Annual epidemiological and health insurance disease burden of hip osteoarthritis in Hungary based on nationwide data.

BACKGROUND: Health services utilization related to hip osteoarthritis imposes a significant burden on society and health care systems. Our aim was to analyse the epidemiological and health insurance disease burden of hip osteoarthritis in Hungary based on nationwide data. METHODS: Data were extracted from the nationwide financial database of the National Health Insurance Fund Administration (NHIFA) of Hungary for the year 2018. The analysed data included annual patient numbers, prevalence, and age-standardized prevalence per 100,000 population in outpatient care, health insurance costs calculated for age groups and sexes for all types of care. Patients with hip osteoarthritis were identified using code M16 of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), 10th revision. Age-standardised prevalence rates were calculated using the European Standard Population 2013 (ESP2013). RESULTS: Based on patient numbers of outpatient care, the prevalence per 100,000 among males was 1,483.7 patients (1.5%), among females 2,905.5 (2.9%), in total 2,226.2 patients (2.2%). The age-standardised prevalence was 1,734.8 (1.7%) for males and 2,594.8 (2.6%) for females per 100,000 population, for a total of 2,237.6 (2.2%). The prevalence per 100,000 population was higher for women in all age groups. In age group 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 + the overall prevalence was 0.2%, 0.8%, 2.7%, 5.0% and 7.7%, respectively, describing a continuously increasing trend. In 2018, the NHIFA spent 42.31 million EUR on the treatment of hip osteoarthritis. Hip osteoarthritis accounts for 1% of total nationwide health insurance expenditures. 36.8% of costs were attributed to the treatment of male patients, and 63.2% to female patients. Acute inpatient care, outpatient care and chronic and rehabilitation inpatient care were the main cost drivers, accounting for 62.7%, 14.6% and 8.2% of the total health care expenditure for men, and 51.0%, 20.0% and 11.2% for women, respectively. The average annual treatment cost per patient was 3,627 EUR for men and 4,194 EUR for women. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hip osteoarthritis was 1.96 times higher (the age-standardised prevalence was 1.5 times higher) in women compared to men. Acute inpatient care was the major cost driver in the treatment of hip osteoarthritis. The average annual treatment cost per patient was 15.6% higher for women compared to men.

Clinical Benefits of Decreased Photo-Oxidative Stress on Human Embryo Development.

OBJECTIVE: Early embryonic development is characterized by rapid cell division and gene activation, making the embryo extremely sensitive to environmental influences. Light exposure can affect embryonic development through a direct toxic effect on the embryo via the generation of reactive oxygen species. In a previous study, we demonstrated the positive effect of improved light-protected embryo culture conditions implemented in our laboratory. This study aimed to investigate the changes in human embryo development under light protection during the conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We tested the potential beneficial effect of light filters to reduce the risk of toxic effects of light. IVF outcomes were compared between two experimental conditions, light protection with red light filters versus no light protection as a control. RESULTS: Blastocyst development rate in IVF was significantly higher in the light-protected group than in the group treated under conventional conditions (46.6 vs. 26.7%). In the case of ICSI, we obtained a similar result (44.5 vs. 31.6%). The rate of cryopreservation with at least one embryo was higher in the light-protected phase (32.8%) than in the conventionally manipulated phase (26.8%). The abortion rate was also significantly lower during the light-protected period in IVF, resulting in a higher live birth rate. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of light protection to reduce the embryotoxic wavelengths of light in IVF centers may improve the blastocyst development rate and embryo quality while maintaining embryo safety.

Oxidative Stress in Assisted Reproductive Techniques, with a Focus on an Underestimated Risk Factor.

Based on current findings, the presence of oxidative stress has a significant impact on the quality of gametes and embryos when performing assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Unfortunately, in vitro manipulation of these cells exposes them to a higher level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The primary goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the development of oxidative stress in female and male reproductive systems, as well as in the case of the pre-implantation embryo and its environment. This review also focuses on the origins of ROS and the mechanisms of oxidative stress-induced damage during ART procedures. A well-known but underestimated hazard, light exposure-related photo-oxidation, is particularly concerning. The effect of oxidative stress on ART outcomes, as well as the various strategies for preventing it, are also discussed. We emphasize the role and significance of antioxidants and light protection including forms, functions, and mechanisms in the development of gametes and embryos in vivo and in vitro.

Disrupted Balance of the Oxidant-Antioxidant System in the Pathophysiology of Female Reproduction: Oxidative Stress and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes.

