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1.
Eur Surg Res ; 63(2): 85-97, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34959241

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pyometra (P) leads to sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize pathogens which can cause P. The aim of this study was to investigate TLR-7 and -9 via the MYD88 pathway and the nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) response in the uterus of a P mouse model before and after ovariohysterectomy (RP) as well as potential lung injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 200 female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into groups (N = 10/subgroup; sham 1, 2, 3, 7; P1, 2, 3, 7; 1RP1, 2, 3, 7; 2RP1, 2, 3, 7; 3RP1, 2, 3, 7) according to the day of euthanasia. Pathogens were administrated in the groups P and RP in order to induce P. RESULTS: Alterations in blood chemistry, histopathology, and RT-qPCT analysis before (P) and after RP were observed. Significant correlations were also found between MYD88, NFκB, and TLR9 in P and RP groups in the lungs and in RP groups in the uterus, suggesting that the immune system responded via the TLR9-MYD88 pathway. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of immunohistochemical TLR-7 and -9 localization and of TLR-7, -9, MYD88, and NFκB mRNA expression in the uterus causing lung injury in a P mouse model.


Subject(s)
Lung Injury , Pyometra , Animals , Disease Models, Animal , Female , Humans , Lung/metabolism , Lung Injury/metabolism , Lung Injury/pathology , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88/genetics , Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88/metabolism , NF-kappa B/genetics , NF-kappa B/metabolism , Pyometra/metabolism , Pyometra/pathology , RNA, Messenger , Toll-Like Receptor 7/metabolism , Toll-Like Receptor 9/genetics , Toll-Like Receptor 9/metabolism
2.
J Infect Dis ; 215(5): 764-771, 2017 03 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28170039

ABSTRACT

Background: Methylation of the human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA has been proposed as a novel biomarker. Here, we correlated the mean methylation level of 12 CpG sites within the L1 gene, to the histological grade of cervical precancer and cancer. We assessed whether HPV L1 gene methylation can predict the presence of high-grade disease at histology in women testing positive for HPV16 genotype. Methods: Pyrosequencing was used for DNA methylation quantification and 145 women were recruited. Results: We found that the L1 HPV16 mean methylation (±SD) significantly increased with disease severity (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] 3, 17.9% [±7.2] vs CIN2, 11.6% [±6.5], P < .001 or vs CIN1, 9.0% [±3.5], P < .001). Mean methylation was a good predictor of CIN3+ cases; the area under the curve was higher for sites 5611 in the prediction of CIN2+ and higher for position 7145 for CIN3+. The evaluation of different methylation thresholds for the prediction of CIN3+ showed that the optimal balance of sensitivity and specificity (75.7% and 77.5%, respectively) and positive and negative predictive values (74.7% and 78.5%, respectively) was achieved for a methylation of 14.0% with overall accuracy of 76.7%. Conclusions: Elevated methylation level is associated with increased disease severity and has good ability to discriminate HPV16-positive women that have high-grade disease or worse.


Subject(s)
Capsid Proteins/genetics , DNA Methylation , Oncogene Proteins, Viral/genetics , Papillomavirus Infections/diagnosis , Uterine Cervical Diseases/diagnosis , Adult , Aged , CpG Islands , DNA, Viral/chemistry , Female , Genotype , Greece , Human papillomavirus 16 , Humans , Linear Models , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Sensitivity and Specificity , United Kingdom , Uterine Cervical Diseases/virology , Young Adult , Uterine Cervical Dysplasia/diagnosis , Uterine Cervical Dysplasia/virology
3.
Arch Gynecol Obstet ; 293(4): 915-23, 2016 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26615602

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence, to evaluate the characteristics of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Greek women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to investigate the correlation of MetS with body mass index (BMI). METHODS: In a prospective controlled study, 230 Greek female patients with PCOS and 155 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Diagnosis of PCOS was based on the revised criteria of Rotterdam. Both groups were examined for MetS. Diagnosis of MetS was based on the revised criteria of International Diabetes Federation (IDF). RESULTS: The prevalence of the MetS was 12.6 %, nearly sevenfold higher than the controls. Elevated fasting plasma glucose (7.0 vs. 1.9 %) and elevated triglycerides (10.4 vs. 3.2 %) were more frequent in the PCOS cohort (p < 0.05). Women with PCOS presented statistically higher BMI in comparison with the controls (p < 0.001). Subsequently, the prevalence of MetS was estimated in three groups: normal, overweight and obese subdivided according to BMI. The latter two groups showed significant differences compared with the healthy controls (24.5 vs. 8.8 %, p = 0.050). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study showed high prevalence of MetS and increased BMI in Greek PCOS women. In addition, it demonstrated the higher prevalence of MetS in obese PCOS women in comparison with the controls. These results are placing them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes in the future and underline the necessity of periodic screening, appropriate diet and exercise program.


