Immune checkpoint inhibitors-associated thrombosis in patients with head and neck cancer: a study of the Spanish society of medical oncology (SEOM) thrombosis and cancer group.

PURPOSE: Both venous and arterial thrombotic events (VTE/AT) can be associated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI). However, there is a paucity of information apropos patients in routine clinical practice. METHODS: /Patients. This retrospective, multicenter study was promoted by the Thrombosis and Cancer Section of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM). Individuals with head and neck cancer who initiated ICI between 01/01/2015 and 31/12/2021 were recruited. Minimum follow-up was 6 months (except in cases of demise). The primary objective was to calculate the incidence of ICI-associated VTE/AT, with secondary objectives including the analysis of their impact on survival and the identification of variables predictive of VTE/AT. RESULTS: A total of 143 patients with head and neck cancer were enrolled. The incidence of VTE/AT during follow-up (median 8.6 months) was 2.8%. Survival analysis showed no significant differences (p = 0.644) between the group that developed VTE/AT (median 7.13 months, 95% CI 0-22.9) and the group that did not (median 9.86 months, 95% CI 6.3-13.4). The presence of liver metastases was predictive of VTE/AT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Thromboembolic disease associated with immunotherapy in patients with head and neck neoplasia does not significantly impact survival. The presence of liver metastases can predict these events.

Maternal non-compliance with recommended folic acid supplement use alters global DNA methylation in cord blood of newborns: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Prenatal folate exposure may alter epigenetic marks in the offspring. We aimed to evaluate associations between prenatal exposure to folic acid (FA) in preconception and in utero with cord blood DNA methylation in long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1) and Alu short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) as markers of global DNA methylation levels. METHODS: Data come from 325 mother-child pairs participating in the Nutrition in Early Life and Asthma (NELA) birth cohort (2015-2018). Pregnant women were asked about supplement use, including brand name and dose, one month before pregnancy (preconception) and through the trimesters of pregnancy. Maternal dietary folate intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire with additional questions for FA supplement use. Folate serum levels were measured in mothers at 24 weeks of gestation and in cord blood of newborns. DNA methylation was quantitatively assessed by bisulfite pyrosequencing on 5 LINE-1 and 3 Alu different elements. Associations were estimated using multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS: A reduction in methylation levels of LINE-1 in newborns was associated with the use of FA supplements below the recommended doses (<400 ug/day) during preconception (-0.50; 95% CI: -0.91, -0.09; P = 0.016), and from preconception up to 12 weeks of gestation (-0.48; 95% CI: -0.88, -0.08; P = 0.018). Maternal use of FA supplements above the tolerable upper intake level of 1000 ug/day from preconception until 12 weeks of gestation was also related to lower methylation in LINE-1 at birth (-0.77; 95% CI: -1.52, -0.02; P = 0.044). Neither FA supplement use after 12 weeks of gestation nor maternal total folate intake (diet plus supplements) were associated with global DNA methylation levels at birth. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal non-compliance with the use of FA supplement recommendations from preconception up to 12 weeks of gestation reduces offspring global DNA methylation levels at birth.

Urinary concentrations of bisphenol A, parabens and benzophenone-type ultra violet light filters in relation to sperm DNA fragmentation in young men: A chemical mixtures approach.

