Copaiba Oil Resin Exerts an Additive Effect to Babassu Oil on Behavioral Changes in Human Endometriotic Cell Cultures.

BACKGROUND: Current drugs for the treatment of endometriosis are not able to completely cure the condition, and significant side effects hinder the continuation of treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to search for new drug candidates. In the present paper, the use of plant extracts is highlighted. Babassu oil and Copaiba oil resin have several therapeutic properties. We investigated the in vitro effects of two nanoemulsions containing oil extracted from Babassu (Orbignya speciosa) nuts (called SNEDDS-18) and/or oil resin extracted from Copaiba trunk (Copaifera langsdorffii) (called SNEDDS-18/COPA) on cultured human eutopic endometrium stromal cells from endometrial biopsies of patients without (CESC) and with (EuESC) endometriosis as well as human stromal cells from biopsies of endometriotic lesions (EctESC). METHODS: CESC, EuESC, and EctESC were taken and treated with SNEDDS-18 and SNEDDS-18/COPA to evaluate their effects on cytotoxicity, cell morphology, proliferation, and signaling pathways. RESULTS: After 48 h of incubation with SNEDDS-18 and SNEDDS-18/COPA, cell viability and proliferation were inhibited, especially in EctESC. The lowest concentration of both nanoemulsions reduced cell viability and proliferation and broke down the cytoskeleton in EctESCs. After 24 h of treatment a decrease in IL-1, TNF-α, and MCP-1 was observed, as well as an increase in IL-10 production. CONCLUSIONS: Both nanoemulsions can affect endometriotic stromal cell behaviors, thus revealing two potential candidates for new phytotherapeutic agents for the management of endometriosis.

DROSHA rs10719 and DICER1 rs3742330 polymorphisms in endometriosis and different diseases: Case-control and review studies.

OBJECTIVE: DROSHA and DICER1 enzymes participate in the main stages of microRNA synthesis. Polymorphisms can influence mRNAs stability and genes expression, and hence affect the binding of miRNAs. Thus, the present study evaluated the association of DROSHA and DICER1 polymorphisms in the development of endometriosis and other diseases. METHODS: A total of 240 endometriosis cases and 242 controls were genotyped for the DROSHA rs10719 G > A and DICER1 rs3742330 A > G polymorphisms using the TaqMan system. The association between polymorphisms and endometriosis was estimated by binary logistic regression. A literature review was also performed including all published articles (PubMed database) until December 2020, regarding the association of the studied polymorphisms and different diseases. RESULTS: DICER1 rs3742330GG was only found in endometriosis cases (2.1%) and deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) (2.5%). The DICER1 rs3742330GG genotype was significantly associated with endometriosis (P < 0.05), suggesting a tendency to present an increased risk for disease. DROSHA rs10719A and DICER1 rs3742330G allele frequencies varied among populations (6%-79% and 10.2%-55.1%, respectively). In the Brazilian population, the frequencies of these alleles were 42.3% and 7.3%, respectively. Both polymorphisms were risk factors for nonsyndromic orofacial clefts, tuberculosis, stroke ischemia and mortality after stroke, recurrent idiopathic pregnancy loss, and some types of cancer. Moreover, the DICER1 rs3742330 polymorphism was a protective factor for precancerous cervical lesions, different types of cancer and tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that only the DICER1 rs3742330 A > G polymorphism may be associated with susceptibility to endometriosis. The frequencies of both polymorphisms were significantly different among populations, and there were discrepancies in the risk associations with the development of diseases.

Epidemiological profile of women with endometriosis: a retrospective descriptive study / Perfil epidemiológico de mulheres com endometriose: um estudo descritivo retrospectivo