Subject(s)
Body Mass Index , Metabolic Syndrome/ethnology , Obesity/complications , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Case-Control Studies , Female , Greece/epidemiology , Humans , Metabolic Syndrome/diagnosis , Metabolic Syndrome/etiology , Obesity/epidemiology , Overweight/complications , Overweight/epidemiology , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/blood , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/complications , Prevalence , Prospective Studies , Young Adult
4.
J Assist Reprod Genet ; 32(6): 959-67, 2015 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25925352

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare E-selectin, resistin and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in serum and follicular fluid (FF) of subfertile women undergoing Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH) during IVF/ICSI cycles, using GnRH-agonist and -antagonist protocols. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 85 subfertile women undergoing IVF/ICSI were included. Participants underwent the GnRH-agonist and -antagonist protocols; and blood samples were collected at three time points: basic (at start of COH), on the day of hCG and at oocyte retrieval (OR); and from the FF from the first follicle aspirate. Clinical and IVF cycle characteristics, were compared between groups, together with the levels of E-selectin, resistin and ROS in serum and FF, through ELISA. Their prognostic value on pregnancy outcomes was examined. RESULT(S): Examining molecules levels are increasing in serum, from start of COH until OR, irrespectively of the protocol used; FF levels at OR were similar to those in serum at that day. Resistin FF levels were lower in GnRH agonists, compared with the antagonist protocol. Resistin levels at start of COH were associated with clinical pregnancy rates, and this remained significant following adjustment for age, BMI and IVF protocol used, while values of >13.5 ng/ml were associated with a six times greater odd of a pregnancy. CONCLUSION: E-selectin, resistin and ROS levels are increasing during COH, reaching their highest values at OR, with comparable values measured in the FF at that time. Resistin values >13.5 ng/ml are linked with a 6-fold increase on the odds of a pregnancy.


Subject(s)
E-Selectin/metabolism , Follicular Fluid/metabolism , Infertility, Female/metabolism , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Resistin/metabolism , Adult , Ascorbic Acid , Cholecalciferol , Dehydroepiandrosterone/analogs & derivatives , E-Selectin/blood , Female , Fertilization in Vitro , Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/agonists , Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/antagonists & inhibitors , Humans , Infertility, Female/blood , Nicotinic Acids , Ovulation Induction/methods , Plant Extracts , Predictive Value of Tests , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Outcome , Prospective Studies , Reactive Oxygen Species/blood , Resistin/blood
5.
Prenat Diagn ; 34(8): 759-64, 2014 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24659438

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to predict small for gestational age (SGA, at or less than the fifth birth weight percentile) and large for gestational age (LGA, at or greater than the 95th birth weight percentile) fetuses by using maternal and fetal parameters from the second and third trimester ultrasound examinations. METHOD: This article is a retrospective cohort study on 1979 singleton pregnancies that had a routine 20 to 24 weeks anomaly and a 30 to 34 weeks growth ultrasound scans. SGA delivered before 30 gestational weeks were excluded. RESULTS: Second trimester estimated fetal weight (EFW2 ), uterine arteries pulsatility index (PI), and maternal pregnancy characteristics were predictive for SGA (SGA second trimester model: R(2) = 0.225, area under the curve [AUC] = 0.815) and LGA (LGA second trimester model: R(2) = 0.203, AUC = 0.793). Third trimester EFW (EFW3 ), EFW2 , uterine arteries PI2 , umbilical PI, and maternal pregnancy characteristics improved the prediction of SGA (SGA combined model: R(2) = 0.423, AUC = 0.896) and LGA (LGA combined model: R(2) = 0.383, AUC = 0.882). Contingent screening with risk stratification by the second trimester model performed equally well for SGA (AUC = 0.882) and LGA (AUC = 0.861) as the combined models. CONCLUSION: Second trimester model performs well in the prediction of SGA and LGA. The addition of third trimester scan offers substantial improvement. Contingency screening is feasible with similar effectiveness.


