Investigating the Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Licorice Root to Prevent Ovariectomy-Mediated Complications.

Introduction: The importance of women's health and the quality of life after menopause is a critical issue. To prevent disability and menopause complications as well as avoid the side effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), in this study, licorice hydroalcoholic extract (Glycyrrhiza uralensis roots) was evaluated as a natural remedy. Methods: Seventy-two female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups: control group, Sham-operated group, Glycyrrhiza (Gly) 30% group, and ovariectomized group as well as two ovariectomized groups treated with Gly 10% and Gly 30%. Normal saline and different treatments were administered orally for 8 weeks. At the end of the study, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, estrogen, and progesterone levels in the ovariectomized rats were determined. Moreover, the stereological and histopathological changes in uterine tissue in all groups were determined. Phytochemical analyses were also performed to determine the total phenolic content and antioxidant potential of the extract. Result: The hydroalcoholic extract of licorice root exhibited considerable effect to improve calcium, estrogen, and progesterone levels in the ovariectomized rats. Also, hydroalcoholic extract of licorice root successfully decreases the amount of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level. The stereological and histopathological findings confirmed the therapeutic potential of this extract. The considerable effects of hydroalcoholic extract of licorice root could be due to high amounts of phytoestrogens with similar estrogen-like structures. Considerable total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were also seen in licorice root extract. Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extract of licorice root due to containing high amounts of phytoestrogens with similar chemical structures to estradiol notably improves biochemical parameters as well as stereological and histopathological markers of uterine tissues in ovariectomy rats, so it could be a potential agent for prevention and/or treatment as hormone replacement therapy in healthy middle-aged and/or older women.

Non-closure versus closure of peritoneum during cesarean section: a randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Adhesion bands are reported to be among the most common complications of gynecological surgery procedures. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of post-surgical adhesion among patients with closed or open peritoneal repair in the subsequent cesarean sections. METHODS: A prospective randomized trial was performed on 45 patients who underwent cesarean section during a 5-year period. Among these patients, 24 patients were operated on by closure of the peritoneum and 21 patients were operated on by the non-closure method. Overall, 31 patients had a second pregnancy and cesarean section within the time of the study. These patients were evaluated to determine if they had any adhesion between the omentum and abdominal wall or uterus or between the uterus and abdominal wall or rectus muscle. RESULTS: The two groups were similar to each other with regard to the causes of cesarean section. Seven cases of adhesions were diagnosed during subsequent cesarean sections among 13 patients (54%) with peritoneal non-closure, compared with 3 in 18 women (15%) with peritoneal closure (relative risk: 3.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.0-10.2). CONCLUSION: Closure of the peritoneum increases the operating time, but may decrease the risk of adhesions. The results of this study suggest that, during cesarean section, suture of the peritoneum may be a better option than leaving it unsutured.