People are daily exposed to multiple endocrine disruptor compounds (EDCs) that may interfere with different molecular and cellular processes, promoting a potential estrogenic, androgenic, or anti-androgenic state. However, most epidemiological studies attempting to establish relationships between EDCs exposure and health effects are still considering individual compounds. A few studies have shown associations between exposure to individual non-persistent EDCs and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in different male populations. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate associations between combined exposure to non-persistent EDCs and SDF index in young men. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 158 healthy university students from Southeaster Spain. The participants provided spot urine and semen samples on the same day. The concentrations of urinary bisphenol A (BPA), benzophenones [2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (BP-1); 2,2',4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone (BP-2), 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP-3), 2,2'-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP-8), 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4OHBP)], and parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben) were measured by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection. SDF was analysed using a Sperm Chromatin Dispersion test. Statistical analyses were carried out using Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression models to evaluate associations between combined exposure to these compounds and SDF index while adjusting by relevant covariates. The increase in urinary concentration of 4OHBP was found to be the most important contributor to the negative association between urinary EDCs concentrations and SDF index, being of -5.5 % [95 % CI: -10.7, -0.3] for those in percentile 50, and - 5.4 % [95 % CI: -10.8, -0.1] for those in percentile 75. No significant associations were observed between other EDCs and SDF index. Our findings show that urinary 4OHBP levels may be associated with a decrease in the SDF index. Nonetheless, the effects we observed were likely to be small and of uncertain clinical significance. Further research is needed to replicate our findings in other male populations.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated thrombosis in patients with bladder and kidney cancer: a study of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) thrombosis and cancer group.

PURPOSE: Both venous and arterial thrombotic events (VTE/AT) can be associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). However, there is a paucity of information apropos patients in routine clinical practice. METHODS/PATIENTS: Retrospective, multicenter study promoted by the Thrombosis and Cancer Section of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM). Individuals with kidney or bladder cancer who initiated ICI between 01/01/2015 and 12/31/2020 were recruited. Minimum follow-up was 6 months (except in cases of demise). The primary objective was to calculate the incidence of ICI-associated VTE/AT and secondary objectives included to analyze their impact on survival and identify variables predictive of VTE/AT. RESULTS: 210 patients with kidney cancer were enrolled. The incidence of VTE/AT during follow-up (median 13 months) was 5.7%. Median overall survival (OS) was relatively lower among subjects with VTE/AT (16 months, 95% CI 0.01-34.2 vs. 27 months, 95% CI 22.6-31.4; p = 0.43). Multivariate analysis failed to reveal predictive variables for developing VTE/ AT. 197 patients with bladder were enrolled. There was a 9.1% incidence rate of VTE/AT during follow-up (median 8 months). Median OS was somewhat higher in patients with VTE/AT (28 months, 95% CI 18.4-37.6 vs 25 months, 95% CI 20.7-29.3; p = 0.821). Serum albumin levels < 3.5 g/dl were predictive of VTE/ AT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be no association between developing VTE/AT and ICI use in patients with renal or bladder cancer. Serum albumin levels are a predictive factor in individuals with bladder cancer.

Maternal urinary concentrations of bisphenol A during pregnancy are associated with global DNA methylation in cord blood of newborns in the "NELA" birth cohort.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) set a public health risk through disruption of normal physiological processes. The toxicoepigenetic mechanisms of developmental exposure to common EDCs, such as bisphenol A (BPA), are poorly known. The present study aimed to evaluate associations between perinatal maternal urinary concentrations of BPA, bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) and LINE-1 (long interspersed nuclear elements) and Alu (short interspersed nuclear elements, SINEs) DNA methylation levels in newborns, as surrogate markers of global DNA methylation. Data come from 318 mother-child pairs of the `Nutrition in Early Life and Asthma´ (NELA) birth cohort. Urinary bisphenol concentration was measured by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection. DNA methylation was quantitatively assessed by bisulphite pyrosequencing on 3 LINEs and 5 SINEs. Unadjusted linear regression analyses showed that higher concentration of maternal urinary BPA in 24th week's pregnancy was associated with an increase in LINE-1 methylation in all newborns (p = 0.01) and, particularly, in male newborns (p = 0.03). These associations remained in full adjusted models [beta = 0.09 (95 % CI = 0.03; 0.14) for all newborns; and beta = 0.10 (95 % CI = 0.03; 0.17) for males], including a non-linear association for female newborns as well (p-trend = 0.003). No associations were found between maternal concentrations of bisphenol and Alu sequences. Our results suggest that exposure to environmental levels of BPA may be associated with a modest increase in LINE-1 methylation -as a relevant marker of epigenomic stability- during human fetal development. However, any effects on global DNA methylation are likely to be small, and of uncertain biological significance.