Subject(s)
Birth Weight , Infant, Small for Gestational Age , Pregnancy Trimester, Second , Pregnancy Trimester, Third , Ultrasonography, Prenatal , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , Retrospective Studies
7.
J Biomed Biotechnol ; 2012: 303192, 2012.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23093840

ABSTRACT

Objective of this study is to investigate the potential of the learning vector quantizer neural network (LVQ-NN) classifier on various diagnostic variables used in the modern cytopathology laboratory and to build an algorithm that may facilitate the classification of individual cases. From all women included in the study, a liquid-based cytology sample was obtained; this was tested via HPV DNA test, E6/E7 HPV mRNA test, and p16 immunostaining. The data were classified by the LVQ-NN into two groups: CIN-2 or worse and CIN-1 or less. Half of the cases were used to train the LVQ-NN; the remaining cases (test set) were used for validation. Out of the 1258 cases, cytology identified correctly 72.90% of the CIN-2 or worst cases and 97.37% of the CIN-1 or less cases, with overall accuracy 94.36%. The application of the LVQ-NN on the test set allowed correct classification for 84.62% of the cases with CIN-2 or worse and 97.64% of the cases with CIN-1 or less, with overall accuracy of 96.03%. The use of the LVQ-NN with cytology and the proposed biomarkers improves significantly the correct classification of cervical precancerous lesions and/or cancer and may facilitate diagnosis and patient management.


Subject(s)
Colposcopy , Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted/methods , Neural Networks, Computer , Patient Selection , Pattern Recognition, Automated/methods , Support Vector Machine , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/diagnosis , Biomarkers/blood , Biomarkers, Tumor/blood , Female , Humans , Pilot Projects , Referral and Consultation , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/blood , Vaginal Smears
8.
Arch Gynecol Obstet ; 286(2): 505-10, 2012 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22546950

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Mild ovarian stimulation has been conceived, proposed and implemented in clinical practice as a safer and cheaper alternative to conventional strategies of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in preparation for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Our aim was to summarize the key evidence on this topic and explore its possible role as the standard treatment option for women undergoing IVF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A short narrative review of the existing literature, with emphasis on mild ovarian stimulation clinical and cost effectiveness, as well as treatment limitations. RESULTS: Numerous studies highlight mild ovarian stimulation's favorable characteristics with respect to oocyte/embryo quality, reduced patient risk, and ease of intervention. There is, however, a need for high-quality laboratory environment. Limitations regarding poor responders, older women, or those seeking ovarian stimulation for non-infertility indications should also be considered. Finally, outcomes on the cumulative success rates and the cost effectiveness of mild ovarian stimulation remain inconclusive. CONCLUSION: Mild ovarian stimulation protocols for IVF should currently be implemented only in carefully selected populations. Further research is needed to clarify the remaining controversies in this IVF approach.


Subject(s)
Fertilization in Vitro/methods , Ovulation Induction/methods , Embryo Implantation , Endometrium , Female , Fertilization in Vitro/economics , Fertilization in Vitro/standards , Humans , Ovulation Induction/economics , Ovulation Induction/standards , Standard of Care
9.
Arch Gynecol Obstet ; 286(6): 1563-9, 2012 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22941352

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The presence of an endometrioma has been proposed to affect the ovarian function in a negative way. Our aim was to present the key evidence on multiple aspects of endometriomas' management in subfertile couples scheduled for assisted reproduction technologies (ART). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A critical review of the existing literature was performed focusing on the need of endometrioma treatment prior to ART, the relevant options, the potentially participating surgeon's characteristics and the socioeconomic perspective. RESULTS: To date, we have no definitive data to suggest whether the damage to the ovaries observed in women with endometriomas may be related to the mere presence of the cyst, the surgical procedure to remove it, the combination of the two, or factors currently unknown. Moreover, there is no conclusive evidence that, for subfertile couples, removal of endometriomas increases the chance of having a baby. The uncertainty regarding the best treatment strategy and factors such as the limited number of tertiary centers for laparoscopic surgery throughout the world seems to further complicate the decision. CONCLUSIONS: Until research addresses the current "grey areas", the management of endometriomas in patients undergoing ART should be individualized and take into consideration numerous parameters.