The significance of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of male reproductive processes has been closely studied in the last two decades. Recently, it has become clear that oxidative stress can lead to numerous pathological conditions during female reproductive processes as well, contributing to the development of endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and various forms of infertility. During pregnancy, physiological generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) occurs in association with several developmental processes including oocyte maturation and implantation. An overproduction of ROS can lead to disturbances in fetal development and increases the risk for missed abortion, intrauterine growth restriction, pre-eclampsia, premature delivery and gestational diabetes. Our review focuses on the etiological role of the disrupted oxidant-antioxidant system during human gestation as it relates to adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Thrombocytes and Platelet-Rich Plasma as Modulators of Reproduction and Fertility.

Thrombocytes play an essential role in hemostasis and thrombosis. Moreover, the controlled activation of thrombocytes is required in reproduction and fertility. The platelet-activating factor and the controlled activation of platelets have important roles in folliculogenesis, ovulation, placental development, implantation and embryo development. Activated platelets accumulate in the follicular vessels surrounding the follicle and, due to its released soluble molecules (factors, mediators, chemokines, cytokines, neurotransmitters), locally increase oocyte maturation and hormone secretion. Furthermore, activated platelets are involved in the pathogenesis of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and preeclampsia. Low-dose aspirin can prevent OHSS during ovulation induction, while intrauterine or intraovarian administration of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) increases the endometrium thickness and receptivity as well as oocyte maturation. Activated thrombocytes rapidly release the contents of intracellular granules and have multiple adhesion molecules and receptors on their surface. Considering the numerous homeostatic endocrine functions of thrombocytes, it is reasonable to suppose a platelet-associated regulatory system (PARS) in reproduction. Although we are far from a complete understanding of the regulatory processes, the results of PARS research and the therapeutic application of aspirin and PRP during in vitro fertilization are promising.

Utilizing Synergism between the Transverse Abdominal and Pelvic Floor Muscles at Different Postures in Nulliparous Women: A Randomized Case-Control Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of the pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training (PFM-T) in combination with transverse abdominal (TRA) muscle activation (cPFM-T) in female urinary incontinence. METHODS: We enrolled nulliparous women in supine (SUG) (n = 22), sitting (SIG) (n = 19), and control (COG) (n = 14) groups. We conducted an 8-week cPFM-T programme. We examined the effect of training on the parameters with the Kruskal-Wallis test, the pairwise comparisons with the Mann-Whitney U test, and the Wilcoxon rank test with the Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Before training, 15 participants reported occasional urinary leakage. After cPFM-T, 7 participants reported that urinary leakage had disappeared. Maximal isometric contraction of the PFMs until fatigue improved significantly in the SUG (p < 0.001) and SIG (p = 0.015) groups but not significantly in the COG group (p = 0.499). Holding time increased in the SUG (p = 0.972) and the SIG (p = 0.717) groups and decreased in the COG group (p = 0.132). The dynamic endurance of the PFM improved significantly in the SUG group (p < 0.001) but not in the SIG (p = 0.798) and the COG (p = 0.153) groups. The number of maximal fast contractions within 1 min increased in both the SUG (p < 0.001) and SIG (p = 0.813) groups and decreased in the COG group (p = 0.257). Relaxation improved significantly in the SIG group (p = 0.011). TRA mucle thickness increased in both training groups. CONCLUSION: Slow-twitch fibres of the PFM can be trained effectively with PFM-T in both the body positions.

The Role of L-Arginine-NO System in Female Reproduction: A Narrative Review.

Accumulating evidence are available on the involvement of l-arginine-nitric oxide (NO) system in complex biological processes and numerous clinical conditions. Particular attention was made to reveal the association of l-arginine and methylarginines to outcome measures of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). This review attempts to summarize the expression and function of the essential elements of this system with particular reference to the different stages of female reproduction. A literature search was performed on the PubMed and Google Scholar systems. Publications were selected for evaluation according to the results presented in the Abstract. The regulatory role of NO during the period of folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, fertilization, embryogenesis, implantation, placentation, pregnancy, and delivery was surveyed. The major aspects of cellular l-arginine uptake via cationic amino acid transporters (CATs), arginine catabolism by nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) to NO and l-citrulline and by arginase to ornithine, and polyamines are presented. The importance of NOS inhibition by methylated arginines and the redox-sensitive elements of the process of NO generation are also shown. The l-arginine-NO system plays a crucial role in all stages of female reproduction. Insufficiently low or excessively high rates of NO generation may have adverse influences on IVF outcome.

