Epigenetic age prediction in semen - marker selection and model development.

DNA methylation analysis is becoming increasingly useful in biomedical research and forensic practice. The discovery of differentially methylated sites (DMSs) that continuously change over an individual's lifetime has led to breakthroughs in molecular age estimation. Although semen samples are often used in forensic DNA analysis, previous epigenetic age prediction studies mainly focused on somatic cell types. Here, Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip arrays were applied to semen-derived DNA samples, which identified numerous novel DMSs moderately correlated with age. Validation of the ten most age-correlated novel DMSs and three previously known sites in an independent set of semen-derived DNA samples using targeted bisulfite massively parallel sequencing, confirmed age-correlation for nine new and three previously known markers. Prediction modelling revealed the best model for semen, based on 6 CpGs from newly identified genes SH2B2, EXOC3, IFITM2, and GALR2 as well as the previously known FOLH1B gene, which predict age with a mean absolute error of 5.1 years in an independent test set. Further increases in the accuracy of age prediction from semen DNA will require technological progress to allow sensitive, simultaneous analysis of a much larger number of age correlated DMSs from the compromised DNA typical of forensic semen stains.

Sperm Antioxidant Biomarkers and Their Correlation with Clinical Condition and Lifestyle with Regard to Male Reproductive Potential.

Measurement of sperm oxidative-antioxidant indicators is widely used in the assessment and detection of biochemical causes of male infertility The main purpose of this study was to identify biomarkers that assist in diagnostics and monitoring of male reproductive potential. We performed the assessment of oxidative-antioxidant malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and total redox antioxidant potential (TRAP) indicators in seminal plasma, seminogram, clinical condition, and lifestyle of people with reproductive problems. The combined assessment of GSH and TRAP as potential biomarkers of male infertility in semen plasma was characterized by the highest total sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, we provide evidence that male reproductive potential is significantly correlated with basic sperm parameters, sperm cell membrane integrity, their morphology, lifestyle, eating habits, occupation, and mental health. Our results provide evidence on the importance of oxidative stress and defense against free radicals in diagnosing and monitoring men with infertility that are consistent with previously conducted research. We provide an alternative approach on the possibility of interpreting the combination of the biomarkers that can bring benefits to a multi-threaded approach to the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.

Blood pressure in postmenopausal women with a history of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder at reproductive age, affecting 6-10% of females in this group. The aetiology of this syndrome is not fully understood. Genetics, endocrinology factors, and the influence of the environment are possible causes of this syndrome. PCOS is characterised by menstrual disorders, hyperandrogenism, and abnormalities in ovarian morphology as well as metabolic disorders. PCOS increases the risk of overweight and obesity, diabetes, endometrial cancer, and cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension along with all its long-term consequences. There are limited studies about cardiovascular disorders, especially hypertension, in postmenopausal women with a history of PCOS. The presented paper is an attempt to briefly summarise literature data concerning the influence of this disease on the incidence of hypertension and blood pressure control in postmenopausal women. Women with PCOS more often present features of metabolic syndrome and have increased cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension is 2.5 times higher than in corresponding healthy peers. Furthermore, hyperandrogenaemia is associated with elevated blood pressure independent of the patient's age, insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidaemia. In view of this, these patients should be thoroughly screened for hypertensive disorders and educated about the lifestyle modifications that could prevent hypertension later in life.

[Changes in blood pressure and heart rate by an increase in serum estradiol in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation]. / Zmiany cisnienia tetniczego i czestosci serca pod wplywem wzrostu stezenia estradiolu w surowicy u pacjentek poddanych kontrolowanej stymulacji jajeczkowania.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in blood pressure and heart rate in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COH) in preparation for assisted reproduction techniques. Material and method: The comparison of blood pressure and heart rate measurements obtained from 5 women (age 35.3 +/- 9.4 years) was performed. The data were collected during the 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) using Holcard sphygmomanometer CR-07 Aspel S.A. at the beginning and in the last day of short protocol of COH with the use of triptorelin (Decapeptyl 0.1 mg/day--Ferring GmbH) and the total supply of Gonalu F 225 U/day--Merck Serono) and Menotropiny 75j FSH + LH 75 U/day (Merional Imed/lBSA). RESULTS: During COH the increase in the serum estradiol level was detected (54.03 +/- 9.4 pg/ml at baseline vs. 1128.7 +/- 208.6 pg/ml after COH, p < 0.001). However, there were no differences in SBP and DBP values before stimulation and on the day of its completion. Only the decrease of mean arterial pressure measured by oscillometric method was observed during the study (95.1 +/- 25.3 mmHg vs. 87.6 +/- 27.8 mmHg, p<0.02). Mean arterial pressure measured by oscillometric method decreased in the daytime measurements (98 +/- 27.3 mmHg vs. 92.8 +/- 26.5 mmHg, p<0.05) as well as in the nighttime measurements (84.4 +/- 17.4 mmHg vs. 78.8 +/- 14, 4 mmHg, p <0.05). After COH, the higher heart rate (HR) was measured (in overall ABPM statistics: baseline HR 68.5 +/- 12.8/min vs. 73.6 +/- 13.7/ min after COH, p<0.002 and also in daytime statistics: baseline HR70.8 +/- 13.6 / min vs. 76.3 +/- 15.5 / min after COH, p<0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The increase in serum estradiol level caused by COH leads to increase in heart rate and reduction in mean arterial pressure measured by oscillometric method. However, short-term increase in serum estradiol during COH is not associated with significant changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in women preparing for the in vitro procedure.