Subject(s)
Endometriosis/therapy , Infertility, Female/therapy , Ovarian Neoplasms/therapy , Reproductive Techniques, Assisted , Endometriosis/complications , Female , Humans , Infertility, Female/complications , Ovarian Neoplasms/complications
10.
Arch Gynecol Obstet ; 283(4): 819-23, 2011 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20361202

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine the feasibility of office hysteroscopy through the no-touch "see and treat technique" in a routine basis in private practice. METHODS: In the private practice of two trained gynecologists, women with an indication for further investigation of the uterine cavity were treated with the technique. A total of 112 consecutive women were prospectively allocated to a "no-touch" and "see and treat" technique of hysteroscopy. Neither anaesthesia nor analgesia was used as soon as criteria were met. Hysteroscopy was performed using a rigid 3.4-mm hysteroscope and a medium of 0.9% saline. RESULTS: Treatment efficacy and patient compliance were evaluated through scores on a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, complications and success rates, along with the symphony between hysteroscopic findings and histology. The patients' pain score on the VAS was low and only in 2 out of 112 cases there was a marked discomfort. In four cases suggested treatment was not successful, because of the fear of the patient. In 60.71% of cases that hysteroscopy was indicated, the uterine cavity was normal. No complications or adverse effects were noted. Apart from one case, there was a full agreement between hysteroscopic findings and histology. CONCLUSION: Office hysteroscopy is a successful and well-tolerated procedure. Through adequate expertise it should be considered the method of choice in private basis, at the same time when exploration of the uterine cavity is needed.


Subject(s)
Hysteroscopy/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Feasibility Studies , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Patient Acceptance of Health Care , Private Practice , Prospective Studies , Young Adult
11.
Med Sci Monit ; 16(10): RA231-6, 2010 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20885366

ABSTRACT

Current (and probably future) practice of medicine is mostly associated with prediction and accurate diagnosis. Especially in clinical practice, there is an increasing interest in constructing and using valid models of diagnosis and prediction. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are mathematical systems being used as a prospective tool for reliable, flexible and quick assessment. They demonstrate high power in evaluating multifactorial data, assimilating information from multiple sources and detecting subtle and complex patterns. Their capability and difference from other statistical techniques lies in performing nonlinear statistical modelling. They represent a new alternative to logistic regression, which is the most commonly used method for developing predictive models for outcomes resulting from partitioning in medicine. In combination with the other non-algorithmic artificial intelligence techniques, they provide useful software engineering tools for the development of systems in quantitative medicine. Our paper first presents a brief introduction to ANNs, then, using what we consider the best available evidence through paradigms, we evaluate the ability of these networks to serve as first-line detection and prediction techniques in some of the most crucial fields in gynaecology. Finally, through the analysis of their current application, we explore their dynamics for future use.


Subject(s)
Genital Diseases, Female/diagnosis , Neural Networks, Computer , Algorithms , Artificial Intelligence , Female , Forecasting , Genital Diseases, Female/pathology , Humans , Logistic Models , Software , Treatment Outcome
12.
In Vivo ; 24(1): 117-23, 2010.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20133986

ABSTRACT

AIM: Selected cytokines, associated with Th1 and Th2 immune response and inflammation, were studied in order to evaluate the relation between their release into maternal and neonatal circulation, during labour, and after birth, in comparison with those in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cytokine concentrations were determined by very sensitive immunoassays, in maternal serum (MS), umbilical cord (UC), neonatal serum, the 1st (1N) and 5th (5N) day postpartum and in adult controls. RESULTS: Both IL-2 and IL-4 cytokine concentrations in UC were markedly elevated, compared to adult and MS ones. IL-2 decreased significantly in 5N, while IL-4 remained unchanged. IFN-gamma UC values were significantly lower than those in adults and MS, increasing significantly in 5N. Neonatal serum sIL-2R and sIL-4R were markedly higher than those in adults and MS. IL-1beta, IL-6, sIL-6R, sTNFRI and sTNFRII concentrations in MS and all with TNF-alpha in neonatal serum were significantly higher than in adults. IFN-gamma, IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-2R, IL-4R concentrations in MS, 1N and 5N were dependent on the mode of delivery. CONCLUSION: The results of this comparative study are indicative for a meaningful role for the studied cytokines and their receptors in: i) the development of neonatal immune system, ii) the regulation of immune response during labour and early life, and iii) the initiation of the processes of labour.