Abstract Objectives: to describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of women with endometriosis and to determine the association with the prognostic characteristics of the disease. Methods: retrospective descriptive study involving 237 women attended at two referral hospitals for endometriosis, between 2011 and 2017. Associations between groups were estimated using logistic regression models. Results: most women (65.4%) were of reproductive age (29-39 years), with a body mass index in the range of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 and a high prevalence (23-81%) of symptoms of the disease, with 49.5% being infertile. The average time of diagnosis was 5 years. Ovarian endometrioma and/or deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) were the most frequent type of endometriosis (87%), and 59% of patients were in the III/IV stage of the disease. Approximately 87% of women with surgical diagnosis were aged over 30, married (70%) and had lower parity. Dyspareunia was negatively associated with superficial endometriosis. Infertility was positively associated with age (30-39 years) and DIE in the uterine tubes; dysmenorrhea with DIE in the uterosacral ligament; cyclic intestinal complaints with DIE in the rectosigmoid and intestine, and with DIE classification and III/IVstage. Conclusions: knowing the epidemiological and clinical profile of Brazilian women with endometriosis can help in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Resumo Objetivos: descrever o perfil epidemiológico e clínico de mulheres com endometriose e determinar a associação com as características prognósticas da doença. Métodos: estudo descritivo retrospectivo envolvendo 237 mulheres atendidas em dois hospitais de referência em endometriose, no período entre 2011 e 2017. As associações entre os grupos foram estimadas utilizando modelos de regressão logística. Resultados: a maioria das mulheres (65,4%) estava em idade reprodutiva (29-39 anos), com índice de massa corporal entre 18,5-24,9 kg/m2 e alta prevalência (23-81%) dos sintomas clínicos da doença, sendo que 49,5% eram inférteis. O tempo médio de diagnóstico foi de 5 anos. O endometrioma ovariano e/ou endometriose profunda infiltrativa (EPI) foram os tipos mais frequentes de endometriose (87%), sendo que 59% das pacientes estavam no estágio III/IVda doença. Aproximadamente 87% das mulheres com diagnóstico cirúrgico apresentavam idade acima dos 30 anos, eram casadas (70%) e apresentavam menor paridade. A dispareunia foi associada negativamente à endometriose superficial. A infertilidade foi associada positivamente com a idade (30-39 anos) e com a EPI nas tubas uterinas; a dismenorreia com a EPI no ligamento uterosacral; as queixas intestinais cíclicas com a EPI no retosigmóide e intestino, e com a classificação EPI e estágio III/IV. Conclusões: conhecer o perfil epidemiológico e clínico das mulheres brasileiras com endometriose pode auxiliar no diagnóstico e no planejamento do tratamento.

Matrix metalloproteinases 3 polymorphism increases the risk of developing advanced endometriosis and infertility: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Endometriosis has a complex and multifactorial pathology, and it is considered one of the main causes of infertility nowadays. The angiogenic process, which involves remodeling of extracellular matrix, is crucial for the development of this disease, mainly by the action of the matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3). It is known that genetic factors can influence endometriosis, thus; we investigated the role of MMP3 276G>A polymorphism as a risk factor for the development of the disease and its symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: This case-control study included 283 women with endometriosis (cases) and 217 women without the disease (controls) who were submitted to laparoscopic or laparotomy surgery. Real-time polymerase chain reaction performed by TaqMan system was applied for all polymorphisms. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between polymorphism and endometriosis or clinical and gynecological characteristics of the disease, using their respective odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The allelic frequency of the MMP3 276 G > A polymorphism was 33.6% in controls and 40.3% in endometriosis cases. The allelic distribution was significantly different between the two (P = 0.03). The variant genotype of MMP3 276AA was associated with increased endometriosis risk in the advanced endometriosis cases (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.05 - 4.07 and OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.01 - 3.45). Regarding the symptoms, endometriosis-related infertile women had a positive association with the presence of MMP3 276 G > A polymorphism (OR: 3.13, 95% CI: 1.08-9.08 and OR: 3.30, 95% CI: 1.31 - 8.33). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the MMP3 276A polymorphism is involved with advanced endometriosis cases and infertility, and these associations may implicate in the behavior of disease.

A new species of Rhodocybe sect. Rufobrunnea (Entolomataceae, Agaricales) from Italy.

Rhodocybe fumanellii is described from Italy as a new species based both on morphological and molecular nrITS/nrLSU data. It belongs in sect. Rufobrunnea and is characterised by massive tricholomatoid basidiomata with reddish-brown tinges, adnate and crowded lamellae, an enlarged stipe base with long rhizomorphs, long sinuose slender cheilocystidia, ellipsoid basidiospores and the presence of caulocystidia. Drawings of the main micromorphological features as well as a colour photograph of fresh basidiomata in situ are provided and its morphological relationships with allied species are discussed.

