A 5-year evaluation of quality of life, pelvic discomfort, and sexual function following posterior pericervical repair.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life, pelvic discomfort, and sexual function of patients who underwent posterior pericervical repair or level I to III surgical procedures for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) after 5 years of follow-up. This retrospective cohort study enrolled 107 women with POP who were referred to the Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, an academic center affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, from 2014 to 2021. The patients underwent transvaginal surgery using native tissue, in which the rectovaginal fascia was attached to the pericervical ring. The Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Module (ICIQ-FLUTSsex) questionnaires were completed by each patient before and 5 years after surgery. Of the 107 patients, only 78 completed the 5-year follow-up. The mean PFDI-20 scores before, 12 months, and 5 years after surgery were 141.87 ± 34.48, 100.87 ± 26.48, and 37.49 ± 56.39, respectively, indicating a significant improvement in the patients' symptoms after surgery (P < 0.001). The total mean score of ICIQ-FLUTSsex was 3.67 ± 3.63 (range, 0-10). In total, 22 (28.2%) women had an ICIQ-FLUTSsex score of 0, indicating no problems. The attachment of the rectovaginal fascia to the pericervical rings can be an effective surgical technique for correcting posterior vaginal wall prolapses, without significant morbidity. The PFDI-20 score improved significantly from before surgery to 12 months and 5 years after surgery.

Correlation Between Apical, Anterior, and Posterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse With Voiding Dysfunction: A Single Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective: Voiding Dysfunction (VD) is one of the most common disorders among women, which is characterized by a disorder in urination. Pelvic organ prolapse is one of the factors that can affect VD. In this study, the relationship between prolapse in the anterior, posterior, and apical areas and VD has been evaluated. Materials and methods: This is a cohort retrospective study. The participants in this study were women with VD, who referred to the pelvic floor disorders clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran in 2018-2020. Clinical information was obtained retrospectively from the hospital's electronic data system, also symptoms (intermittent stream, incomplete voiding, poor flow, post void dribble, straining to void, stage anterior, posterior and apical) and urodynamic parameters (including EMG, PVR100, Qmax12, and pdet20) were evaluated, which included detailed questionnaires (Urinary Distress Inventory 6 (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7)), pelvic examination, and complete urodynamic evaluation. Results: There was a direct relationship between the age of the patients and the stage of prolapse (p<0.001). So that, the stage increased with age. In addition, it was found that the severity of urinary symptoms is related to the stage of prolapse in the apical area (p=0.001). Also, the results showed that intermittent stream symptoms and the symptoms of staining to void had a significant relationship with the stage of prolapse (III and IV) in the apical and anterior areas. Also, it was shown that only PVR > 100 had a significant relationship with the stage of prolapse in the apical area (p=0.001). Conclusion: Intermittent stream and straining to void were related to the stages of prolapse in the apical and anterior regions. It was also concluded that the greater the prolapse, the higher the value of PVR > 100.

A Decade of Lawsuits Against Surgeons Performing Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery (FGCS) in Tehran, Iran.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to evaluate the legal proceedings that arise from Female Genital Cosmetic Surgeries (FGCS) and analyze the reasons why women file complaints against their surgeons. Additionally, we examined the outcomes of the legal decisions associated with these complaints. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran province, Iran, from 2012 to 2021. The primary data source for this study was forensic medical records, which were reviewed to gather relevant information. The collected data included the characteristics of the participants, the reasons for lawsuits, the procedure setting, and the outcomes of the legal decisions. RESULTS: A total of 121 patients were examined in the study, revealing that Labiaplasty was the most prevalent procedure (49.6%), followed by vaginoplasty (19.8%) and perineoplasty (13.2%). The most common complaints were related to cosmetic concerns (57%), lack of recovery (26.4%), and sexual dysfunctions (22.3%). Healthcare providers were found liable for malpractice in 52.1% of cases. Additionally, having the surgery performed by a gynecologist decreased the risk of malpractice (ß = 0.21, p= 0.034), while procedures in private clinics increased the risk (ß = 2.95, p = 0.040). CONCLUSION: The study's findings emphasized the importance of providing women with comprehensive education and consultations to ensure they are well-informed about the potential outcomes and risks of FGCS. Furthermore, the study highlighted the significance of having these surgical procedures performed by skilled and experienced surgeons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Long-term outcomes and quality of life after Manchester procedure for pelvic reconstructive surgery in women with cervical elongation.

