NLRP3 concentration, oxidants, and antioxidants in plasma of endometriosis patients undergoing treatment with dienogest.

OBJECTIVE: NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) is a cytosolic multi-protein complex that induces inflammation and is negatively regulated by progesterone. Previous researches have reported abnormal induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and progesterone resistance in endometriosis (EM). Since progesterone regulates ROS level and, consequently, inflammation, our objective is to investigate whether dienogest (DNG) regulates NLRP3 and whether the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome by DNG in the blood plasma of patients with EM can affect oxidant and antioxidant markers. METHODS: Plasma samples were obtained from control and EM patients experiencing pain symptoms to measure the level of NLRP3, oxidants, and antioxidants. Subsequently, these patients were given oral DNG 2 mg/day for six months for drug treatment. After six months, plasma samples were collected from the patients for re-examination. RESULTS: The findings indicate that DNG reduced NLRP3 concentration and oxidant production while increasing antioxidant production in blood plasma. By reducing NLRP3, DNG was able to alleviate inflammation and pain caused by inflammation in EM patients. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the use of DNG in EM patients resulted in a decrease in NLRP3 concentration in the patient's plasma. Furthermore, this effect was enhanced by balancing oxidant/antioxidant levels, which may contribute to reducing inflammation associated with EM.

Does laparoscopic treatment of deep endometriosis improve sexual dysfunction.

Background: Endometriosis is one of the common gynecological problems during the reproductive years, affecting the quality of life, fertility, and sexual function of women. It is known that sexual dysfunction and quality of life are interrelated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of resection of endometriosis lesions via laparoscopic surgery on the improvement of sexual dysfunction in women with endometriosis. Methods: This clinical trial was performed on 30 patients with endometriosis. The Female Sexual Function Index, Endometriosis Health Profile-30, and Visual Analog Scale were completed for the patients before laparoscopic surgery and three, six, and 12 months after surgery. The results were examined and compared before and after the intervention using the ANOVA test. Results: The present results showed that the mean pain score of the patients (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and pelvic pain) was significant after laparoscopic surgery (P<0.005). The female sexual function improved after laparoscopic surgery compared to the preoperative phase, and changes in the domains of psychological stimulation, humidity, and sexual orgasm were significant (P<0.005). Moreover, the female quality of life scores increased in all dimensions compared to the preoperative phase, although these improvements were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The present results revealed that laparoscopic surgery is an effective treatment, leading to a considerable improvement in female sexual function.

Evaluation of expression of biomarkers of PLAGL1 (ZAC1), microRNA, and their non-coding RNAs in patients with endometriosis.

Since the PLAGL1 (ZAC1) gene is expressed in the human endometrium. It may be involved in the etiology of endometrial disorders by its abnormal regulation and expression. This study aimed to investigate the Zac1 gene and related microRNA and LncRNA and its alterations in patients with endometriosis. Blood plasma, ectopic (EC) and eutopic (EU) endometrial samples were gathered from 30 patients with endometriosis and 30 healthy fertile women, and the Q-PCR technique was used to determine the expression level of Zac1 mRNA and microRNAs (miR-1271-5p, hsa-miR-490-3pin) and LncRNAs (TONSL-AS1 TONSL, KCNQ1OT1 KCNQ1). According to the results, the Zac1 gene and KCNQ1OT1 KCNQ1, TONSL-AS1 TONSL LncRNA expression were significantly decreased in the endometriosis group versus the control group (P < 0.05). MiR-1271-5p and hsa-miR-490-3pin microRNA expression were significantly raised in the endometriosis group as opposed to the control group (P < 0.05). In summary, this research for the first time revealed that identifying Zac1 expression provides us with new indicators for evaluating endometriosis.

Surviving surgery; succumbing to pharmacotherapy: A case report underscoring the importance of PRN order clarification for patient safety.