Role of cytochrome P450 2C19 polymorphisms and body mass index in endometriosis: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the contribution of CYP2C19 polymorphisms and body mass index (BMI) in the development of endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN: This is a case-control study that includes 356 women (187 cases and 169 controls) recruited from two hospitals in the Brazilian public health system. The genotyping analyses of the CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*17 polymorphisms were performed using TaqMan allelic discrimination assays, and the association of the studied polymorphisms with endometriosis was evaluated by multivariate logistic regression. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to investigate the interaction between BMI and CYP2C19 polymorphisms. RESULTS: The variant allele frequencies of CYP2C19*2 were significantly different between cases and controls, and after adjusting for confounding factors, the CYP2C19*2 polymorphism was more frequent in women with endometriosis, considering all cases (CYP2C19*2: OR=1.83; 95% CI=1.17-2.85) and only deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) cases (CYP2C19*2: OR=2.32; 95% CI=1.42-3.77). BMI was significantly lower in endometriosis patients (26.5±4.68) than in controls (27.8±5.65, P<0.02). Among obese women (BMI 30-40), the CYP2C19*2 polymorphism had a greater association with endometriosis (CYP2C19*2: OR=3.27; 95% CI=1.55-6.89). There was a positive correlation between CYP2C19*2 and BMI 30-40 (P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study suggest that CYP2C19*2 is positively associated with endometriosis and that BMI may have a significant interaction with CYP2C19*2 and the risk of endometriosis.

Combined Effect of the PGR +331C > T, CYP17A1 -34A > G and CYP19A1 1531G > A Polymorphisms on the Risk of Developing Endometriosis.

Purpose To evaluate the magnitude of the association of the polymorphisms of the genes PGR, CYP17A1 and CYP19A1 in the development of endometriosis. Methods This is a retrospective case-control study involving 161 women with endometriosis (cases) and 179 controls. The polymorphisms were genotyped by real-time polymerase chain reaction using the TaqMan system. The association of the polymorphisms with endometriosis was evaluated using the multivariate logistic regression. Results The endometriosis patients were significantly younger than the controls (36.0 ± 7.3 versus 38.0 ± 8.5 respectively, p = 0.023), and they had a lower body mass index (26.3 ± 4.8 versus 27.9 ± 5.7 respectively, p = 0.006), higher average duration of the menstrual flow (7.4 ± 4.9 versus 6.1 ± 4.4 days respectively, p = 0.03), and lower average time intervals between menstrual periods (25.2 ± 9.6 versus 27.5 ± 11.1 days respectively, p = 0.05). A higher prevalence of symptoms of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, infertility and intestinal or urinary changes was observed in the case group when compared with the control group. The interval between the onset of symptoms and the definitive diagnosis of endometriosis was 5.2 ± 6.9 years. When comparing both groups, significant differences were not observed in the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the polymorphisms PGR +331C > T, CYP17A1 -34A > G and CYP19A1 1531G > A, even when considering the symptoms, classification and stage of the endometriosis. The combined genotype PGR +331TT/CYP17A1 -34AA/CYP19A11531AA is positively associated with endometriosis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.72; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.09-2.72). Conclusions The combined analysis of the polymorphisms PGR-CYP17A1-CYP19A1 suggests a gene-gene interaction in the susceptibility to endometriosis. These results may contribute to the identification of biomarkers for the diagnosis and/or prognosis of the disease and of possible molecular targets for individualized treatments.

Objetivo Avaliar a magnitude de associação de polimorfismos nos genes PGR, CYP17A1 e CYP19A1 no desenvolvimento da endometriose. Métodos Este é um estudo retrospectivo do tipo caso-controle, envolvendo 161 mulheres com endometriose (casos) e 179 controles. Os polimorfismos foram genotipados pela reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real utilizando o sistema TaqMan. A associação dos polimorfismos estudados com a endometriose foi avaliada pela regressão logística multivariada. Resultados As pacientes com endometriose eram significativamente mais jovens do que os controles (36,0 ± 7,3 versus 38,0 ± 8,5, respectivamente, p = 0,023), apresentaram um índice de massa corporal menor (26,3 ± 4,8 versus 27,9 ± 5,7, respectivamente, p = 0,006), maior tempo médio de duração do fluxo menstrual (7,4 ± 4,9 versus 6,1 ± 4,4 dias, respectivamente, p = 0,03) e menor tempo médio do intervalo entre as menstruações (25,2 ± 9,6 versus 27,5 ± 11,1 dias, respectivamente, p = 0,05). Uma maior prevalência dos sintomas de dismenorreia, dispareunia, dor pélvica crônica, infertilidade, alterações intestinais e urinárias foi observada no grupo casos comparado ao grupo controle. O tempo médio entre o início dos sintomas e o diagnóstico definitivo de endometriose foi de 5,2 ± 6,9 anos. Comparando os dois grupos, não foram observadas diferenças significativas nas frequências alélicas e genotípicas dos polimorfismos PGR +331C > T, CYP17A1 -34A > G e CYP19A1 1531G > A, e nem considerando os sintomas, a classificação e o estadiamento da endometriose. O genótipo combinado PGR +331TT/CYP17A1 -34AA/CYP19A11531AA está associado positivamente com a endometriose (razão de possibilidades [RP] = 1,72; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] = 1,09­2,72). Conclusões A análise combinada dos polimorfismos PGR-CYP17A1-CYP19A1 sugere uma interação gene-gene na susceptibilidade à endometriose. Estes resultados podem contribuir para a identificação de biomarcadores para o diagnóstico e/ou prognóstico da doença, assim como de possíveis alvos moleculares para um tratamento individualizado.