Sugar-sweetened beverage intake in relation to reproductive parameters in young men.

BACKGROUND: There has been a decrease in sperm concentration in recent years. Concurrently, there were important dietary changes, including an increase in sugar-sweetened beverage intake (SSB). The relation between SSB and male reproduction functions in humans are barely described in the literature. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 209 participants (18-23 years old) recruited during one year in Murcia, Spain. All men provided semen and blood samples the same day. SSB consumption was evaluated using a 101-item validated food frequency questionnaire. Reproductive hormones were analysed from serum samples, obtaining levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, inhibin B, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and testosterone. The evaluation of semen analysis followed the WHO guidelines and consisted of seminal volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, percentage of morphologically normal sperm, and percentage of motile sperm. SSB intake association with semen parameters and hormone levels were examined using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Men in the highest quartile of the SSB intake had a higher percentage of morphologically normal sperm, 37.4% [6.1, 68.3] (p, trend=0.047) and higher estradiol levels (9.5% [-3.5, 22.5] (p, trend=0.047) than those in the first quartile. SSB intake was unrelated to other semen quality parameters or reproductive hormone levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that sperm morphology and estradiol levels may be associated with sugar-sweetened beverage intake. These findings might be explained by physiological metabolism homeostasis, though more studies are required to confirm these results and draw conclusions in other male populations.

Fat intake pattern in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Do women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a different fat intake pattern to women without PCOS? DESIGN: Case-control study of 276 women between 20 and 35 years old from the Murcia region of Spain. Cases (n = 121) attended the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of the University Clinical Hospital and were diagnosed with PCOS using Rotterdam criteria. Controls (n = 155) were women without PCOS attending the gynaecological outpatient clinic for routine gynaecological examinations. Data from clinical, gynaecological and analytical examinations were collected, including a food frequency questionnaire. Associations between fat intake and presence of PCOS and its phenotypes were examined using multiple logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: Although no association was found between fatty acid intake and PCOS, significant associations were observed for some PCOS phenotypes. The PCOS phenotype characterized by hyperandrogenism + oligo/amenorrhoea + polycystic ovarian morphology ('H+O+POM') was significantly associated with a higher intake of polyunsaturated fat (odds ratio [OR] 4.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-14.2; fourth quartile of highest intake [Q4] versus lowest intake quartile as reference [Q1]) and omega-6 fatty acids (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.01-12.4; Q3 versus Q1). The 'H+O' phenotype was positively associated with saturated fat intake (OR 6.9; 95% CI 1.1-41.6; Q4 versus Q1). CONCLUSION: This exploratory study suggests that higher intakes of specific fatty acids are related to some PCOS phenotypes although no association was found for PCOS on a global basis. It is recommended that studies with larger sample size be performed to further explore these associations, thus contributing to establishing recommendations about fat intake adapted to different PCOS phenotypes.

Is Maternal Use of Paracetamol during Pregnancy Associated with Anogenital Distance in Male Newborns? The Results from the NELA Birth Cohort.

Paracetamol is the one of the most commonly used medications during pregnancy. However, its potential antiandrogenic effect has been suggested. The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between maternal paracetamol use during pregnancy and anogenital distance (AGD) in male newborns from a Spanish birth cohort. The study included two hundred and seventy-seven mother-male child pairs with self-reported paracetamol use and frequency during each trimester of pregnancy. AGD measurements were taken employing standardized methods. The associations between maternal paracetamol use and AGD measures were evaluated using linear regression models, adjusting for potential confounders and covariates. Overall, 61.7% of pregnant women consumed paracetamol at any time of pregnancy with an average of 9.43 (SD = 15.33) days throughout pregnancy. No associations between the maternal use of paracetamol or its frequency and AGD measures among different trimesters or during the whole pregnancy were found in the adjusted final models. A non-differential misclassification error may have occurred-the recall of paracetamol intake independent of AGD measurements-introducing bias towards the null hypothesis. Nevertheless, the current evidence suggests that paracetamol might have a potential antiandrogenic effect especially in the early stages of fetal development. Thus, it would be highly recommendable to pursue further studies to elucidate the potential effects of paracetamol in human perinatal health and its use among pregnant women.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Adult Spanish Women with Endometriomas or Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: A Case-Control Study.