OBJECTIVE: Native-tissue techniques for Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) repairs, such as the Manchester Procedure (MP), have recently been revitalized. However, there are conflicting opinions regarding correcting cervical elongation support by the MP, and the risk of possible poor outcomes and postoperative complications. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate anatomical and patient-reported outcomes during one year after MP. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: This study was conducted on women who underwent the MP for cervical elongation between 2010 and 2020. PATIENTS: Women with apical compartment prolapse up to stage 3 due to cervical elongation. INTERVENTIONS: Manchester Procedure. MEASUREMENTS: Pre and postoperative evaluations by POP Quantification (POP-Q) system were performed, and patients filled out the quality-of-life questionnaires including Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Short Form 20 (PFDI-20), and POP/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) before and 12 months after the procedure. Anatomical outcomes were measured by POP-Q and the changes in POP-related symptoms were evaluated and reported. MAIN RESULTS: 33 participants were recruited in the study. Significant anatomical improvements were obtained in all compartments after the surgery. After 12 months in POP-Q examination, the mean (±SD) of Ba was changed from +1.82 (±1.71) to -1.18 (±1.50), C was changed from -1.25 (±2.81) to -6 (±1.82), and D from -6.30 (±1.42) to -7.1 (±1.25) respectively (P < 0.001). POP-Q stage 0-1 was obtained inof7% in the apical compartment (C <  -1), but only in 45.4% in the anterior compartment (Ba <  -1). A significant reduction in symptom scores was obtained for PFDI-20 (P < 0.01) and PISQ-12 (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the MP provides adequate apical support with improvement in anatomic and subjective findings for patients with cervical elongation.

Concomitant pericervical reconstruction with sacrospinous hysteropexy: Anatomical and functional results.

OBJECTIVE: Pericervical ring reconstruction through restoration of pubocervical and rectovaginal fascia is performed concomitantly with sacrospinous hysteropexy as a transvaginal native tissue procedure for vaginal apical prolapse. The main goal of this study was to assess subjective and objective outcomes of sacrospinous hysteropexy and additional pericervical ring reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective and observational study. All participants underwent sacrospinous hysteropexy and pericervical ring reconstruction and perineorrhaphy. Surgical complications, anatomical and functional efficacy were assessed. RESULTS: 108 cases were included in this study. The mean follow-up timeframe was 18.62 ± 1.22 months (minimum 12 and maximum 26 months). All parameters of subjective outcomes were improved significantly. The overall anatomic success rate was 92.59%. Mean operation time was 50.64 ± 20.8 min. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were found. There was no statistically significant difference in demographic characteristics including age, BMI, gravidity, medical comorbidities, menopausal status, sexual activity, pretreatment prolapse severity scores between subjects with failure, and good anatomical outcome. Recurrence was mostly observed in patients with higher prolapse stages of anterior and apical compartments. Baseline POP-Q parameters Ba, C, D were significantly higher in cases with failure. CONCLUSION: Our study disclosed sustainable anatomic and subjective outcomes of modified sacrospinous hysteropexy by means of additional pericervical ring reconstruction.

Assessment of manometric results following posterior pericervical repair or level I to III surgical procedures.

Constipation and obstructive bowel disorders are the most common symptoms of prolapse and posterior defects. Prolapse and obstructive defecation disorders are treated using various surgical techniques to repair posterior defects. This study aimed to evaluate the manometry results of patients before and after reconstructive surgery of the posterior compartment. This retrospective cohort study included 40 women with defecation disorders referred to the Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, an academic center affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, from 2020 to 2021. Data were collected through medical records and a checklist developed by the researcher before and after surgery. All analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 26), with significance at p<0.05. Forty women with a mean age of 49.47±9.66 years participated in this study. The manometry results showed significant differences in patients before and after surgery in parameters such as maximum resting pressure, push test, constipation, straining during defecation, finger support necessity, sensation of incomplete defecation, dyspareunia, and husband's sexual satisfaction (p<0.001). In addition, all patients had a grade 2 or higher posterior compartment prolapse, which improved in all cases after surgery (p<0.0001). Patients' symptoms significantly improved during the 12-month follow-up after DeLancey level 3 to 1 surgery. This type of surgery proved to be an effective surgical intervention without significant complications in the short-term follow-up.