Expression of mRNAs for pro-and anti-apoptotic factors in granulosa cells and follicular fluid of women undergoing in vitro fertilization. A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: This observational clinical study evaluated the expression levels and predictive values of some apoptosis-related genes in granulosa cells (GCs) and follicular fluid (FF) of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS: GCs and FF were obtained at oocyte retrieval from 31 consecutive patients with heterogeneous infertility diagnosis (age: 34.3 ± 5.8 years, body mass index: 24.02 ± 3.12 kg/m2, duration of infertility: 4.2 ± 2.1 years). mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic (BAX, CASP3, CASP8) and anti-apoptotic (BCL2, AMH, AMHR, FSHR, LHR, CYP19A1) factors was determined by quantitative RT-PCR using ROCHE LightCycler 480. RESULTS: No significant difference in GC or FF mRNA expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic factors could be demonstrated between IVF patients with (9 patients) or without (22 patients) clinical pregnancy. Each transcript investigated was detected in FF, but their levels were markedly reduced and independent of those in GCs. The number of retrieved oocytes was positively associated with GC AMHR (r = 0.393, p = 0.029), but the day of embryo transfer was negatively associated with GC LHR (r = - 0.414, p = 0.020) and GC FSHR transcripts (r = - 0.535, p = 0.002). When pregnancy positive group was analysed separately the impact of apoptosis- related gene expressions on some selected measures of IVF success could be observed. Strong positive relationship was found between gene expression levels of pro- and anti-apoptotic factors in GCs. CONCLUSION: Our study provides only marginal evidences for the apoptosis dependence of IVF outcome and suggests that the apoptosis process induces adaptive increases of the anti-apoptotic gene expression to attenuate apoptosis and to protect cell survival.

Multicausal analysis on psychosocial and lifestyle factors among patients undergoing assisted reproductive therapy - with special regard to self-reported and objective measures of pre-treatment habitual physical activity.

BACKGROUND: National, regional and global trends in prevalence of infertility indicate its public health importance, however it effects various life dimensions of individuals and couples as well. Lifestyle habits may counteract with these factors. The aim of the study was the multicausal analysis of psychosocial and lifestyle factors undergoing assisted reproductive therapy (ART) with special regard to pre-treatment habitual physical activity (PA). METHODS: In a cross-sectional, observational cohort study on ART patients (N = 60, age 34.6 ± 5.2 years, BMI 24.2 ± 4.9 kg/m2) with follow up on outcome measures a detailed description was given on PA patterns (ActriGraph GT3X, GPAQ-H) and on general and infertility related distress (BDI-13, FPI). RESULTS: Respondents reported normal mood state (BDI-13) but moderately high infertility-related distress (FPI) in Social- and very high distress in Sexual Concern. It was revealed that time spent with recreational PA (RPA) could counteract with infertility-related distress (Social Concern R = -0.378, p = 0.013; Relationship Concern R = -0.365, p = 0.019). In the presence of clinical pregnancy GPAQ-H RPA MET was significantly higher (p = 0.048), in the non-pregnant group cumulative values and work-related PA were higher. Correlations could be found between RPA time and the number of oocytes (R = 0.315, p = 0.045), matured oocytes (R = 0.339, p = 0.030) and embryos (R = 0.294, p = 0.062) by women who reached at least 150 min RPA (GPAQ-H). Multivariate linear regression revealed that the number of oocytes was positively influenced by the GPAQ-H recreation MET (R2 = 0.367; F = 10.994, p = 0.004; B = 0.005, p = 0.004, B Constant = 4.604). Regarding the number of embryos (R2 = 0.757, F = 17.692, p < 0.001, B Constant = 1.342) positive relationship was found with GPAQ-H RPA MET (B = 0.004, p < 0.001) and negative with BMI (B = -0.167, p = 0.038). It was disclosed (R2 = 0.958, F = 408.479, p < 0.001) that higher Very Vigorous Activity (ActiGraph) was accompanied with higher hCG (B = 63.703, p ≤ 0.001). However, time spent with moderate PA (GPAQ-H) (B = 0.002, SE = 0.001, Wald = 3.944, p = 0.047, OR = 1.002) was significantly associated with live births. CONCLUSIONS: Amount of PA alone did not have a positive effect on outcome of ART. Type and intensity seemed to be more significant. Existing differences in response to infertility due to recreational PA suggest the importance of the development of a specific intervention. The robust overestimation of PA in self-reports highlights the need to improve physical literacy of women undergoing ART.