Endometriosis is a disabling disease that may significantly compromise a woman's social relationships, sexuality, and mental health. Considering the impact of endometriomas and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) on quality of life and the limited number of papers on this topic, the objective of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult Spanish women with the condition. A case-control study was conducted on a group of 99 patients with ovarian endometriomas or DIE and 157 controls. Women underwent physical and gynecological examinations, and they completed health questionnaires including the Short Form-12v2 (SF-12v2), a survey for HRQoL. Eight scales and two component summary scores (Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS), respectively) were calculated. Women with endometriomas or DIE had significantly worse PCS: 47.7 ± 9.7 vs. 56.1 ± 5.9, respectively (p < 0.001) compared to controls, as well as lower scores on seven out of the eight scales (p < 0.01). No significant differences were found for the MCS. Conclusions: HRQoL was significantly lower in patients with endometriomas or DIE compared to controls. If confirmed, these results may have important implications for prevention, clinical practice, and intervention.

Associations between urinary concentrations of bisphenol A and sperm DNA fragmentation in young men.

BACKGROUND: Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most common endocrine disruptor compounds in our environment, promoting a xenoestrogenic state. Numerous studies have shown a relationship between exposure to BPA and male infertility problems. Spermatic DNA integrity is a critical factor for the correct transmission of paternal genetic material to the embryo. However, only a very few studies have investigated the association between urinary BPA concentrations and human sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). METHOD: Cross-sectional study conducted with 158 healthy university students (18-23 years), recruited between 2010 and 2011 in the Region of Murcia (Spain). The subjects provided urine and semen samples on a single day. Urinary BPA concentrations were measured by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection, and SDF analysed using the Sperm Chromatin Dispersion test. Statistical analyses were made using linear regression adjusting for potential covariates and confounding factors. RESULTS: No association was found between urinary BPA concentrations and SDF index in the total group. However, in the subgroup of men with SDF index> 30%, significant positive associations across quartiles (p-trend=0.02) and as a continuous BPA levels were observed (ß = 0.055, 95%, CI: 0.002; 0.108). CONCLUSION: Our results show that, within the subgroup of men with relatively high SDF index, the higher the concentration of BPA the greater the SDF index. Nonetheless, more studies are required to confirm these results and draw conclusions in other male populations.

Nitrite and Nitrate Levels in Follicular Fluid From Human Oocyte Donors Are Related to Ovarian Response and Embryo Quality.

Nitric oxide, a key regulatory molecule in the follicular fluid, has been suggested as a possible biomarker to predict ovarian response in stimulated cycles and the potential of the retrieved oocytes for developing high-quality embryos. Nevertheless, a consensus on whether or not nitric oxide can help in this context has not been reached. We simultaneously measured the oxidation products of nitric oxide, nitrite, and nitrate, via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-UV in follicular fluid samples from 72 oocyte donors. We found no associations of follicular fluid nitrite, nitrate, total nitric oxide, or nitrate/nitrite ratio with total or metaphase II (MII) oocyte yield. However, nitrite and nitrate levels were related to the yield of MII oocytes when this outcome was expressed as a proportion of all oocytes retrieved. The adjusted MII proportion in the lowest and highest nitrite levels were 68% (58-77%) and 79% (70-85%), respectively (p, linear trend = 0.02), whereas the adjusted MII proportion in extreme tertiles of nitrate levels were 79% (70-85%) and 68% (57-77%) (p, linear trend = 0.03). In addition, nitrate levels showed a suggestive inverse correlation with embryos with maximum or high potential of implantation (p = 0.07). These results suggest that the follicular fluid concentrations of nitrite and nitrate may be a useful tool in predicting how healthy oocyte donors respond to superovulation and the implantation potential of the embryos produced from their oocytes.