The effect of the EX-PLISSIT model-based psychosexual counseling on improving sexual function and sexual quality of life in gynecologic cancer survivors: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Psychosexual support has received considerable attention in the improvement of sexuality in gynecologic cancer survivors. The current study was conducted to examine the effect of EX-PLISSIT model-based psychosexual counseling on improving sexual function and sexual quality of life in this group of patients. METHODS: One hundred ten eligible women with the most common gynecologic cancers were randomized 1:1 to intervention (EX-PLISSIT-based counseling sessions for 4 weeks) and control groups. Sexual function and sexual quality of life were assessed via FSFI and SQOL-F self-reported questionnaires at baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention. RESULTS: One hundred fifty patients were registered; 110 were equally randomized to the intervention and control groups (55 each). Ninety-nine patients completed both questionnaires at baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention. There were no significant differences in the FSFI and SQOL-F scores between the study arms compared to baseline using the independent t-test (P > 0.05). Positive changes in FSFI and SQOL-F scores were observed in patients in both arms at 8 weeks. However, the mean difference was higher in the intervention arm but was statistically significant only in the domains of sexual desire, lubrication, orgasm, pain, overall sexual function, and sexual and relationship satisfaction subscale of SQOL-F (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, by facilitating communication, the EX-PLISSIT-based psychosexual counseling resulted in positive changes in sexual function and sexual quality of life in gynecologic cancer survivors. Therefore, we recommend this type of counseling in combination with other therapeutic and rehabilitative services for survivors of gynecologic cancers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in Iran's Clinical Trial Registry under registration code IRCT20160808029255N6 on 29 June 2019.

Effect of Adding Human Chorionic Gonadotropin to The Endometrial Preparation Protocol in Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycles.

In this article which was published in Int J Fertil Steril , Vol 6, No 3, Oct-Dec 2012, on Pages: 175-178, the authors found that Four sam ples from the control group were incorrectly included in the study. 4 cases were removed from the data and the data were re-analyzed. The results in Tables 1-3 are corrected. The authors would like to apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Body Image, Sexual Function, and Sexual Satisfaction Among Couples Before and After Gynecologic Cosmetic Surgery.

Objective: This study aimed to compare women's body image, sexual function and satisfaction before and after gynecologic cosmetic surgery. The study also aimed to assess women husband's sexual satisfaction. Materials and methods: This was a pretest-posttest study. A sample of 50 women attending the pelvic floor clinic of Tehran University of Medical Sciences for gynecologic cosmetic surgery was entered into the study. Surgeries included labiaplasty, clitoral hoodectomy, vaginoplasty, vaginal rejuvenation, anterior and posterior colporrhaphy, perineoplasty, and perineorrhaphy. Women were assessed for the Body Image Quality of Life Inventory (BIQLI), the Larson Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (LSSQ-F), and Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI-6) at two points in time: baseline (one week before surgery) and 3 months after surgery. Similarly, the male partners were assed for sexual satisfaction using the Larson Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (LSSQ-M). To analyze the data paired samples t-test was applied. Results: The mean (SD) age of women was 43.36 (8.6) years and the mean (SD) duration of marriage was 22.18 (9.7) years. Ninety-four percent had history of vaginal delivery and 58.7 percent attend surgery due to husband's sexual dissatisfaction. The results showed that women's body image, sexual function and couples' sexual satisfaction improved significantly after gynecologic cosmetic surgery (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that female genital cosmetic surgery improved the body image and sexual function of women and sexual satisfaction in couples that might lead to a more pleasurable and healthier marital relationship.

Resumption of Elective Surgery Following COVID-19 Outbreak, Guideline for Female Pelvic Medicine and Surgery.

Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of medical sciences proposed a clinically relevant algorithm to guide appropriate decision making based on underlying risk stratification and resource utilization in order to resume elective surgeries, following COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The consequence of standardized decision-making factors and transparency of the principles will provide more assurance, consistency, and reliability on both sides, care providers and the patient. It also will decrease ethical dilemmas and moral criticism for surgeons. Eventually, this approach is applicable in any other disaster preparedness as a logical stratification of surgical indications for the female pelvic floor surgical procedures.

The Effect of the CO2 Fractional Laser or Premarin Vaginal Cream on Improving Sexual Function in Menopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Sexual dysfunction is a complex problem in postmenopausal women with a prevalence rate of 68%-86%. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a fractional CO2 laser or vaginal cream on the improvement of sexual function in menopausal women. Methods: This is a two-group clinical trial study. Postmenopausal women with the inclusion criterion were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups of intervention (n=25) and control group (n=25). In the intervention group, CO2 laser therapy was performed every month for three months, and in the control group, Premarin vaginal cream was applied (0.625 mg, 3 nights a week for 3 months. Vaginal health index (VHI) scoring and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires were completed before and three months after the treatment. Results: The effects of the laser treatment were greater than the Premarin group with respect to improvement in sexual desire, orgasms, sexual satisfaction, less pain during sexual relations, and overall sexual function (P <0.05). Conclusion: It seems that the fractional CO2 laser may be more effective than hormonal therapy in improving sexual function in postmenopausal women.

Outcomes of Surgery with Vaginal Native Tissue for Posterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse Using a Special Technique.

There are several techniques for repairing prolapse in the posterior vaginal compartment, yet there is no general agreement on the best surgical procedure. This study was performed to investigate the outcomes of the common vaginal route technique for posterior vaginal wall prolapse repair in the first Iranian fellowship teaching center for female pelvic floor disorders. This prospective cohort study was performed on women with posterior vaginal wall prolapse with or without prolapse of other vaginal compartments who underwent surgery between 2014 and 2018 in a referral center for female pelvic floor disorders. A follow-up period of 12 months was considered. Patients subjected to the transvaginal technique by attachment of the rectovaginal fascia to the pericervical ring using vaginal native tissue were included. Among the 107 patients, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) scores were 141.87 ± 34.48 and 100.87 ± 26.48 before and after surgery, respectively, showing the significant improvement of patient's symptoms after surgery in the 12-month follow-up. Comparing Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) results before and after surgery, a significant improvement in patients' conditions was seen at the 12-month follow-up. Based on the results of the present study, the surgical procedure of the rectovaginal fascia attachment to the pericervical ring in posterior vaginal wall prolapse repair seems an effective surgical intervention without significant morbidity in the short-term follow-up.

Fractional CO2 Laser for Treatment of Vulvovaginal Atrophy: A Short Time Follow-up.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fractional CO2 laser for treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy. Materials and methods: In this clinical trial study, we evaluated the laser effect on vulvovaginal atrophy in 47 women aged 43-80 years. Each woman was treated with fractional CO2 laser, SmartXide2V2LR, DEKA, Monalisa Touch, vaginal 360o probe and cosmetic probe. The severity of vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms was evaluated before first session of laser and every 4 weeks after laser treatment until 12 weeks. Adverse effects including pain and itching were assessed at all visits. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23. Results: The response to laser therapy for vaginal dryness was significantly (p <0.001) improved. Also, the response to laser therapy for each symptom include dyspareunia, vaginal discharge, itching and urge urinary incontinence was statistically significant (p <0.001) based on visual analogue scale (VAS). Conclusion: It seems vaginal fractional CO2 laser can be applied as an effective and safe treatment method in genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). It is necessary to conduct studies with long-term follow-up.

Patient Satisfaction and Symptoms Improvement in Women Using a Vginal Pessary for The Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common complaint among older women. Vaginal pessary insertion is an appropriate treatment as a non-surgical method with few complications. This paper is a prospective observational study of 68 patients with pelvic organ prolapse that was carried out at the Imam Khomeini Hospital's Pelvic Floor clinic. The degree of pelvic organ prolapse was graded according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) System. For all patients, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) questionnaire was completed before vaginal pessary insertion, and after approximately 6 months of treatment. After 6-8 months, we found out that vaginal discharge was significantly increased and the feeling of fullness in the vagina was significantly decreased. However, sexual dissatisfaction, the feeling of incomplete evacuation, fecal and urinary incontinence, frequent urination, and pain or discomfort in the genital region were not significantly different after using a pessary. Approximately half a year later, 96.7% of the women with a successful pessary fitting trial were satisfied and reported a significant improvement in symptoms. Further studies with larger sample size, a different type of pessary, and a longer follow-up duration are recommended to evaluate all the symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse and its treatment.