Combined Effect of the PGR + 331C > T, CYP17A1 -34A > G and CYP19A1 1531G > A Polymorphisms on the Risk of Developing Endometriosis / Efeito combinado dos polimorfismos PGR + 331C > T, CYP17A1 -34A > G e CYP19A1 1531G > A no risco de desenvolvimento da endometriose

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the magnitude of the association of the polymorphisms of the genes PGR, CYP17A1 and CYP19A1 in the development of endometriosis. Methods This is a retrospective case-control study involving 161 women with endometriosis (cases) and 179 controls. The polymorphisms were genotyped by real-time polymerase chain reaction using the TaqMan system. The association of the polymorphisms with endometriosis was evaluated using the multivariate logistic regression. Results The endometriosis patients were significantly younger than the controls (36.0±7.3 versus 38.0±8.5 respectively, p = 0.023), and they had a lower body mass index (26.3±4.8 versus 27.9±5.7 respectively, p = 0.006), higher average duration of the menstrual flow (7.4±4.9 versus 6.1±4.4 days respectively, p = 0.03), and lower average time intervals between menstrual periods (25.2±9.6 versus 27.5±11.1 days respectively, p = 0.05). A higher prevalence of symptoms of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, infertility and intestinal or urinary changes was observed in the case group when compared with the control group. The interval between the onset of symptoms and the definitive diagnosis of endometriosis was 5.2±6.9 years. When comparing both groups, significant differences were not observed in the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the polymorphisms PGR + 331C > T, CYP17A1 -34A > G and CYP19A1 1531G > A, even when considering the symptoms, classification and stage of the endometriosis. The combined genotype PGR + 331TT/CYP17A1 -34AA/CYP19A11531AA is positively associated with endometriosis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.72; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.09-2.72). Conclusions The combined analysis of the polymorphisms PGR-CYP17A1-CYP19A1 suggests a gene-gene interaction in the susceptibility to endometriosis. These results may contribute to the identification of biomarkers for the diagnosis and/or prognosis of the disease and of possible molecular targets for individualized treatments.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a magnitude de associação de polimorfismos nos genes PGR, CYP17A1 e CYP19A1 no desenvolvimento da endometriose. Métodos Este é um estudo retrospectivo do tipo caso-controle, envolvendo 161 mulheres com endometriose (casos) e 179 controles. Os polimorfismos foram genotipados pela reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real utilizando o sistema TaqMan. A associação dos polimorfismos estudados com a endometriose foi avaliada pela regressão logística multivariada. Resultados As pacientes com endometriose eram significativamente mais jovens do que os controles (36,0±7,3 versus 38,0±8,5, respectivamente, p = 0,023), apresentaram um índice de massa corporal menor (26,3±4,8 versus 27,9±5,7, respectivamente, p = 0,006), maior tempo médio de duração do fluxo menstrual (7,4±4,9 versus 6,1±4,4 dias, respectivamente, p = 0,03) e menor tempo médio do intervalo entre as menstruações (25,2±9,6 versus 27,5±11,1 dias, respectivamente, p = 0,05). Uma maior prevalência dos sintomas de dismenorreia, dispareunia, dor pélvica crônica, infertilidade, alterações intestinais e urinárias foi observada no grupo casos comparado ao grupo controle. O tempo médio entre o início dos sintomas e o diagnóstico definitivo de endometriose foi de 5,2±6,9 anos. Comparando os dois grupos, não foram observadas diferenças significativas nas frequências alélicas e genotípicas dos polimorfismos PGR + 331C > T, CYP17A1 -34A > G e CYP19A1 1531G > A, e nem considerando os sintomas, a classificação e o estadiamento da endometriose. O genótipo combinado PGR + 331TT/CYP17A1 -34AA/CYP19A11531AA está associado positivamente com a endometriose (razão de possibilidades [RP] = 1,72; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] = 1,09-2,72). Conclusões A análise combinada dos polimorfismos PGR-CYP17A1-CYP19A1 sugere uma interação gene-gene na susceptibilidade à endometriose. Estes resultados podem contribuir para a identificação de biomarcadores para o diagnóstico e/ou prognóstico da doença, assim como de possíveis alvos moleculares para um tratamento individualizado.