Bacterial infections of the lower genital tract in fertile and infertile women from the southeastern Poland.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to investigate the detection rates of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Gardnerella vaginalis, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae and Enterococcus faecalis, showing no clinical signs of an ongoing, acute inflammatory state of the vagina and/or the cenrvix, in fertile and infertile women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study encompassed 161 women, including 101 women treated for infertility and 60 fertile women who had already given birth to healthy children. The material for the presence of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, M. genitalium, M. hominis and U. urealyticum was collected from the cervical canal and analyzed by PCR. Furthermore, BD ProbeTec ET system was used to detect C. trachomatis infection. Vaginal swabs were collected for classification of bacterial vaginosis and aerobic vaginitis and assessed according to the Nugent score, as well as by traditional culture methods. RESULTS: U. urealyticum was identified in 9% of the infertile women and in 8% of controls. Presence of M. hominis was demonstrated only in the former (4%) and C. trachomatis only in latter (3%). N. gonorrhoeae and M. genitalium were not found in any of the examined women. The frequency of aerobic vaginitis in both groups was estimated at 12%. There were 7% bacterial vaginosis cases in the study group, and none in the control group (p=0.0096). CONCLUSIONS: Despite having no symptoms of an ongoing acute inflammation of the reproductive tract, many women may experience permanent or periodic shifts of equilibrium of the vaginal and/or cervical microflora. BV develops more frequently in infertile patients when compared to the fertile women.

[Bilateral ovarian luteinized thecoma associated with pregnancy--a case report]. / Ciaza powiklana obustronnym zluteinizowanym otoczkowiakiem--opis przypadku.

Hormonally active, associated with pregnancy ovarian tumors can cause some diagnostic and therapeutic problems. In the following work we present a 28-year-old primigravida in the 21st week of pregnancy who was admitted to hospital with acute abdominal pain and virilizing symptoms. Bilateral luteinized thecoma of a considerable size, secreting testosterone, was diagnosed and the woman received surgical treatment. During the operation a rupture of the left tumor was discovered. Bilateral adnexectomy was performed. After the operation the symptoms subsided. The pregnancy continued until 38 weeks gestation. A normal female fetus without virilizing symptoms was delivered by caesarean section.

[Characteristics of threats to pregnancy and labour in women over 39 y.o. in material of the District Hospital no. 2 in Rzeszów]. / Charakterystyka zagrozen ciazy i porodu u kobiet po 39 roku 2ycia, w materiale Szpitala Wojewódzkiego Nr 2 w rzeszowie.

OBJECTIVE: Comparison of obstetric results in women giving birth in age over 39 and those of younger women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 12 575 labours in the Department of Obstetrics of the District Hospital no. 2 in Rzeszów. Demographic and obstetric data, pregnancy complications, labour method, indications for caesarean section and obstetric results (pregnancy duration, mortality of mothers, perinatal mortality, birth weight, general status of neonates, necessity for neonate treatment in ICU) were compared to three reference groups: of women below 25 y.o., between 25 and 34 y.o., and between 35 and 39 y.o. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference (p = 0.001) was shown between the study group and reference groups in scope of: pregnancy duration, frequency of pregnancy complications and frequency of birth by caesarean section. Differences concerning the other analysed parameters were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that mother's age over 39 y.o. is connected with shorter pregnancy duration, more frequent occurrence of pregnancy complications and more frequent birth by caesarean section.