but not with clinical and biochemical features of hyperandrogenism. Thus, the risk for PCOS development among genetically predisposed girls may be related to increased AMH levels.

Sexual function and depressive symptoms in young women with elevated macroprolactin content: a pilot study.

Elevated prolactin levels seem to be associated with impaired sexuality. The clinical significance of macroprolactinemia, associated with the predominance of high molecular mass circulating forms of prolactin, is still poorly understood. This study was aimed at investigating sexual function in young women with macroprolactinemia. The study enrolled 14 young women with macroprolactinemia, 14 with increased monomeric prolactin levels, as well as 14 age- and weight-matched healthy women. All patients completed a questionnaire evaluating female sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index-FSFI), as well as a questionnaire assessing the presence and severity of depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition-BDI-II). Apart from total prolactin levels and macroprolactin content, circulating levels of thyrotropin, total testosterone, and 17-ß estradiol were also measured. Patients with elevated monomeric prolactin levels had a lower total FSFI score, as well as lower scores for all domains: sexual desire, sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, and dyspareunia. These scores correlated with total and monomeric prolactin levels. In turn, women with macroprolactinemia were characterized by a lower score for sexual desire, and only this score correlated with total prolactin levels and macroprolactin content. The total score in the BDI-II questionnaire was higher in patients with hyper- and macroprolactinemia than in the control subjects. Contrary to multidimensional impairment of sexual function in women with elevated monomeric prolactin, macroprolactinemia only seems to disturb sexual desire.

Sexual Function and Depressive Symptoms in Young Women With Nonclassic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Women with classic forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) or polycystic ovary syndrome have been found to have impaired sexual function. AIM: This study investigated sexual activity in young women with nonclassic CAH (NC-CAH). METHODS: The study included 24 untreated women with NC-CAH and 24 age-matched healthy women. Plasma levels of free and total testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were measured. Hirsutism was evaluated according to the modified Ferriman-Gallwey score. Questionnaires assessing female sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index) and the presence and severity of depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory, Second Edition) were completed by each participant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sexual function and depressive symptoms in young women with NC-CAH. RESULTS: Women with NC-CAH presented increased plasma levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, total and free testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and higher hirsutism scores compared with healthy women. The study group also showed a lower total Female Sexual Function Index score and lower scores in four domains (sexual arousal, lubrication, sexual satisfaction, and dyspareunia). Scores for sexual desire and orgasm correlated with total hirsutism score and testosterone levels. The Beck Depression Inventory questionnaire showed that the total score was higher in women with NC-CAH than in healthy women, correlating with the hirsutism score and testosterone levels. CONCLUSION: The presence of NC-CAH in young women is associated with impaired sexual function and mild depressive symptoms.

Sexual function and depressive symptoms in young women with thyroid autoimmunity and subclinical hypothyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: The results of few studies conducted to date suggest an increased prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with thyroid disorders. DESIGN: The aim of this study was to compare female sexual function and depressive symptoms between women with autoimmune thyroid disease and with mild thyroid failure. PATIENTS: The study included four groups of young women: euthyroid women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (Group 1), women with nonautoimmune subclinical hypothyroidism (Group 2), women with autoimmune subclinical hypothyroidism (Group 3) and healthy euthyroid females without thyroid autoimmunity (Group 4). MEASUREMENTS: Beyond measuring serum hormone levels and thyroid antibody titres, all enrolled women completed questionnaires evaluating female sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index - FSFI) and the presence and severity of depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition - BDI-II). RESULTS: The mean total FSFI score was lower in women with autoimmune hypothyroidism than in the remaining groups of women, as well as lower in Groups 1 and 2 than in Group 4. Compared to Group 4, three domains (sexual desire, lubrication and sexual satisfaction) were lower in Group 1, four domains (desire, arousal, lubrication and dyspareunia) in Group 2 and all FSFI domain scores in Group 3. The total BDI-II score was higher in Groups 1 and 2 than in Group 4, as well as higher in Group 3 than in the other groups of women. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results suggest that both thyroid autoimmunity and mild thyroid failure, particularly if they occur together, may negatively affect female sexual function and depressive symptoms.