Combined effect of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor polymorphisms in endometriosis: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Endometriosis is a multifactorial gynecological disease, whose pathogenesis is crucially dependent on angiogenesis, which is signaled via vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR2). We hypothesize that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VEGF and VEGFR2 genes may influence the onset and/or the progression of endometriosis. The main aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of VEGF and VEGFR2 SNPs as risk factors for endometriosis, as well as their association with endometriosis symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: A case-control study was conducted, involving 293 endometriosis patients and 223 controls, who were submitted to laparoscopic or laparotomy surgery at hospitals from the Brazilian public health system. Genotyping of VEGF (-2578C>A, -460T>C, -1154G>A, +405G>C and +936C>T) and VEGFR2 (-604T>C, 1192C>T) SNPs was performed by TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction. The association between SNPs and endometriosis, deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) or endometriosis symptoms was estimated by odds ratios (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI), which were calculated using multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: VEGF variant alleles -2578A and -1154A were associated with increased endometriosis risk (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.04-1.87 and OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.12-2.37, respectively), whereas VEGF 405C and VEGFR2 1192T were associated with lower risk of endometriosis (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.43-1.00 and OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40-0.84, respectively). The combination of wild-type genotypes of both VEGF -2578C>A and -1154G>A with variant genotypes of both VEGF +405G>C and VEGFR2 1192C>T showed the best protective effect against the development of endometriosis, either considering all cases (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12-0.89) or only DIE (OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.10-0.87). The combination of variant genotypes of VEGF -2578C>A, -1154G>A, +405G>C and VEGFR2 1192C>T was also protective against DIE (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.46-0.96). VEGFR2 1192C>T were associated with reduced cyclical urinary complaints (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18-0.88). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that VEGF SNPs -2578C>A and -1154G>A increase endometriosis risk, whereas VEGF +405G>C and VEGFR2 1192C>T are protective against disease development, with VEGFR2 1192C>T also reducing cyclical urinary symptoms. The combined analysis of VEGF-VEGFR2 genotypes suggests a gene-gene interaction in endometriosis susceptibility.

Polymorphisms in VEGF and KDR genes in the development of endometriosis: a systematic review / Polimorfismos nos genes VEGF e KDR no desenvolvimento da endometriose: revisão sistemática

Abstract Objectives: to review studies that used case-control design to verify the association of polymorphisms in VEGF and KDR genes in the development of endometriosis. Methods: the systematic review selected articles published until September 1, 2015 from PubMed, MEDLINE, BVS, SciELO databases, considering the following key words: endometriosis and ("polymorphism" or "SNP" or "genetic polymorphism") and ("VEGF" OR "Vascular endothelial growth factor" or "VEGFR-2" or "Vascular endothelial growth factor-2" or "KDR" or "Kinase Insert Domain Receptor"). Results: 106 articles were identified, only 11 were eligible. Discrepant results were observed regarding polymorphisms in VEGF gene in the development of endometriosis, which can be explained by methodological differences, sample size, eligible control type, using the unadjusted risk estimates and the heterogeneity of the studied population. Only one study investigated polymorphisms in KDR gene in the development of endometriosis, however it was ineligible for this review. Conclusions: to avoid discrepancy in the results, we suggest that the ideal control group should be formed by fertile women and free of gynecological diseases. Multicentric studies with adequate design, involving different population besides the combined analysis on polymorphisms in VEGF and KDR genes are still necessary to contribute in the understanding of this disease, which are social, clinical and economical problems.