"Pro re nata" (PRN) or "as needed" medicine administration and usage is a relatively neglected area in medication management (pharmacotherapy/pharmaceutical care) which contributes to error-prone use of medications and is unsafe for patients. In this case, we report the incident of diclofenac toxicity in a 51-year-old woman due to a prescription of 100 mg diclofenac suppositories PRN, or as needed, for postoperative pain control without explanation of the maximum daily dose (150 mg daily), which led to arbitrary consumption of 3 g of diclofenac over 5 days (600 mg daily) by the patient, and subsequent development of metabolic acidosis, acute kidney injury, and sudden cardiac arrest. The implementation of practical guidelines and training programs for health care workers to appropriately prescribe, dispense, and administer PRN medicines are necessary, and should at least include providing clarification for their indication, dose and frequency, as well as any cautionary instructions to ensure safe and effective use of such medicines.

Ovarian suspension loop: an assembled device for ovarian lifting and immobilization during laparoscopic cystectomy

The mobility and smooth surface of the ovaries can pose a challenge during laparoscopic cystectomy, with difficulties in manipulation and visualization. We describe assembling a device for ovarian lifting and immobilization that utilizes a nylon suture and a "scalp vein set" to create a loop. The loop can be passed into the pelvic cavity and then slid beneath the ovary, elevating and stabilizing it during surgery without the need to puncture the ovarian tissue or grabbing and damage the utero-ovarian infundibulopelvic ligaments. This device is inexpensive, and its components are easily accessible. This assembled device prevents repetitive falling of the ovary into the pelvic cavity, facilitates laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, and saves operative time.

Effect of sex education on sexual function and sexual quality of life in women with endometriosis: A quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a sex education program on sexual function and sexual quality of life in women with endometriosis. METHODS: In a quasi-experimental study, women with endometriosis who had undergone laparoscopic surgery were assigned to an intervention group (n = 36) or a control group (n = 36). The intervention group received a sex education program consisting of two sessions a week (90 min each) for two consecutive weeks; the control group received none. Both groups were followed for 12 weeks. Sexual function and sexual quality of life were assessed on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Sexual Quality of life-Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire before the intervention, as well as 8 and 12 weeks after the intervention. Outcomes were analyzed using Student t test, the χ2 test, Fisher exact test, and repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: The mean age of the study participants was 36.9 ± 5.7 years. The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of demographics and pre-intervention clinical characteristics. At the end of the study, sex education reduced female sexual dysfunction by 58.1% in the intervention group. The mean FSFI score increased significantly in the intervention group from pre-intervention to 8 and 12 weeks post-intervention compared with the scores in the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sex education appears to be a promising intervention for reducing sexual dysfunction and improving sexual function and sexual quality of life in women with endometriosis. Future studies should encompass longer periods of follow up to obtain further data on the efficacy of sex education in this setting.

Right-side inguinal canal endometriosis at ultrasound: A case report.

Background: The first case of inguinal endometriosis was described by Cullen. Endometriosis in the round ligament could be in the pelvic or inguinal area and is a rare disease occurring in 0.6% of women. Women with inguinal endometriosis have a painful inguinal mass during menstrual cycles and they mostly have a history of surgery. The right side is more commonly involved in inguinal endometriosis than the left side (90-94%). A history of gynecologic or abdominal surgery is common in women with inguinal endometriosis. Case presentation: In our case, a 39-yr-old virgin woman presented with localized pain in the right inguinal that had been present for 4 yr. She did not have any history of previous surgery, and abdominal ultrasonography showed a hypoechoic mass with minimal vascularity. Inguinal endometriosis was correctly diagnosed by two expert radiologists preoperatively, and she underwent laparoscopic surgery. Conclusion: Considering inguinal endometriosis in the differential diagnosis of women with inguinal masses is important, even if there is no history of gynecologic or abdominal surgery.