Coexistence of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome and Turner Syndrome: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Turner syndrome is a common chromosomal disorder, with an incidence of 1 in 2000 live-born female infants. Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH) affects 1 in 4500 female births and, rarely, it might be associated with gonadal dysgenesis. CASE: A 17-year-old girl was referred to our clinic with short stature and primary amenorrhea. The patient was diagnosed with Turner syndrome and underwent estrogen therapy. At the age of 24 years, just after the patient's sexual initiation, the first complete gynecological examination was performed. A blind-ending vagina was revealed and the patient was diagnosed with MRKH. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of coexistence of MRKH and Turner syndrome, although very difficult, might prevent patients from developing serious complications.

Lymphangiogenesis in cervical cancer evaluated by expression of the VEGF-C gene in clinical stage IB-IIIB.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the profile of VEGF-C gene expression in particular stages of cervical cancer (IB-IIIB) and to estimate the correlation between VEGF-C mRNA quantity profile and clinical stage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Material for molecular analysis consisted of cervical cancer tissue specimens collected from 38 women (10, 15, 13 cases were classified as IB, IIB and IIIB, respectively). The control group was composed of normal cervical tissues collected from 10 women who underwent hysterectomy for non-oncological reasons. The number of VEGF-C mRNA copies in particular groups was estimated by the reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method. RESULTS: In the control group the average number of mRNA copies was 134 ± 36 (median: 106), in a group with stage IB it was 16 077 ± 7090 (median: 580), for stage IIB - 35 019 ± 8945 (median: 40 870). The highest number of mRNA VEGF-C copies was derived in a group of patients with cervical cancer of stage IIIB. The average quantity was 56 155 ± 12 470, whereas median 55 981. A statistically significantly higher level of VEGF-C gene expression was disclosed in cervical cancer specimens with stage IIB and IIIB than in the control group. In stage IIIB, the VEGF-C gene expression was significantly higher than in specimens derived from individuals in stage IB. CONCLUSIONS: In squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix of stage IB-IIIB genes involved in lymphangiogenesis, especially VEGF-C, are expressed, which expression increases as the clinical stage of cervical cancer is higher.

Sexuality in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare sexual function and sexual response, attitude toward sexuality and relationships with sexual partners in women diagnosed with PCOS and healthy controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 73 women (aged 23-42 years) diagnosed with PCOS using the Rotterdam criteria and 45 healthy controls. All participants completed a questionnaire assessing socioepidemiological parameters and sexual behavior. Validated instruments were used to assess hirsutism (Ferriman-Gallwey Scale), mental health status (General Health Questionnaire 12 [GHQ 12]), sexuality (Sexuality Scale [SS], Sexual Awareness Questionnaire [SAQ], Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire [MSQ], Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire [MSSCQ]), and sexual function (Polish version of the Mell-Krat Scale [SFK/K Scale]). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the importance of sexual activity in both groups. Mean scores for the SFK/K Scale, SS, SAQ, MSQ, and MSSQ were similar among women with PCOS and controls, regardless of age. Similarly sexual needs and reactions were perceived in the same way by both groups. In contrast, women with PCOS rated themselves negatively as sexual partners more frequently than controls. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual function and sexual response, attitude toward sexuality as well as relationships with sexual partners were similar in PCOS subjects and healthy women. However, changes in physical appearance typically associated with PCOS result in deterioration of sexual function. Therefore, it is recommended that all PCOS patients should be referred to a sexual medicine specialist for consultation.

[VEGF--targeted therapy for the treatment of cervical cancer --literature review]. / Terapia celowana ukierunkowana na VEGF w leczeniu raka szyjki macicy--przeglad pismiennictwa.

Cervical cancer is the third most common malignancy and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. Advances in the knowledge about molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis have created opportunities for greater use of targeted therapies in contemporary oncology In view of the unsatisfactory results of advanced cervical cancer treatment and a well-documented role of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members in pathogenesis and progression of cervical cancer, the use of VEGF-targeted therapy in the treatment of cervical cancer offers interesting possibilities. The efficacy of bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody neutralizing VEGF-A in the treatment of cervical cancer was first suggested in 2006 by a small retrospective analysis and confirmed in several Phase II clinical trials. Preliminary results of the randomized phase III studies presented at this year's ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) conference shed new light on the role of VEGF-targeted therapy in the treatment of cervical cancer as they demonstrated that addition of bevacizumab to chemotherapy is associated with significantly improved overall survival in the group of patients with persistent, recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer.