Successful pregnancy after presurgical uterine artery embolization in the management of a very large cervical myoma: A case report.

Although fibroids are the most common benign tumors of the uterus in women of reproductive age, cervical fibroids are rarely seen. Since cervical fibroids are located deep in the pelvis, the incidence of complications in surgery is high. Among these complications bleeding is the most common, due to poor access to myoma, difficulty in suturing and repair, and distortion of vital neighboring structures. Each case should be managed individually to minimize bleeding. To decrease bleeding in patients who wish to retain their fertility, intraoperative interventions include vasoconstrictors such as vasopressin and adrenaline, uterotonics such as oxytocin, misoprostol or ergometrines, uterine artery clamping, internal iliac artery balloon occlusion catheters, and tourniquets; preoperative interventions include gonadotropin releasing-hormone analogues and uterine artery embolization. We present a case of a 40-year-old woman who had a large cervical myoma and a desire for future fertility. To overcome technical difficulties and reduce intraoperative bleeding during myomectomy, presurgical uterine artery embolization was performed. The patient conceived spontaneously after the operation and a healthy baby was delivered by cesarean section.

Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy on Low Bone Mineral Density in Adolescents and Young Women with Hypogonadism: Comparison of Oral and Transdermal 17 Beta-Estradiol Administration.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of physiological dose 17 beta-estradiol (E2) replacement on low bone mineral density (BMD) and compare the results of oral and transdermal (TD) E2 administration in adolescents and young women with hypogonadism DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients aged 15 to 24 years who were diagnosed with hypogonadism, who had begun receiving oral or TD E2 replacement, and whose initial dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan detected a lumbar spine BMD Z-score of -1 or lower between 2014 and 2018. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the E2 route of administration as those who received 2 mg orally (Group 1) and 0.1 mg TD (Group 2). INTERVENTIONS: None MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: BMD scans of the patients at baseline and repeated within 2 years after E2 replacement RESULTS: In total, 43 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Two groups did not differ for BMD scores at baseline. A significant improvement in BMD was observed with physiological dose E2 replacement in both groups. Mean BMD Z-score increased by +0.7 (95% CI, 0.47-0.93) in response to TD E2 administration, compared with +0.41 (95% CI, 0.25-0.58) during oral E2 replacement (P = .037). CONCLUSION: We conclude that physiological dose E2 replacement, even within a short period of 2 years, has a significant beneficial effect on bone mass acquisition on the lumbar spine. Our study also demonstrates the possible superiority of TD E2 replacement over the oral route in increasing lumbar spine BMD.

Molecular identification of burn spot disease syndrome agent Fusarium avenaceum in Turkish crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus populations.

In this study, we aimed to isolate and identify the causative agent of burn spot disease syndrome from crayfish populations within Turkish water bodies. Crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus samples were captured from Bayramsah Reservoir, Karaidemir Reservoir and Keban Reservoir (Turkey). Fungi samples were taken from symptomatic crayfish and cultured in potato dextrose agar, and DNAs were extracted. Species-specific PCR primers (FAF1 and FAR) were used in order to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of fungal DNA. Sequences obtained from the amplified regions were analyzed using GenBank and identified. As a result, a molecular diagnosis of the fungi samples was made, and the pathogen was identified as Fusarium avenaceum. In addition, a challenge test with healthy crayfish was conducted to evaluate the pathogenicity of the fungi. F. avenaceum was reisolated from experimentally infested individuals, and thusly we confirmed the disease. It was concluded that F. avenaceum causes burn spot disease syndrome in P. leptodactylus.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures on the sexual functions of women treated for vaginismus (genitopelvic pain/penetration disorder).

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Female sexual function is influenced by the emotional and hormonal state. COVID-19 has been the major global health crisis of our time with high psychosocial impact. Vaginismus is a form of female sexual dysfunction and a subset of genitopelvic pain/penetration disorder in which any form of vaginal penetration is painful or impossible. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual function of women treated for vaginismus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All women treated using dilators between 2018-2019 were included. Data obtained 3 months after comfortable penetration and during the pandemic via telephone interview were compared. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used to evaluate sexual function and depression. Frequency of sexual intercourse and pain was compared using a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Seventy-seven women were included. Mean duration of treatment and number of treatment sessions were 3.5 ± 2.6 months and 4.2 ± 2.6, respectively. There were significant improvements in the FSFI desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain subscales and total score and in the GRISS infrequency, noncommunication, avoidance, non-sensuality, and vaginismus subscales and total score during the pandemic. The GRISS dissatisfaction and anorgasmia subscales and BDI score significantly worsened. Mean frequency of sexual intercourse was 2.3 ± 1.8/week and did not change significantly. Pain scores decreased during the pandemic (2.7 ± 2.8) compared to post-treatment (6.2 ± 2.9). CONCLUSION: Although frequency of sexual intercourse was not affected and pain scores and FSFI total and subscale scores improved, satisfaction and orgasm were adversely affected, which may be attributed to increased stress and anxiety during the pandemic.