Hyaluronic acid gel application versus ovarian suspension for prevention of ovarian adhesions during laparoscopic surgery on endometrioma: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the effect of ovarian suspension and hyaluronic acid gel to prevent re-adhesions after laparoscopic endometrioma surgery. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted at Rasoul-e-Akram and Pars Hospitals, Tehran, Iran, 2016-18. Fifty patients with bilateral endometrioma and pelvic adhesions, the candidates of laparoscopic surgery, were included. In each patient, at the end of ovarian cystectomy and adhesiolysis, one of the ovaries was randomly sutured to the abdominal wall, and the HYAcorp Endogel covered the other; the adhesion rate was compared between the groups by ultrasonography, three-month after surgery. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 32.6 years. Presurgical variables were similar between right and left ovaries and the study groups (P > 0.05). Postsurgical ultrasonography showed that ovarian soft markers, including < 1/3 ovarian adhesions (minimal adhesions) in 80.5% of ovaries of the Endogel group and 35.5% of the ovarian suspension group (P < 0.001) with higher ovarian mobility in the Endogel group (65% vs. 22%) (P = 0.001). In addition, site-specific tenderness and ovarian fading margin were lower in the Endogel group (P < 0.001). Trial registration Clinical trial registry number: IRCT2015081723666N1, 12.19.2015, Date of registration: 01/02/2016; https://en.irct.ir/trial/20174?revision=20174 . Date and number of IRB: 2015, I.R.IUMS.REC.1394.24703. CONCLUSION: Hyaluronic acid gel can be more effective than ovarian suspension in preventing ovarian adhesions after laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis.

Treatment of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome in a Mouse Model by Cannabidiol, an Angiogenesis Pathway Inhibitor.

Studies suggest that ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can be treated by reducing the level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, due to the side effects of commercially available VEGF-reducing drugs, they can be ruled out as a suitable treatment for OHSS; therefore, researchers are looking for new medications to treat OHSS. This study is aimed at investigating the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in an OHSS model and to evaluate its efficacy in modulating the angiogenesis pathway and VEGF gene expression. For this purpose, 32 female mice were randomly divided into four groups (eight mice per group): control group, group 2 with OHSS induction, group 3 receiving 32 nmol of dimethyl sulfoxide after OHSS induction, and group 4 receiving 30 mg/kg of CBD after OHSS induction. The animals' body weight, ovarian weight, vascular permeability (VP), and ovarian follicle count were measured, and the levels of VEGF gene and protein expression in the peritoneal fluid were assessed. Based on the results, CBD decreased the body and ovarian weights, VP, and corpus luteum number compared to the OHSS group (p < 0.05). The peritoneal VEGF gene and protein expression levels reduced in the CBD group compared to the OHSS group (p < 0.05). Also, CBD caused OHSS alleviation by suppressing VEGF expression and VP. Overall, CBD downregulated VEGF gene expression and improved VP in OHSS.

The Blooming phenomenon: a rarity, but a dilemma in hysteroscopic resection of myomas

Modern surgical technologies allow gynecologists to treat most submucosal myomas hysteroscopically by some form of resection. What appears on imaging or direct visualization to be a submucosal myoma can be a single tumor, or may represent multiple smaller myomas appearing as one, compacted together in a typical pseudo capsule. During myoma resection, the effect of the media used to induce distension can vary, depending on the morphology of the myomas. After starting resection, the pressure of the distending media can push truly solitary myomas to somewhat flatten against the uterine wall. However, in the second type of myoma, the fluid can displace the myomas into the uterine cavity, an appearance similar to the blooming of a flower. The tip of the hysteroscope may enter the dissected spaces between the myomas, which impairs the panoramic view. This phenomenon may cause inadequate treatment of the myomas encountered during hysteroscopic myomectomy. In this study, the "Blooming phenomenon" is introduced, and the problems created by this phenomenon and solutions for its management are considered.

Babu and Magon uterine closure technique during cesarean section: A randomized double-blind trial.

AIM: We compared the effectiveness of the Babu and Magon uterine closure technique and unlocked double-layer uterine closure on the integrity and thickness of the uterine scar. METHODS: A randomized double-blind trial was performed at Hazrat-e Rasoul -e-Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from March 2018 to December 2019, in 72 pregnant women who were candidates for cesarean section for the first time. Women were randomly assigned to the Babu and Magon uterine closure technique (intervention group, n = 34) or double-layer closure of the uterine incision (control group, n = 38). The primary outcome of the study was the frequency of myometrial defects at the site of the scar (niche), and a large niche. Secondary outcomes, including the time taken for uterine closure and postpartum hemorrhage (early and late), were compared between groups. RESULTS: Adjacent myometrium thickness (AMT) between the two groups was not statistically significant. A niche was reported in 23.5% (8/34) and 50% (19/38) of women in the intervention and controls, respectively (p = 0.02). A large niche was reported in 2.9% (1/34) and 23.7% (9/38) of women in the intervention and controls, respectively (p < 0.01). The duration of uterine closure was not statistically significant between the two groups. Hemoglobin levels did not differ significantly between groups during the first 24 h post-surgery. CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that the technique of uterine closure is one of the main potential determinants of myometrial healing. The Babu and Magon uterine closure technique seems to lead to tissue alignment during suturing and consequently cause better myometrial healing, although this issue calls for well-founded longer studies of appropriate design.

Broad ligament pregnancy in the presence of an intrauterine contraceptive device: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal pregnancy though scarce is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Few cases till now have been diagnosed or managed by laparoscopy. CASE PRESENTATION: In this study, a case of an abdominal pregnancy in a woman with intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) in situ and a history of cesarean section is described. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Our case was a brief description of a broad ligament pregnancy as a subcategory of abdominal pregnancy .It was located medial to the pelvic sidewall, lateral to the uterus, inferior to the fallopian tube and superior to the pelvic floor. CONCLUSION: The pregnancy was in the location of the left broad ligament which was diagnosed on laparoscopic evaluation.

The effect of vitamin D supplementation on clinical symptoms and metabolic profiles in patients with endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: To our knowledge, data on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on clinical symptoms and metabolic profiles in patients with endometriosis are limited. This study was conducted to determine the effects of vitamin D supplementation on clinical symptoms and metabolic profiles in patients with endometriosis. METHODS: The current randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 60 patients (aged 18-40 years old) with endometriosis. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups (30 participants each group) to receive either 50,000 IU vitamin D or placebo each 2 weeks for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Vitamin D supplementation significantly decreased pelvic pain (ß - 1.12; 95% CI, -2.1, -0.09; p=.03) and total-/HDL-cholesterol ratio (ß - 0.29; 95% CI, -0.57, -0.008; p=.04) compared with the placebo. Moreover, vitamin D intake led to a significant reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (ß - 0.64 mg/L; 95% CI, -0.97, -0.30; p<.001) and a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (ß 47.54 mmol/L; 95% CI, 19.98, 75.11; p=.001) compared with the placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our study demonstrated that vitamin D intake in patients with endometriosis resulted in a significant improvement of pelvic pain, total-/HDL-cholesterol ratio, hs-CRP and TAC levels, but did not affect other clinical symptoms and metabolic profiles.

Uterine Isthmus Tourniquet during Abdominal Myomectomy: Support or Hazard? A Randomized Double-Blind Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A tourniquet has been suggested as a useful means of reducing massive hemorrhage during myomectomy. However, it is not clear whether the restricted perfusion affects the ovaries. In the present study, we examined the effect of a tourniquet on ovarian reserve and blood loss during myomectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized double-blind clinical trial, fertile nonobese patients scheduled for abdominal myomectomy at Rasool-e-Akram Hospital from February 2018 to June 2019 were randomized to a tourniquet (n = 46) or a non-tourniquet group (n = 35). Serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured before and 3 months after surgery, blood loss was recorded during surgery, and serum levels of hemoglobin (Hb) were recorded before surgery, 6 h and 3 days after surgery. SPSS version 21 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Demographic, obstetric, and myoma characteristics were similar in the 2 groups (p > 0.05). The mean baseline values of AMH and FSH did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). After surgery, only FSH was higher in the control group (p = 0.043). Despite the time taken to fasten and open the tourniquet, the mean operating time was shorter in the tourniquet group (p < 0.001). Blood loss was higher in the control group (p = 0.005). The drop in Hb levels at 6 h after surgery was higher in the non-tourniquet group (p = 0.002). Blood loss was significantly associated with the duration of surgery (r = 0.523, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of a tourniquet during abdominal myomectomy significantly reduced the mean volume of blood loss compared to the non-tourniquet group, while it did not prolong the duration of surgery, nor reduced the ovarian reserve. A tourniquet is a safe and efficient measure during abdominal myomectomy.