Subject(s)
Cytokines/blood , Immune System/growth & development , Immunity, Maternally-Acquired , Infant, Newborn/immunology , Labor, Obstetric/immunology , Term Birth/immunology , Adult , Female , Fetal Blood/chemistry , Fetal Blood/metabolism , Humans , Infant, Newborn/blood , Labor, Obstetric/blood , Male , Pregnancy , Term Birth/blood , Young Adult
13.
Hormones (Athens) ; 9(1): 67-75, 2010.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20363724

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of various anaesthetics on stress response in the presence and absence of surgical stimulation. DESIGN: Twenty-nine pigs scheduled to undergo surgical central vein catheter placement were randomly allocated to receive only sedation with ketamine-midazolam (group SHAM, n=5) or general anaesthesia with either propofol 8 mg/kg/h (group PROP, n=8), sevoflurane 1.0 MAC (group SEVO, n=8) or desflurane 1.0 MAC (group DESF, n=8). Following surgery, anaesthesia was maintained for a total period of 4 hours. Thyroid hormones, noradrenaline, cortisol, corticotrophin (ACTH), beta-endorphin, interleukin-1beta and -6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were determined by appropriate methodology after premedication (t0), after surgical procedure (t1) and at the end of 4h (t2). RESULTS: At t1 ACTH and beta-endorphin increased in all groups, thyroxin in groups SEVO, DESF and PROP, noradrenaline in group SEVO and cortisol in the SHAM and PROP groups. At t2 cortisol and ACTH levels were lower in the PROP compared to SEVO group. Serum cytokines were not significantly altered in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of the general anaesthetic did not affect thyroid hormones levels in either the presence or absence of surgical stimulus. In the presence of surgical stimulation, sevoflurane resulted in higher noradrenaline levels and in higher activity of the ACTH-cortisol axis compared to propofol.


Subject(s)
Anesthetics, Inhalation/administration & dosage , Anesthetics, Inhalation/pharmacology , Anesthetics, Intravenous/administration & dosage , Anesthetics, Intravenous/pharmacology , Stress, Physiological/drug effects , Surgical Procedures, Operative , Administration, Inhalation , Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/blood , Animals , Biomarkers/blood , Catheterization, Central Venous , Desflurane , Female , Hydrocortisone/analogs & derivatives , Hydrocortisone/blood , Infusions, Intravenous , Isoflurane/administration & dosage , Isoflurane/analogs & derivatives , Isoflurane/pharmacology , Methyl Ethers/administration & dosage , Methyl Ethers/pharmacology , Norepinephrine/blood , Propofol/administration & dosage , Propofol/pharmacology , Random Allocation , Sevoflurane , Statistics as Topic , Sus scrofa , Thyroid Hormones/blood , beta-Endorphin/blood
14.
Medicine (Baltimore) ; 98(40): e17313, 2019 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31577725

ABSTRACT

To investigate the impact of carriage of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) and of autophagy-related gene 16-like-1 (ATG16L1) in preterm delivery (PTD).A prospective cohort of 145 pregnant women was studied. Women were prospectively followed-up until delivery. Genotyping for rs4986790 (Asp299Gly transition) and rs4986791 (Thr399Ile transition) of TLR4 and for rs2241880 of ATG16L1 was done by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The primary study endpoint was the impact of carriage of minor alleles of TLR4 on early PTD before gestational week 32. Associations with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) were also analyzed. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from 15 healthy women and stimulated for cytokine production.No difference in clinical characteristics was observed between women delivering full term and preterm. The frequency of early PTD was 25% among women carrying minor alleles of TLR4 and 6.8% among women carrying major alleles (P: .032). Odds ratios for PTD were 3.85 among women carrying the GG genotype of rs2241880 and major alleles of TLR4 and 0.26 among carriers of GG genotype and minor alleles of TLR4 (P: .030). The co-presence of GG genotype of rs2241880 and hCG above 70 U/L was an independent variable for PTD. Stimulated production of interleukin-6 was greater among women with GG genotypes of rs2241880.Minor alleles of SNPs of TLR4 predispose to early PTD. The GG genotype of rs2241880 of ATG16L1 is associated with PTD when hCG is supra-elevated.