Loss of stromal CD73 expression plays a role in pathogenesis of polypoid endometriosis.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether CD73 had a role in the pathogenesis of polypoid endometriosis. METHODS: Our study included 15 cases of polypoid endometriosis, which were diagnosed between 2005 and 2019. Clinical findings were gathered from archive files of relevant clinics and pathology reports. All glass slides were re-examined for confirmation of the diagnosis and the detection of additional microscopic findings. An immunohistochemical examination was performed using anti CD73 antibodies in 15 cases of polypoid endometriosis, and also in a control group that contained 9 cases of endometrial polyps and 9 cases of ovarian conventional endometriosis. RESULTS: In addition to standard gynecologic operations, major non-gynecologic procedures had to be performed in 7 cases. In two cases, the surgical team comprised only general surgeons, and a misdiagnosis of carcinoma was made during the frozen section in one case. The majority of the cases displayed gross polypoid lesions that measured 0.7-13 cm. The most common sites were the ovary and rectosigmoid colon. Microscopically, all lesions exhibited a fibrovascular stroma reminiscent of endometrial stroma, whereas glandular features varied. Immunohistochemical examinations revealed a significant loss of CD73 expression in the stroma of polypoid endometriosis in contrast to the control cases, which retained stromal CD73 expression (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Both pathologists and surgeons performing abdominal surgeries should be aware of polypoid endometriosis because it mimics malignancy with its clinical, gross, and microscopic features. We also conclude that loss of stromal CD73 expression, due to its effect on the extracellular ATP/adenosine balance, may contribute to the pathogenesis of this rare form of endometriosis.

Idiopathic primary ovarian insufficiency is associated with anogenital distance, a marker for prenatal environment.

OBJECTIVE: In a significant number of women diagnosed with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), the underlying cause cannot be found. On the other hand, the ovarian reserve set prenatally has been shown to be affected by intrauterine nutrition, environmental and hormonal factors. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between anogenital distance (AGD), which is considered as a biomarker for prenatal hormonal environment, and idiopathic POI in adolescents and young women. STUDY DESIGN: This case control study was conducted between September 2018 and December 2019. The study group consisted of patients between the ages of 15-30, who developed POI following menarche without any identified genetic or iatrogenic cause. Controls were patients of the same age range who were having regular menstrual periods and were not diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis. Patients were excluded from the study if they were pregnant, had vaginal delivery or genital surgery. Distance between the anterior clitoral surface and the upper verge of the anus (AGDAC), and between the posterior fourchette and the upper verge of the anus (AGDAF) were measured in all subjects. RESULTS: In total, 37 POI patients and 44 controls were included in the study. Two groups were similar for demographic parameters such as age and body mass index (BMI). Shorter AGDAC and AGDAF measurements were found to be associated with idiopathic POI. CONCLUSION: Our results provide the first evidence of a strong association between shorter AGD measurements and the presence of idiopathic POI suggesting that prenatal environment may have role in the development of POI.

Unique Diagnosis of Obstructed Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Anomaly (OHVIRA) at the Time of First-Trimester Ultrasound Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) syndrome is usually diagnose during adolescence due to pain-related symptoms; however, this syndrome can go unrecognized for several years, and unique presentations may occur later in life. CASE: We describe a 24-year-old-woman diagnosed with previously unknown OHVIRA syndrome and a 7-week intrauterine pregnancy in the obstructed side by the unique ultrasound image obtained during routine first-trimester ultrasonography. The patient was managed with single-stage vaginoplasty, and the rest of the pregnancy were uneventful. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: This report is unique in terms of showing that the pregnancy could develop in the uterine cavity on the side of the obstruction despite the blind hemivagina.

Management of Menstrual and Gynecologic Concerns in Girls with Special Needs

For girls with physical and developmental disabilities and their families/caregivers, puberty and menstruation can present significant problems such as vulnerability, abuse risk, unintended pregnancies, difficulties with managing menstrual hygiene, abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, behavioral difficulties/mood concerns or changes in seizure pattern. Healthcare providers may have an important and positive impact for both the adolescents and their families/caregivers during this stage of life. Whether menstrual manipulation is indicated should be decided after a detailed history is taken from both the patient and the caregivers to determine the impact of current problems on quality of life. It should be explained that complete amenorrhea is difficult to achieve and realistic expectations should be addressed. The goals for the management of menstrual concerns should be a reduction in the amount and total days of menstrual flow, reduction of menstrual pain and suppression of ovulatory or cyclic symptoms, depending on each individual patient's needs. Advantages and disadvantages of available treatment methods should also be discussed.