Assessment of Optimism in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Case Control-Study.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic endocrinopathy characterized by hyperandrogenism and anovulation that may pervade psychological dimensions such as dispositional optimism. Considering how PCOS influences mental health and the lack of studies on this matter, this research was aimed at assessing optimism and associated factors in PCOS. A case-control study of 156 patients with PCOS and 117 controls was conducted. All woman filled out the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R), a self-report questionnaire for measuring dispositional optimism. Medication, pain severity, gynecological, and sociodemographic information was also collected. Lower optimism was found in patients with PCOS compared to controls, even after covariate adjustment (LOT-R global scores: 14.1 vs. 15.9, p = 0.020). Our study provides evidence that a personality characteristic with important implications in illness prognosis may be affected in PCOS. We propose to assess dispositional optimism with the LOT-R scale in the gynecological appointment and tailor medical attention accordingly as a way to improve the comprehensive care of these patients within a multidisciplinary team.

Are Dietary Indices Associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Phenotypes? A Preliminary Study.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder which impairs ovarian function. The adherence to healthy dietary patterns and physical exercise are the first line of recommended treatment for PCOS patients, but it is yet unclear what type of diet is more adequate. In this case-control study, we explored associations between adherence to five dietary quality indices and the presence of PCOS. We enrolled 126 cases of PCOS and 159 controls living in Murcia (Spain). Diagnostic of PCOS and its phenotypes were established following the Rotterdam criteria (hyperandrogenism (H), oligoanovulation (O), polycystic ovaries morphology (POM)). We used a validated food frequency questionnaires to calculate the scores of five dietary indices: alternate Healthy Eating index (AHEI), AHEI-2010, relative Mediterranean Dietary Score (rMED), alternate Mediterranean Dietary Score (aMED) and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH). We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios and confidence intervals. In the multivariable analysis, AHEI-2010 index was inversely associated with Hyperandrogenism + Oligoanovulation PCOS phenotype (ORQ3 vs. Q1 = 0.1; 95% CI: (0.0; 0.9); Pfor trend = 0.02). We did not find any statistical significant association between dietary indices and total anovulatory or ovulatory PCOS. However, further studies with higher sample sizes exploring these associations among the diverse phenotypes of PCOS are highly warranted.

Is dispositional optimism associated with endometriomas and deep infiltrating endometriosis?

INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis is a chronic painful condition characterized by high prognostic uncertainty, as well as the threat of infertility and emotional symptoms that may affect many aspects of women, including psychological characteristics like dispositional optimism. Considering the impact of endometriosis on psychological health and the paucity of papers on this topic, the aim of this study is to explore optimism and associated factors in endometriosis. METHODS: A case-control study was performed on a group of 95 women with endometriosis and 156 controls. All participants completed the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R), a self-administered tool for assessing dispositional optimism. Pain severity, medication, gynecological and socio-demographic information was also collected. RESULTS: Low optimism was observed for women with endometriosis compared to controls even after covariate adjustment (LOT-R global scores: 14.5 vs. 15.9 points, p = .045). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first evidence that a personality dimension with many prognostic implications may be altered in women with endometriosis. Our findings highlight the importance of a broader understanding of this condition, treating this disorder from a biopsychosocial perspective and suggests the need for non-medical attention within a multidisciplinary team.