Subject(s)
Autophagy-Related Proteins/genetics , Premature Birth/genetics , Toll-Like Receptor 4/genetics , Adult , Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis , Autophagy/physiology , Chorionic Gonadotropin/blood , Cytokines/biosynthesis , Female , Gene Frequency , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Genotype , Gestational Age , Humans , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Pregnancy , Prospective Studies
15.
Am J Reprod Immunol ; 81(3): e13087, 2019 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30614112

ABSTRACT

PROBLEM: To study the balance of circulating heat shock protein (HSP)60 and HSP70 in pre-term delivery. METHOD OF STUDY: A two-stage approach was used. At first stage, we run retrospective analysis of prospective collected clinical data, and at a second stage, we studied an animal model of pre-term delivery (PTD). Blood samples were collected for prenatal screening in 3629 women. Samples from 23 women with miscarriage before gestational week 21 and 53 well-matched comparators for age, body mass index, parity, and previous miscarriage with full-term pregnancy were depicted. Women with risk factors were excluded. HSP60 and HSP70 were measured by an enzyme immunosorbent assay. PTD was induced after injection of low dose of bacterial lipopolysaccharide; mice were killed for the measurement of HSP60 and HSP70 in blood and tissues. The study endpoint was the association of the HSP60 to HSP70 ratio to miscarriage. RESULTS: A ratio >6 could distinguish between women who will miscarry from women with term pregnancies with sensitivity 60%, specificity 81.8%, positive predictive value 81.8%, and negative predictive value 60% (OR: 6.750, P = 0.025). Mice of the LPS-group PTD had this ratio significantly increased in maternal serum, placentas, and embryos compared to the sham-operation group. Gene expression of hsp60/70 remained in tissues unaltered. CONCLUSION: A HSP60/HSP70 ratio equal to or more than 6 until gestational week 12 is accompanied with great likelihood for miscarriage. A similar ratio applies in an animal model of PTD induced by low-dose LPS.


Subject(s)
Abortion, Spontaneous/diagnosis , Chaperonin 60/metabolism , HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins/metabolism , Placenta/metabolism , Abortion, Spontaneous/genetics , Abortion, Spontaneous/metabolism , Adult , Animals , Chaperonin 60/genetics , Disease Models, Animal , Female , Gene Expression Regulation , Gestational Age , HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins/genetics , Humans , Lipopolysaccharides/immunology , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Predictive Value of Tests , Pregnancy , Prognosis , RNA/genetics , Sensitivity and Specificity
17.
Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig ; 34(3)2018 Mar 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29596052

ABSTRACT

Background The severity of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has been clearly associated with insulin resistance, obesity and metabolic syndrome. The purpose of the present cross-sectional study is to investigate whether mild hypercholesterolemia alters the biochemical and clinical profile of PCOS patients. Methods Our study is based on a prospectively collected population of women of reproductive age who were diagnosed with PCOS according to the definition of the Rotterdam European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology/American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM/ESHRE) criteria. For the correlation analysis we used the non-parametric Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Partial correlation was also performed to control for potential confounders observed in the univariate analysis. Results Overall, 235 patients were included. Their mean age ranged between 14 and 45 years old and the body mass index (BMI) between 17 and 54. Women with mild hypercholesterolemia had a higher BMI and their fasting insulin was increased as well as indices of insulin resistance [Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), Matsuda index] compared to women with PCOS with normal cholesterol levels. Correlation statistics suggested that the effect of serum lipids on the hormonal profile of patients was weak. Both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) exerted a significant mild negative correlation to glucose and insulin. However, after controlling the results for BMI and age (the two variables that were found significantly different in the univariate analysis) we observed that this effect was non-significant. Conclusion Mild hypercholesterolemia does not affect the hormonal profile of patients with PCOS; hence, to date, there is no evidence to suggest its treatment for the correction of menstrual and hormonal abnormalities in PCOS women.


Subject(s)
Blood Glucose , Hormones/blood , Hypercholesterolemia/blood , Menstrual Cycle , Ovary/pathology , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/blood , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/diagnosis , Adolescent , Adult , Biomarkers , Body Mass Index , Body Weights and Measures , Cross-Sectional Studies , Disease Progression , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , Symptom Assessment , Young Adult
18.
Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig ; 35(1)2018 Sep 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30218603