Resumo Objetivos: revisar os trabalhos que utilizaram o delineamento caso-controle para verificar a associação de polimorfismos nos genes VEGF e KDR no desenvolvimento da endometriose. Métodos: revisão sistemática que pesquisou nas bases de dados PubMed, MEDLINE, BVS, SciELO os artigos publicados até o dia 1 de setembro de 2015, considerando os descritores: endometriosis and ("polymorphism" or "SNP" or "geneticpolymorphism") and ("VEGF" or "Vascular endothelial growth factor" or "VEGFR-2" or "Vascular endothelial growth factor-2" or "KDR" or "Kinase Insert Domain Receptor"). Resultados: identificou-se 106 artigos, sendo 11 considerados elegíveis. Observou-se resultados discrepantes quanto aos polimorfismos no gene VEGF no desenvolvimento da endometriose, podendo ser explicados pelas diferenças metodológicas, pelo tamanho amostral, pelo tipo de controle elegível, pela utilização da estimativa de risco não ajustada e pela heterogeneidade das populações estudadas. Apenas um estudo investigou polimorfismos no gene KDR no desenvolvimento da endometriose, contudo não foi elegível nesta revisão. Conclusões: para evitar as discrepâncias dos resultados observados sugerimos que o grupo controle ideal deva ser formado por mulheres férteis e livres de doenças ginecológicas. Estudos multicêntricos com delineamento adequado, envolvendo diferentes populações, além da análise combinada de polimorfismos nos genes VEGF e KDR ainda são necessários para contribuir no entendimento desta doença que é um problema social, clínico e econômico.

The oil-resin of the tropical rainforest tree Copaifera langsdorffii reduces cell viability, changes cell morphology and induces cell death in human endometriotic stromal cultures.

OBJECTIVES: The hormonal treatment for endometriosis frequently fails to completely eradicate endometriotic implants. A new therapeutic treatment is needed. This study investigates the in-vitro effect of Copaifera langsdorffii oil-resin on human eutopic and ectopic endometrium stromal cell cultures (EuESCs and EctESCs). METHODS: A nanocomposite system containing the copaiba oil-resin (NanoCOR) was developed and acute toxicity test was performed. Endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) from non-endometriotics controls (CESCs), EuESCs and EctESCs were isolated and treated with different concentrations of NanoCOR, at different time intervals to evaluate its effect on cell morphology, proliferation, viability, necrosis and apoptosis induction. KEY FINDINGS: When treated with 50 µg/ml of NanoCOR, the morphology of EctESCs changed, as the actin microfilaments were disorganized, disassembled or disrupted. Moreover, at 24 h of treatment with NanoCOR, the EctESCs viability was inhibited, and a significant number of these cells underwent apoptosis. In EuESCs, these effects were observed only at 48 h. Finally, the treatment of EctESCs with NanoCOR increased the lactate dehydrogenase release into the extracellular medium more than in EuESCs. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that NanoCOR has a greater impact on the behaviour of human endometriotic stromal cells than on the eutopic endometrium stromal cells, supporting the idea that NanoCOR should be further investigated as a novel and valuable alternative to treat endometriosis.

Device model for training of laparoscopic surgical skills.

The authors present a especially constructed, lightweight, collapsible, portable and low cost model device for skills training in laparoscopic.

Distribution of chondroitin sulfate in human endometrium.

Sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composition was characterized in the human endometrium during proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle. Sulfated GAGs were analyzed in endometrium tissue using metachromatic staining, biochemical analysis including electrophoresis before and after specific enzymatic or chemical degradations, and immunostaining with an antibody against chondroitin sulfate (CS). Our results showed that CS was the main sulfated GAG species detected, accompanied by small amounts of heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate. CS was distributed overall the connective stroma, around arteriole vessels and glands, and there was no important difference in the immunostaining between the proliferative and secretory endometrium phases. Our findings extend previous observations on the GAG composition in the human endometrium providing new information regarding the tissue distribution and location of endometrial CS.

O uso do creme ginecológico de sulfadiazina de prata 1 por cento micronizada no tratamento das colpites / The use of the silver sulfadiazine 1 per cent in colpitis treatment

As cervico-colpites säo causadas por vários agentes infecciosos e representam o principal motivo de consulta ao ginecologista. Säo altamente prevalentes em todo mundo e acometem mulheres de todos os níveis sócio-econômicos. Avaliaçäo do uso de sulfadiazina de prata a 1 por cento, via vaginal, no tratamento de colpites de várias etiologias

Carcinoma epidermóide da glândula de Bartholin / Bartholin's gland epidermoid carcinoma: a case report

Apresentamos, desta forma, um caso de neoplasia pouco freqüente, a qual, devido à sua semelhança ou talvez pela sua concomitância com um processo inflamatório de ocorrência freqüente e de evoluçao benigna, dificultou de início o seu reconhecimento. Somente a evoluçao atípica observada após a drenagem de um suposto abscesso corriqueiro é que levou-nos à suspeita de uma neoplasia, exigindo investigaçao adequada ao seu esclarecimento, que se mostrou positivo para neoplasia maligna.