Asociación entre el cociente del segundo y cuarto dedo y el riesgo de cáncer de próstata: Un estudio de casos y controles en población mediterránea / Second to Fourth Digit Ratio and Prostate Cancer Risk: A Case-control Study in Mediterranean Population

Objetivo Evaluar la asociación entre el cociente de los dedos segundo y cuarto (2D:4D), como un biomarcador de la exposición prenatal a andrógenos, y la presencia de cáncer de próstata (CaP). Métodos Estudio de casos y controles con 260 hombres que consultaron en el Servicio de Urología del Hospital General Universitario Reina Sofía (Murcia, España). Los casos (n = 125) fueron pacientes diagnosticados de CaP por anatomía patológica a los que se les realizó una prostatectomía radical. Los controles (n = 135) fueron pacientes que consultaron en Urología por otro motivo y que no mostraron signos ni síntomas de patología prostática. La longitud del 2D y 4D de la mano derecha fue medida mediante un pie de rey digital y se calculó el cociente entre ambos (2D:4D). Para los análisis estadísticos se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística obteniendo Odds ratios (OR) crudas y ajustadas e intervalos de confianza al 95%. Resultados Los casos presentaron un cociente 2D:4D significativamente menor que los controles. El cociente 2D:4D se relacionó significativamente con la presencia de CaP. Tras el ajuste multivariante, se observó que los varones que se encontraban en el primer tercil de distribución del cociente 2D:4D, presentaban casi el doble de riesgo de padecer CaP (OR 1,9: IC 95% 1,1­4,0; P-valor = 0,040) en comparación con los varones que se encontraban en el segundo y tercer tercil. Conclusiones Una mayor exposición prenatal a andrógenos, reflejada por un cociente 2D:4D menor, podría estar asociado con riesgo aumentado de padecer CaP, pero más estudios son necesarios para corroborar esos hallazgos.

Objective To evaluate the association between second to fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio, as a biomarker of prenatal androgen exposure, and the presence of prostate cancer (PCa). Methods This was a case-control study of 260 men attending a Department of Urology in a Murcia Region hospital (Spain). Cases (n = 125) were patients who underwent radical prostatectomy due to PCa and were diagnosed by specimen's histopathology. Controls (n = 135) were patients who showed no signs or symptoms of prostate disease. The length of 2D and 4D of the right hand was measured two times using a digital caliper, and the ratio calculated (2D:4D). Unconditional multiple logistic regressions [crude and adjusted Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI)] were performed to evaluate associations between the 2D:4D ratio and presence of PCa. Results Cases showed significantly lower 2D:4D ratios than controls. 2D:4D ratios were significantly associated with the presence of PCa. After controlling for important covariates, men in the first tertile of the 2D:4D ratio distribution, compared with the second and third tertile, were almost two-times [OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.1­4.0; P-value = 0.040] more likely to have PCa. Conclusions A higher prenatal androgen exposure, indicated by lower 2D:4D ratios, might be associated with higher PCa risk, but further research is needed to confirm these findings in other male populations.

Health-related quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome attending to a tertiary hospital in Southeastern Spain: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic condition with symptoms affecting many women at reproductive age and evaluating their health-related quality of Life (HRQoL) is an important issue. Moreover, differences in the HRQoL between women with different PCOS phenotypes have never been analyzed. Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare the HRQoL between women with PCOS -and its phenotypes- and controls attending to a tertiary hospital. METHODS: A group of 117 women with PCOS and 153 controls were studied between 2014 and 2016. Controls were women without PCOS attending the gynecological outpatient clinic for routine examinations. Cases were women attending the same setting and diagnosed with PCOS. PCOS diagnose was performed following the Rotterdam Criteria and women were further classified by anovulatory or ovulatory phenotypic subtype. Women underwent physical and gynecological exams and completed health questionnaires including the Short Form-12v2. Eight scales and two component summary scores [Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS), respectively] were calculated. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess differences in HRQoL between women with PCOS and controls. RESULTS: All women with PCOS and anovulatory PCOS presented lower score in PCS compared to controls [mean (95%CI): 53.7 (52.5-54.9) and 52.9 (51.5-54.4) vs. 55.8 (54.8-56.8); p-values< 0.01], as well as lower scores for five out of the eight scales (p-values < 0.05) after adjusting by age, body mass index, infertility, educational level and current occupation. No significant differences were observed for the MCS between women with or without PCOS or its phenotypic subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: HRQoL was significantly decreased in adult women with PCOS and its anovulatory phenotype compared to controls attending the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital. These results may have implications for the clinical practice and suggest the need for specific interventions in women with PCOS.