ABSTRACT

Background Thyroid dysfunction, predominantly hyperthyroidism, has been previously linked to impaired bone mass density (BMD) and increased risk of fractures. On the other hand, data in the field of hypothyroidism (HT) are missing. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the impact of thyroid disorders on bone density serum and urine calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) as well as serum osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase and urine hydroxyproline in a series of post-menopausal women. Materials and methods The study was conducted in the Reproductive Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic of our hospital. A consecutive series of post-menopausal women was included, after excluding patients under hormone treatment (including levothyroxine supplementation) and those who received raloxifene, tamoxifen or tibolone during the study period as well as those who received treatment during the previous 12 months were excluded from the present study. Results Overall, 188 women were included in the present study. Among them, 143 women had normal thyroid function, 32 women had hyperthyroidism and 13 women had HT. Correlation of thyroid function indices with osteoporosis indices revealed statistically significant correlations between thyroxine (T4) and free triiodothyronine (T3) with T-, Z-scores and BMD. Logistic regression analysis concerning the impact of HT and hyperthyroidism on T-score, Z-score and bone mass density revealed that both pathological entities negatively affect bone health (p < 0.05). Conclusion The findings of our study suggest that not only hyperthyroidism, but also HT negatively affects BMD. Future studies should investigate this association and corroborate our findings.


Subject(s)
Bone Density , Bone and Bones/physiopathology , Hyperthyroidism/physiopathology , Hypothyroidism/physiopathology , Osteoporosis/physiopathology , Bone and Bones/metabolism , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Hyperthyroidism/complications , Hyperthyroidism/metabolism , Hypothyroidism/complications , Hypothyroidism/metabolism , Middle Aged , Osteoporosis/complications , Osteoporosis/metabolism
19.
J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod ; 47(10): 511-516, 2018 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30153505

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study is to present new data concerning the diagnostic efficacy of neutrophil to lymphocyte (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte (PLR) ratios in detecting endometrial carcinoma and to summarize the existing knowledge by accumulating all the available data in the existing literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients with evidence of endometrial pathology (vaginal bleeding or increased endometrial thickness) that undergone dilatation and curettage. For the meta-analysis we used the Medline, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant articles in the field. RESULTS: In our retrospective series we identified 106 women with endometrioid endometrial carcinoma and 72 controls. PLR and NLR values were comparable among the two groups (p>.05). Eleven studies were included in the present systematic review with a total of 4168 patients. The meta-analysis included 1013 patients. PLR values were not significantly different among the two groups. On the other hand, NLR was significantly raised among patients with endometrial carcinoma (MD 0.73, 95% CI 0.01, 1.45). CONCLUSION: The findings of our meta-analysis support that NLR values are significantly elevated in patients with endometrial cancer compared to controls. Moreover, there seem to be evidence to support that both PLR and NLR values increase in patients with advanced stage disease, including positive lymph nodes, lymphovascular space involvement and distant metastases. Future studies are needed in this field to reach firm conclusions and these should specifically target patients with advanced stage disease.


Subject(s)
Blood Platelets , Endometrial Neoplasms/blood , Endometrial Neoplasms/diagnosis , Lymphocytes , Neutrophils , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Biomarkers/blood , Blood Cell Count , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies
20.
Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig ; 34(3)2018 Apr 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29694329

ABSTRACT

Background The purpose of our study is to evaluate the association of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with hormonal and metabolic parameters in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in order to assess whether these ratios may become useful tools during the evaluation of the severity of low grade inflammation. Methods The present study is based in secondary outcomes from a prospectively collected patient database. A total of 266 women with PCOS participated in this study and blood a complete blood count examination (CBC) that was used for the calculation of PLR and NLR was available in 182 patients. Results Association statistics revealed that PLR had a significant correlation to 17-OH progesterone (r = -0.177, p = 0.024) and Matsuda index values (r = 0.234, p = 0.009), whereas NLR was correlated with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (r = -0.204, p = 0.007), free testosterone (r = 320, p < 0.001), Δ4-androstendione (r = 0.234, p = 0.003), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) (r = -0.350, p < 0.002) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (r = -0.171, p = 0.039). Conclusion According to the findings of our study, both PLR and NLR seem to be correlated with some hormonal and metabolic indices. This association is clearer in the case of NLR and serum androgens as it seems to be positively affected by their levels. PLR and NLR were not affected by the presence of obesity.


Subject(s)
Biomarkers/blood , Hormones/blood , Leukocyte Count , Lymphocyte Count , Neutrophils , Platelet Count , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/blood , Adult , Energy Metabolism , Female , Humans , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/diagnosis , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/metabolism , Risk Factors , Young Adult
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