Vitamin D Status in Women with Pelvic Floor Disorders: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

The current evidence regarding the association between vitamin D status and pelvic floor disorder (PFD) are inconclusive. This meta-analysis was aimed to summarize existing data demonstrating the association between Vitamin D status and PFD using published observational studies. All national and international databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched up until January 30, 2018, and related published studies retrieved for meta-analysis. The effect sizes of Vitamin D status were presented as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI), using random-effect models and inverse variance method. The Cochran Q statistic and I 2 tests were used to evaluate the heterogeneity across included studies. Seven studies with 3219 women were included our meta-analysis. There was heterogeneity existing among included studies (I 2 = 96.4%, P < 0.001), so a random-effect model was used. The findings of this meta-analysis revealed that the mean serum Vitamin D levels in women with PFD were significantly lower than healthy women (SMD -0.60; 95% CI, -1.06, -0.13; P = 0.01). This meta-analysis demonstrates lower levels of serum Vitamin D in women with PFD rather than healthy women. Additional prospective studies regarding the association between Vitamin D status and PFD are required to confirm our findings.

Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Hormonal, Inflammatory, Genetic, and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of melatonin administration on clinical, hormonal, inflammatory, and genetic parameters in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Methods: The present randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted among 56 patients with PCOS, aged 18-40 years old. Subjects were randomly allocated to take either 5 mg melatonin supplements (n = 28) or placebo (n = 28) twice a day for 12 weeks. Results: Melatonin administration significantly reduced hirsutism (ß -0.47; 95% CI, -0.86, -0.09; P = 0.01), serum total testosterone (ß -0.11 ng/mL; 95% CI, -0.21, -0.02; P = 0.01), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (ß -0.61 mg/L; 95% CI, -0.95, -0.26; P = 0.001), and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (ß -0.25 µmol/L; 95% CI, -0.38, -0.11; P < 0.001), and significantly increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (ß 106.07 mmol/L; 95% CI, 62.87, 149.28; P < 0.001) and total glutathione (GSH) (ß 81.05 µmol/L; 95% CI, 36.08, 126.03; P = 0.001) compared with the placebo. Moreover, melatonin supplementation downregulated gene expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) (P = 0.03) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (P = 0.01) compared with the placebo. Conclusions: Overall, melatonin administration for 12 weeks to women with PCOS significantly reduced hirsutism, total testosterone, hs-CRP, and MDA, while increasing TAC and GSH levels. In addition, melatonin administration reduced gene expression of IL-1 and TNF-α. Clinical Trial Registration: www.irct.ir, identifier IRCT2017082733941N9, Available online at: https://www.irct.ir/trial/26051.

The role of inflammation, oxidative stress, angiogenesis, and apoptosis in the pathophysiology of endometriosis: Basic science and new insights based on gene expression.

Endometriosis is a frequent and chronic illness in young women which could be defined by the existence of endometrial stroma and glands outside of the normal site of the lining of the uterus. It has painful symptoms. The advanced stage of endometriosis may lead to gynecological malignancies, such as ovarian cancer, and other complications, including infertility. However, its exact physiopathology is not well known. Recent studies have shown the possible roles of inflammation along with oxidative stress. Additionally, angiogenesis and apoptosis dysregulation contribute to endometriosis pathophysiology. Therapeutic strategies and continuing attempts, to conquer endometriosis should be done regarding molecular signaling pathways. Thus, the present review summarizes current studies and focuses on molecular mechanisms.