Ultrastructural Investigation of Pelvic Peritoneum in Patients With Chronic Pelvic Pain and Subtle Endometriosis in Association With Chromoendoscopy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pelvic peritoneum under chromoendoscopy by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as light microscopy with hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays in patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) associated with subtle endometriosis. DESIGN: Case series study (Canadian Task Force classification II). SETTING: A referral academic community tertiary medical center. PATIENTS: Three women aged 29 to 37 years were referred to the obstetrics and gynecology clinic of the tertiary university hospital with CPP. They were suspicious for endometriosis, were not responding to medical treatments, and had undergone previous pelvic laparoscopy to determine the stage of endometriosis and preparation of peritoneal samples under the guidance of staining with methylene blue in 0.25% dilution. INTERVENTIONS: Comparison of stained and unstained pelvic peritoneal samples after the instillation of 0.25% methylene blue into the pelvic cavity. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In 3 patients, laparoscopic examination showed minimal endometriosis. A total of 18 samples (9 stained and 9 unstained) from the 3 patients were prepared for SEM. Ten of the samples (55.6%) showed microstructural peritoneal destruction (7 of 9 stained [77.7%] and 3 of 9 [33.4%] unstained). Eighteen samples (9 stained and 9 unstained) from the 3 patients were also prepared for IHC. Six of these samples (33.3%) were S-100-positive, including 4 of 9 (44.4%) stained samples and 2 of 9 (22.2%) unstained samples. CONCLUSIONS: In general, in the context of CPP and endometriosis, there is no established relationship between the severity of pain and stage of endometriosis. In the pathophysiology of CPP associated with endometriosis, ultrastructural changes can play a significant role. Under methylene blue staining, some destroyed areas were detected, but the stained areas do not necessarily correlate with increased microstructural peritoneal destruction.

Cytotoxicity assessment of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on synthesized biodegradable Mg-Zn-Ca alloys.

Magnesium (Mg)-based alloys have been extensively considered as biodegradable implant materials for orthopedic surgery. Mg and its alloys are metallic biomaterials that can degrade in the body and promote new bone formation. In this study, the corrosion behavior and cytotoxicity of Mg-Zn-Ca alloys are evaluated with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs). Mg-2Zn and Mg-2Zn-xCa (x=1, 2 and 3wt.%) alloys were designated. Mg alloys were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy and potentiodynamic polarization. To understand the in-vitro biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of Mg-2Zn and Mg-2Zn-xCa alloys, ASCs were cultured for 24 and 72h in contact with 10%, 50% and 100% extraction of all alloys prepared in DMEM. Cell cytotoxicity and viability of ASCs were examined by MTT assay. Alloying elements including Zn and Ca improved the corrosion resistance of alloys were compared with pure Mg. The cytotoxicity results showed that all alloys had no significant adverse effects on cell viability in 24h. After 72h, cell viability and proliferation increased in the cells exposed to pure Mg and Mg-2Zn-1Ca extracts. The release of Mg, Zn and Ca ions in culture media had no toxic impacts on ASCs viability and proliferation. Mg-2Zn-1Ca alloy can be suggested as a good candidate to be used in biomedical applications.

Leiomyosarcoma of the Broad Ligament With Fever Presentation: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Leiomyosarcoma is a rare gynecologic malignancy that accounts for less than 1% of gynecological malignancies. Leiomyosarcoma of the broad ligament is an even rarer condition. According to Gardner's criteria, the diagnosis is made when the mass is completely separated from the uterus and adnexa. So far, 23 cases of primary leiomyosarcoma of the broad ligament have been reported in the literature published in English. CASE PRESENTATION: In September 2014, a 55-year-old, gravida 3, para 3 woman with a BMI of 30 and a chief complaint of fever and dizziness was admitted to the infectious-diseases ward of the Pars general hospital affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran. Her symptoms had begun two weeks before. The results of a fever workup and examination for infectious, metabolic, and immunologic problems were all negative. Imaging modalities revealed an endometrial polyp, two calcified myoma in the body of the uterus, and a solid, heterogeneous 70-mm mass in the right para-cervical space, posterior to the broad ligament, and far from the ovary. After surgery, a histologic report revealed leiomyosarcoma. CONCLUSIONS: Although a leiomyosarcoma of the broad ligament is rare, practitioners should consider it when dealing with masses in the region of the broad ligament. If there is any suspicion of malignancy, especially in the presence of fever, it is recommended to avoid morcellation during laparoscopy.