Adherence to diet quality indices in relation to semen quality and reproductive hormones in young men.

STUDY QUESTION: Is adherence to an a priori defined diet quality indices [Alternate Healthy Index 2010 (AHEI-2010), relative Mediterranean diet score (rMED) or dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH)] associated with semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in young men? SUMMARY ANSWER: Greater adherence to the DASH diet is related to higher sperm counts. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Studies assessing the relationship between dietary intake and male reproductive function have mainly been focused on specific nutrients, food groups or data-driven dietary patterns, but the evidence on a priori defined dietary indices is still scarce. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Cross-sectional study of 209 male university students recruited from October 2010 to November 2011 in Murcia Region (Southern Spain). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Healthy young men aged 18-23 years were included in this study. Diet was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire and three a priori-defined dietary indices (AHEI-2010, rMED and DASH) were calculated. Linear regression was used to analyze the relation between the three dietary indices and semen quality parameters and reproductive hormone levels accounting for potential confounders and covariates. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: We found statistically significant positive associations between the DASH index and sperm concentration (P, trend = 0.04), total sperm count (P, trend = 0.04) and total motile sperm count (P, trend = 0.02). No associations were observed for other semen parameters or male reproductive hormones. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Even though we adjusted for several known and suspected confounders we cannot exclude the possibility of residual or unmeasured confounding or chance findings. Subjects were blinded to the study outcomes thus reducing the potential influence on their report of diet. Our sample size may be too small to rule out associations with other semen parameters or reproductive hormones. Causal inference is limited, as usual with all observational studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The results suggest that greater adherence to the DASH may help improve sperm counts. This study was carried out on young men from the general population. However, results may differ among other populations (e.g. infertile men). Therefore, further research is needed to confirm these findings and extend these results to other populations. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was supported by Fundación Séneca, grants No 08808/PI/08 and No 19443/PI/14; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (AES), grants No PI10/00985 and No PI13/01237; and grant P30DK046200 from the National Institutes of Health. Authors have no competing interests to declare.

Asociaciones entre el índice inflamatorio de la dieta y parámetros reproductivos masculinos / Associations between dietary inflammatory index and male reproductive parameters

Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar las asociaciones entre el índice inflamatorio de la dieta (IID) y los parámetros reproductivos masculinos. Material y método: Estudio transversal realizado en 209 jóvenes universitarios sanos (18-23 años) de la Región de Murcia entre octubre 2010 y noviembre 2011. Los análisis seminales (concentración, movilidad y morfología espermática) se realizaron siguiendo los criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se analizaron las concentraciones séricas de las hormonas folículo-estimulante, luteinizante, testosterona, inhibina B y estradiol. La ingesta dietaria fue valorada mediante un cuestionario de frecuencia alimentaria validado. El potencial inflamatorio de la dieta se valoró mediante el IID. Unos valores negativos o positivos de IID reflejaron una mayor propiedad antiinflamatoria o proinflamatoria, respectivamente. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión lineal para analizar la relación entre el IID y la calidad seminal y niveles de hormonas reproductivas tras ajustar por posibles covariables importantes. Resultados: Se mostró una asociación positiva estadísticamente significativa entre el IID y el porcentaje de espermatozoides móviles progresivos (PR) (P, tendencia = 0,03) y la movilidad espermática total (PR + NP) (P, tendencia = 0,04). No se encontraron asociaciones significativas con el resto de parámetros espermáticos, ni con las hormonas reproductivas. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados indican que una mayor propiedad proinflamatoria de la dieta podría estar asociada con un aumento de la movilidad espermática en varones jóvenes, pero no afectaría a la concentración o morfología espermática o a las hormonas reproductivas. Sin embargo, se necesitan más estudios para confirmar estos hallazgos y extender estos resultados a otras poblaciones de varones