Effects of melatonin administration on mental health parameters, metabolic and genetic profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of melatonin supplementation on mental health parameters, metabolic and genetic parameters in women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 58 subjects, aged 18-40 years old. Subjects were randomly allocated to take either 10 mg melatonin (2 melatonin capsules, 5 mg each) (n = 29) or placebo (n = 29) once a day 1 h before bedtime for 12 weeks. Glycemic control and lipid profiles were measured at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. Using RT-PCR method, gene expression related to insulin and lipid metabolism was conducted on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of PCOS women. RESULTS: Melatonin supplementation significantly decreased Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (ß -2.15; 95% CI, -3.62, -0.68; P = 0.005), Beck Depression Inventory index (ß -3.62; 95% CI, -5.53, -1.78; P<0.001) and Beck Anxiety Inventory index (ß -1.95; 95% CI, -3.41, -0.48; P = 0.01) compared with the placebo. In addition, melatonin administration, compared with the placebo, significantly reduced serum insulin (ß -1.20 µIU/mL; 95% CI, -2.14, -0.26; P = 0.01), homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (ß -0.28; 95% CI, -0.50, -0.05; P = 0.01), serum total- (ß -7.96 mg/dL; 95% CI, -13.75, -2.17; P = 0.008) and LDL-cholesterol levels (ß -5.88 mg/dL; 95% CI, -11.42, -0.33; P = 0.03), and significantly increased the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (ß 0.008; 95% CI, 0.002, 0.014; P = 0.007). Moreover, melatonin supplementation upregulated gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) (P = 0.004) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) (P = 0.01) compared with the placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, melatonin administration for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on mental health parameters, insulin levels, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, total- and LDL-cholesterol levels, and gene expression of PPAR-γ and LDLR among women with PCOS.

Molecular pathogenesis of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome based on gene expression.

Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) is a chronic bladder inflammation that leads to chronic bladder pain and urinary urgency and frequency. The presentation of IC/PBS is heterogeneous, and it is classified as ulcerative IC/PBS and nonulcerative IC/PBS. The main cause of IC/PBS is thought to be a persistent inflammatory condition in the bladder, though the actual pathophysiology has not been identified yet. Although the underlying pathophysiology of IC/PBS is not completely understood, several theories for the etiology of this syndrome have been suggested, including deficiency of the glycosaminoglycan covering urothelium surface that results in leaky urothelium infection, immunological etiology, activated mast cells, neural changes, and inflammation. In addition, there are no gold standards for the detection of this disorder to date. So, determination of gene expression and its role in different signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of this heterogeneous disorder contribute to the more efficient cognition of the pathophysiology of this disease and to the design of effective treatments and molecular diagnostic methods for IC/PBS.

Comparison of Misoprostol and Mefenamic Acid on Reducing Menstrual Bleeding in Patients Suffering From Heavy Menstrual Bleeding.

Objective: Heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the most frequent complaints of women. Various therapeutic approaches have been applied to treat this condition. In this study, we compared the efficacy of mefenamic acid and misoprostol in reducing menorrhagia. Materials and methods: This is a randomized clinical trial study performed on 60 patients with menorrhagia. They were divided into two equal groups and randomly received mefenamic acid or misoprostol. Cycle duration, bleeding volume (according to the pictorial blood assessment chart), hemoglobin, hematocrit, and pad count were recorded before and after treatment. Side effects of treatment regimens were recorded. Results: Blood loss volume per menstruation day in the mefenamic acid group was 118.40 ± 36.26 ml before treatment which decreased to 48.50 ± 24.71 ml after treatment (p = 0.262). Misoprostol reduced menstrual bleeding volume from 135.37 ± 34.85 ml per day to 49.40 ± 32.161 ml (p = 0.003). Mean duration of the menstrual period in patients receiveding mefenamic acid was 9.50 ± 3.27 days which decreased to 7.73 ± 2.14 days after treatment (p = 0.001). The similar change occurred in the misoprostol group and the mean duration of the menstrual period decreased from 7.70 ± 2.10 to 6.37 ± 2.29 days (p = 0.002). The number of pads used by patients in the mefenamic acid group before treatment was 23.20 ± 12.61 which was decreased to 14.33 ± 5.86 after treatment (p = 0.001). This alteration in misoprostol group was from 20.67 ± 6.12 to 15.53 ± 6.49 (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Misoprostol can significantly reduce menstrual bleeding.