Diagnosis, management, and outcome of obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA syndrome): Is there a correlation between MRI findings and outcome?

AIM: To review the experience of a single tertiary center with obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA syndrome) and evaluate if MRI findings correlate with outcome. METHODS: Patients (n = 32) diagnosed with OHVIRA syndrome between 2001 and 2019 were analyzed. Presenting symptoms, age of menarche, age at operation, MRI findings, management, and outcome were reviewed. In sagittal MRI planes, distance from hematocolpos to perineum was measured. Measurements were compared among patients who underwent single-stage vaginoplasty and hemihysterectomy. RESULTS: Mean age at diagnosis and mean age of menarche was 16.8 ± 6.4 (10-33) and 12.8 ± 1.0 (10-15). Main presenting complaints were abdominal pain/dysmenorrhea. Eighteen anomalies (56.3%) were on right side. Twenty-eight had ipsilateral renal agenesis, 3 patients had normal renal anatomy and one had unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney. In MRI, 21 patients had hematocolpos, 11 patients had both hematocolpos and hematometra. 28 patients underwent single-stage vaginoplasty and vaginal septum resection. One had hemihysterectomy due to sepsis at presentation. Three patients had hemihysterectomy due to proximal vaginal septum and impossibility of vaginoplasty. During follow-up, 7 cases (21.9%) had married and 5 of these (71.4%) were pregnant or had delivered. Five patients had reoperation during follow-up. MRI images of 19 patients indicated mean distances from hematocolpos to perineum whom underwent vaginoplasty or hemihysterectomy were 33.9 ± 18.1 mm (10-79 mm) and 87.3 ± 11.0 mm (80-100), respectively (p = .009). CONCLUSIONS: Gold standard treatment of OHVIRA syndrome is single-stage vaginoplasty. Distance from hematocolpos to perineum in MRI may correlate with surgical outcome. Hemihysterectomy may be an alternative for extreme proximal vaginal septum or infectious complications.

Atypical Presentation of Swyer Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Swyer syndrome is a rare type of disorder of sex development and typically presents with delayed puberty and primary amenorrhea. We describe an unusual presentation of this condition. CASE: A 17-year-old female patient with typical thelarche and adrenarche presented with primary amenorrhea. Pelvic ultrasound showed normally developed uterus and bilateral ovoid hypoechoic structures suggestive of gonads. Laboratory investigations revealed highly elevated gonadotrophins with estradiol level within a range typical for a female of reproductive age and chromosome analysis showed a 46,XY karyotype. Histopathological examination of the gonadectomy specimens revealed gonadoblastoma and dysgerminoma with no functional ovarian or testicular tissue. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: This report reminds us the possibility of diagnosis of Swyer syndrome in the presence of normal pubertal development and normal sex steroid levels considered to be produced by gonadoblastoma.

Giant Vulvar Condylomata: Two Cases and a Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Giant vulvar condyloma is usually associated with the HPV subtypes 6 and 11 and is characterized by excessive growth of verrucous lesions on the genitals and/or perianal region. It may be observed in sexually inactive as well as sexually active women. Immunosuppression plays an important role in the development of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report two cases of giant vulvar condyloma together with the review of the literature. RESULTS: One case was a 21-year old sexually inactive woman with a history of Type 1 Diabetes. Second case was a 20-year-old sexually active woman with a rapidly progressing disease and cervical dysplasia. Both cases were operated; all the condylomatous structures were resected with preservation of the anatomy and clitoral innervation and blood flow. Skin and subcuticular dehiscence was the only complication encountered in the first case. CONCLUSION: Main treatment of giant vulvar condyloma is surgical resection with maintenance of the vulvar anatomy. Preservation of especially the clitoral innervation as much as possible is very important.

A Case of Distal Vaginal Agenesis Presenting with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection and Pyuria in a Prepubertal Girl.

BACKGROUND: Isolated distal vaginal agenesis is a rare anomaly and mostly becomes symptomatic after menarche. We describe an unusual presentation of this anomaly in a prepubertal girl. CASE: An 11-year-old prepubertal girl presented with recurrent urinary tract infection, pyuria, and right-sided renal agenesis. The findings of perineal inspection, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging were consistent with a distal vaginal agenesis with pyometrocolpos. Discharging pyometrocolpos with dissection of the atretic portion and a pull-through vaginoplasty were performed. A cystoscopy showed no sign of a vesicovaginal or uterine fistula. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: This rare presentation of distal vaginal agenesis reminds us that congenital malformations of the female genital tract should be considered in patients with congenital anomalies of the urinary system and/or recurrent urinary tract infection, even during the prepubertal period.