NGS-Based Application for Routine Non-Invasive Pre-Implantation Genetic Assessment in IVF.

Although non-invasive pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (NIPGT-A) is potentially appropriate to assess chromosomal ploidy of the embryo, practical application of it in a routine IVF centre have not been started in the absence of a recommendation. Our objective in this study was to provide a comprehensive workflow for a clinically applicable strategy for NIPGT-A based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology with the corresponding bioinformatic pipeline. In a retrospective study, we performed NGS on spent blastocyst culture media of Day 3 embryos fertilised with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with quality score on morphology assessment using the blank culture media as background control. Chromosomal abnormalities were identified by an optimised bioinformatics pipeline applying copy number variation (CNV) detecting algorithm. In this study, we demonstrate a comprehensive workflow covering both wet- and dry-lab procedures supporting a clinically applicable strategy for NIPGT-A that can be carried out within 48 h, which is critical for the same-cycle blastocyst transfer. The described integrated approach of non-invasive evaluation of embryonic DNA content of the culture media can potentially supplement existing pre-implantation genetic screening methods.

Key to Life: Physiological Role and Clinical Implications of Progesterone.

The most recent studies of progesterone research provide remarkable insights into the physiological role and clinical importance of this hormone. Although the name progesterone itself means "promoting gestation", this steroid hormone is far more than a gestational agent. Progesterone is recognized as a key physiological component of not only the menstrual cycle and pregnancy but also as an essential steroidogenic precursor of other gonadal and non-gonadal hormones such as aldosterone, cortisol, estradiol, and testosterone. Based on current findings, progesterone and novel progesterone-based drugs have many important functions, including contraception, treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, immune response, and prevention of cancer. Considering the above, reproduction and life are not possible without progesterone; thus, a better understanding of this essential molecule could enable safe and effective use of this hormone in many clinical conditions.

How to Reduce the Potential Harmful Effects of Light on Blastocyst Development during IVF.

PURPOSE: Earlier findings revealed the damaging effect of visible light on zygotes and gametes. The aim of our study is to eliminate or significantly reduce the potentially harmful effects of light exposure during in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and to investigate the effect of light protection on embryo development and implantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To protect sperm cells, oocytes, and embryos from the potential harmful effects of light exposure during laboratory procedures, we created a dark environment for the cells and applied red filters on laboratory lamps and UV or infrared filters in the microscopes in order to eliminate white light exposure of the cells throughout all work stages. RESULTS: The fertilization rate was significantly (p = 0.011) higher in light-protected ICSI cycles. Blastocyst development rates (blastocyst/embryo) were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in light-protected embryos than in those manipulated in conventional light conditions both in IVF (20.9% difference) and ICSI (38.6% difference). Numbers of clinical pregnancies/transfers of ICSI fertilized day 5 blastocysts were also significantly (p = 0.040) higher in light-protected conditions. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that light protection has a positive effect on fertilization rate and increases the blastocyst development as well as the number of clinical pregnancies/transfers. Implementation of this light protection method in IVF centers may improve the success rate while maintaining maximal embryo safety.

Follicular fluid progesterone concentration is associated with fertilization outcome after IVF: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Follicular fluid is a key biochemical environment for oocyte development. The potential effect of follicular progesterone level on successful fertilization is a subject of debate, and so the aim of this study was to provide a summary of the currently available evidence on the association between follicular fluid progesterone level and fertilization outcome. To do so, a systematic review and a meta-analysis were performed, with the literature searches being conducted in three databases (PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library) to identify all relevant studies published up to 19 August 2017. Data were available from 13 studies (four intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI] and nine conventional IVF) and 1009 individually aspirated follicular fluid samples were included in the analysis. The progesterone levels in follicular fluid were significantly higher in normal fertilization than in failed fertilization, both in conventional IVF (33% difference, P < 0.001) and ICSI (34% difference, P = 0.004). Although these data show that fertilized oocytes are derived from follicles with higher levels of progesterone, the results must be interpreted with caution, because of various progesterone measurement methods and different treatment protocols and it is too early to state that follicular fluid progesterone level could be considered as a marker for oocyte quality.