Objective: The aim of this work was to assess the associations between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and male reproductive parameters. Material and method: Cross-sectional study of 209 healthy male university students (18-23 years old) recruited from October 2010 to November 2011 in Murcia Region (Southern Spain). Semen analyses (sperm concentration, motility and morphology) were carried out according to World Health Organization guidelines. Serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones, estradiol, inhibin b and testosterone were also determined. Diet intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. The DII assessed the inflammatory potential of one's diet. Negative or positive values of DII reflected anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory dietary status, respectively. Linear regression was used to analyze the relation between the DII score and semen quality parameters and reproductive hormone levels adjusting for potential important covariates. Results: We found statistically significant positive associations between the DII and progressive sperm motility (PR) (P, trend = 0.03] and total sperm motility (PR + NP) (P, trend = 0.04]. No significant associations were observed for other semen parameters or male reproductive hormones. Conclusions: Our results suggest that a pro-inflammatory dietary status may be associated with increased sperm motility in young men, but will not impact sperm count, morphology or reproductive hormones. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and extend these results to other male populations

Genotyping of the C>T allele of rs16906252, predictor of O16-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status, in erosive atrophic lesions of oral lichen planus.

BACKGROUND: DNA promoter methylation is usually an early stage in carcinogenesis process, including oral cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between T allele of specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) C>T rs 16906252 and O16-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation as prospective biomarkers of malignant transformation in oral lichen planus (OLP), a chronic autoimmune mucocutaneous disease. METHODS: This research is an observational, analytical case-control study where a total of 85 subjects (43 control individuals and 42 OLP patients) participated. The samples (mouthwashes) from all volunteers were analyzed, and DNA extraction was carried out. The genotyping of the rs 16906252 SNP in the MGMT gene was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Statistical analyses of Student t test and multiple logistic regressions were used. RESULTS: C>T genotype in the control and OLP groups was detected in 2.3% and 19.0%, respectively. The presence of this genotype was associated with methylation of the MGMT gene. In fact, taking into account age and gender, subjects with C>T genotype were 10.5 (95% CI 1.03-106; P = 0.047) times more likely to methylate promoter region of the MGMT gene. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that C>T allele of rs 16906252, predictor of MGMT promoter methylation status, may be an important feature in the clinical prognosis of premalignant lesions of OLP, although this finding requires further clinical and laboratory investigation.

[Associations between dietary inflammatory index and male reproductive parameters]. / Asociaciones entre el índice inflamatorio de la dieta y parámetros reproductivos masculinos.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to assess the associations between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and male reproductive parameters. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Cross-sectional study of 209 healthy male university students (18-23 years old) recruited from October 2010 to November 2011 in Murcia Region (Southern Spain). Semen analyses (sperm concentration, motility and morphology) were carried out according to World Health Organization guidelines. Serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones, estradiol, inhibin b and testosterone were also determined. Diet intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. The DII assessed the inflammatory potential of one's diet. Negative or positive values of DII reflected anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory dietary status, respectively. Linear regression was used to analyze the relation between the DII score and semen quality parameters and reproductive hormone levels adjusting for potential important covariates. RESULTS: We found statistically significant positive associations between the DII and progressive sperm motility (PR) (P, trend=0.03] and total sperm motility (PR+NP) (P, trend=0.04]. No significant associations were observed for other semen parameters or male reproductive hormones. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a pro-inflammatory dietary status may be associated with increased sperm motility in young men, but will not impact sperm count, morphology or reproductive hormones. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and extend these results to other male populations.