[Multimodal treatment of malignant mixed Müllerian tumor]. / Malignus kevert Müller-cso-eredetu tumor komplex kezelése.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic factors and treatment options of a very rare and highly aggressive type of uterine neoplasms, the malignant mixed Müllerian tumor, known as carcinosarcoma. METHOD: Between 2009 and 2017, 29 patients were treated with malignant mixed Müllerian tumor. At stage I, surgery and postoperative radiotherapy were performed. At stages II-IV, trimodal treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy) was administered. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 68.51 (49-90) years, mean body mass index was 30.22 (20.90-37.22). We have experienced recurrence of disease after complete resection in 6 cases (4 of 6 patients did not accept radiation therapy). Local recurrence has occurred after an average 15.52 (6-36) months, distant metastasis with an average 19.2 (8-32) months. Overall survival was 11.92 (1-75) months. Six patients are free of tumours at the moment. CONCLUSIONS: As overall survival has not increased in recent decades by using combined chemotherapy, there is no congruent consensus associated with the optimal treatment. The standard surgical treatment is total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy, although due to high rates of recurrence and metastases, the necessity of lymphadenectomy and postoperative treatment is in the focus of recent studies. Though postoperative irradiation improves local control, the beneficial effect on overall survival is still not proven. Adjuvant chemotherapy decreases the rate of both pelvic and extrapelvic recurrence at the same time, although there is no recommendation for the optimal chemoterapeutic agent. Multimodal therapy should lead to better outcomes. Recently there are many ongoing studies with biologic and target therapies to improve efficiency, however, the relevant results will be disclosed in many years only, due to the small number of patients. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(19): 741-7747.

Local upregulation of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 ion channels in rectosigmoid deep infiltrating endometriosis.

Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) expressed mainly by primary sensory neurons function as major nociceptive integrators. They are also present on the rat endometrium in an oestrogen-regulated manner. TRPV1 is upregulated in peritoneal and ovarian endometriosis patients, but there is no information about TRPA1 and their pathophysiological significances. In this study, patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery were investigated: severe dysmenorrhoea due to rectosigmoid deep infiltrating endometriosis ( n = 15), uterine fibroid-induced moderate dysmenorrhoea ( n = 7) and tubal infertility with no pain ( n = 6). TRPA1 and TRPV1 mRNA and protein expressions were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry from the endometrium samples taken by curettage. Results were correlated with the clinical characteristics including pain intensity. TRPA1 and TRPV1 receptors were expressed in the healthy human endometrium at mRNA and protein levels. Sparse, scattered cytoplasmic TRPA1 and TRPV1 immunopositivities were found in the stroma and epithelial layers. We detected upregulated mRNA levels in deep infiltrating endometriosis lesions, and TRPV1 gene expression was also elevated in autocontrol endometrium of deep infiltrating endometriosis patients. Histological scoring revealed significant TRPA1 and TRPV1 difference between deep infiltrating endometriosis stroma and epithelium, and in deep infiltrating endometriosis epithelium compared to control samples. Besides, we measured elevated stromal TRPV1 immunopositivity in deep infiltrating endometriosis. Stromal TRPA1 and TRPV1 immunoreactivities strongly correlated with dysmenorrhoea severity, as well TRPV1 expression on ectopic epithelial cells and macrophages with dyspareunia. Epithelial TRPA1 and stromal TRPV1 immunopositivity also positively correlated with dyschezia severity. We provide the first evidence for the presence of non-neuronal TRPA1 receptor in the healthy human endometrium and confirm the expression of TRPV1 channels. Their upregulations in rectosigmoid deep infiltrating endometriosis lesions and correlations with pain intensity suggest potential roles in pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease.

[Prevalence, potential risk factors and sequelae of diastasis recti abdominis]. / A rectus diastasis prevalenciája, lehetséges rizikófaktorai és szövodményei.

INTRODUCTION: There is scant knowledge on diastasis recti which occurs mostly in 3rd trimester of pregnancy. AIM: Our aim was to assign the prevalence of diastasis recti and the possible risk factors and to investigate its association with some chronical diseases, like low back pain and urinary incontinence. METHOD: 200 women's interrectus distance was measured who filled out a self-made diastasis recti questionnaire, the SF-36, Oswestry Disability Index and the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire - Urinary Incontinence Short Form questionnaires. RESULTS: Prevalence of the condition was 46.5%. In case of risk factors, relationship between number of deliveries and interrectus distance was significant. We found a significant difference in quality of life, in presence of low back pain and urinary incontinence between the normal and the abnormal group. CONCLUSIONS: In line with the literature we found, that diastasis recti can predispose on serious sequelae, hence on decreased quality of life. Orv. Hetil., 2017, 158(12), 454-460.

The effect of physical exercise on arterial stiffness parameters in young sportsmen.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effect of single-bout exercise on aortic stiffness parameters in young basketball players. METHOD AND RESULTS: A total of 108 young male subjects (mean age 14.2 ± 3.4 years) were enrolled into the study. Simultaneous measure- ment of aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao) and augmentation index (Alxao) were performed with the oscillometric, occlusive device. Echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function at rest were also measured in sportsmen. We did not find significant differences of resting PWVao in comparison with young sportsmen (S) and age-matched healthy volunteers (V): 5.82 ± 0.14 m/s vs 5.83 ± 0.12 m/s for S and V groups, respectively. The values of PWVao measured after dynamic exercise, isometric exercise, and rest were 8.0 ± 0.5 m/s, 5.86 ± 0.1 m/s and 5.82 ± 0.1 m/s, respectively. We confirmed that values after dynamic exercise are significantly different from those after isometric exercise (P < 0.01) and those after rest (P < 0.01). The Alxao values exhibited a considerable, but statistically non-significant, decrease during dynamic exercise in the three groups (11.7 ± 7% vs 3.8 ± 3% vs- 0.9 ± 0.9% for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). CONCLUSION: We applied a feasible, clinically useful method which allowed us to measure changes in aortic PWV and Alx during acute, single-bout exercise on the basketball court in young sportsmen.

Serum and follicular fluid fetuin-A in women undergoing in vitro fertilization.

BACKGROUNDS: This case-control study was designed to assess the possible role of fetuin-A, a multifunctional protein, in reproductive processes of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS: Paired serum and follicular fluid (FF) samples were obtained from 35 unselected patients who received IVF treatment. Their main clinical chartacteristics: age 35.2±5.4 years, BMI 22.9±2.8, duration of infertility 3.2±2.0 years, gonadotropin administered 1199.4±202.3 IU, and estradiol level on day 6 of stimulation 1827±1342 pmol/L. In total 25 healthy women of similar age admitted for minor elective surgery served as controls for serum analysis. Fetuin-A and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured in serum and FF by using commercially available ELISA kits and turbidimetric immunoassay, respectively. RESULTS: Serum fetuin-A levels of patients participating IVF are markedly elevated when compared to those of healthy women (1.30±0.58 g/L vs. 0.55±0.09 g/L, p<0.000). Fetuin-A in FF proved to be comparable to its serum levels (1.17±0.45 g/L) and no relationship could be detected between the respective individual values. Moreover, markers of reproductive potential (number of oocytes and embryos) appeared to be independent of serum and FF fetuin-A. hsCRP in serum and FF was not related to fetuin-A and did not influence the number of oocytes and embryos. CONCLUSIONS: Fetuin-A concentration is high in FF of patients undergoing IVF, however, it can not be used as an estimate of fertilization success.

Silent chorioamnionitis and associated pregnancy outcomes: a review of clinical data gathered over a 16-year period.

OBJECTIVE: To assess neonatal outcomes and associated findings in pregnant women identified after delivery as having had underlying subclinical chorioamnionitis by either histology or bacterial culture. METHODS: In 16 years, 8974 clinical, histological, and bacterial culture data were obtained retrospectively. RESULTS: Placental histology was analyzed in 4237 pregnancies (2785 term and 1452 preterm) and 4737 amniotic cavity cultures were obtained during 5446 cesarean deliveries (3268 term and 1469 preterm). Histological results and bacterial cultures were both available in 1270 of the preterm deliveries. Histology revealed inflammation, suggestive of infection, in 13.6% of placentas. Subclinical acute chorioamnionic inflammation was confirmed in 142 out of 2785 term pregnancies (5.1%) and in 436 out of 1452 preterm pregnancies (30.0%, P<0.001). Bacteriological culture of the intrauterine cavity was obtained from the lower uterine segment of the uterus during cesarean section. A positive culture was found in 19.9% of all cases (941/4737), this proportion was significantly higher in preterm deliveries (343/1273, 26.9%) than in term (17.3%, P<0.001). The lower the birth-weight or gestational age, the higher the frequency of silent infections in the uterine cavity. CONCLUSIONS: Our study findings support the association between intra-amniotic infections and preterm delivery.