Laparoscopic Outcomes of Adnexal Surgery in Older Children and Adolescents.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of adnexal pathology in older children and adolescents. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort review. SETTING: A tertiary academic center in Istanbul, Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: Pediatric and adolescent patients aged between 9 and 19 years (n = 69) who underwent laparoscopic surgery for adnexal pathology from January 2005 through September 2015. The patients who were pregnant or with non-gynecologic pathology detected during surgery were excluded from the study. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their age. Group 1 consisted of 31 patients aged between 9 and 16 years and group 2 included 38 patients aged between 17 and 19 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The indication for surgery, procedures performed, anesthesia time, length of hospital stay, pathology findings, and complication rates were evaluated. RESULTS: Ovarian cystectomy and adnexal detorsion with or without cystectomy were the most frequently performed. Ovary-sparing conservative surgery was possible for all patients, except those with gonadal dysgenesis and testicular feminization (n = 6), who underwent laparoscopic gonadectomy. The most common pathologic finding was mature cystic teratoma (30.2%), followed by benign paratubal cyst, and simple cysts of the ovary. Anesthesia time was shorter in group 2 (P = .018). The procedures performed, length of hospital stay, complication rate, and pathology findings were not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery can be successfully performed as an efficient, safe, and well tolerated procedure for treating a wide variety of adnexal pathology among children and young adolescents without any significant variation between different age groups.

Periodontal treatment outcomes in post menopausal women receiving hormone replacement therapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of hormone replacement therapy(HRT) on periodontal treatment outcomes in a group of postmenopausal women with periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 23 post-menopausal chronic periodontitis patients were included in this study. The test group(n=11) consisted of women who started HRT with this study and received conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesteron. The control group(n=12) was women not taking any HRT or supplement therapy. Study groups received the same periodontal treatment. All subjects examiend by recording the following: plaque index (PI), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), periodontal pocket depth (PD) and relative attachment level (RAL) from 6 sites in each tooth. Measurements were recorded at the baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months following periodontal treatment. Serum estrogene level and bone mineral density was recorded at baseline and 6 months following periodontal treatment. RESULTS: The GI change was greater in the control group. There wasn't significant difference by means of PD, the attachment gain was significantly greater in the HRT receiving group. CONCLUSION: HRT seems to have a positive effect on periodontal treatment outcomes.

Increased incidence of pelvic organ prolapse in women with acromegaly.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate gynecological problems of female patients with acromegaly and the relationship of these problems with the activity of the disease. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-four women with acromegaly and 27 age- and body mass index-matched female healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. Demographic features, medical history, hormonal status and disease activity were obtained. A detailed gynecological examination was performed. RESULTS: The incidence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) was higher in patients with acromegaly (53%, n=18) compared to the HC (15%, n=4) (p=0.003). Limiting the analysis to only cases with previous pregnancy, POP was seen in 18 (60%) of 30 cases with acromegaly and in 4 (20%) of 20 of the HC (p=0.005). Additionally, in cases with prior vaginal delivery, POP was present in 18 (60%) of 30 cases with acromegaly and in 4 (24%) of 17 of the HC (p=0.02). The frequency of POP was similar in patients with controlled and uncontrolled acromegaly (p=0.3). CONCLUSION: Acromegaly may facilitate occurrence of pelvic organ prolapse and may cause additional health issues in female cases.

Population structure and genetic analysis of narrow-clawed crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus) populations in Turkey.

The genetic differentiation among Turkish populations of the narrow-clawed crayfish was investigated using a partial sequence of cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (585 bp) of 183 specimens from 17 different crayfish populations. Median joining network and all phylogenetic analyses disclosed a strong haplotype structure with three prominent clades diverged by a range between 20 and 50 mutations and substantial inter-group pairwise sequence divergence (5.19-6.95 %), suggesting the presence of three distinct clades within the Anatolian populations of Astacus leptodactylus. The divergence times among the three clades of Turkish A. leptodactylus are estimated to be 4.96-3.70 Mya using a molecular clock of 1.4 % sequence divergence per million years, pointing to a lower Pliocene separation. The high level of genetic variability (H d = 95.8 %, π = 4.17 %) and numerous private haplotypes suggest the presence of refugial populations in Anatolia unaffected by Pleistocene habitat restrictions. The pattern of genetic variation among Turkish A. leptodactylus populations, therefore, suggests that the unrevealed intraspecific genetic structure is independent of geographic tendency and congruent with the previously reported geographic distribution and number of subspecies (A. l. leptodactylus and A. l. salinus) of A. leptodactylus.

OHVIRA syndrome presenting with acute abdomen: a case report and review of the literature.

Uterus didelphys with obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA) or Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (HWW) syndrome is a rare congenital urogenital anomaly. A 13-year-old female presented with acute abdominal pain and dysmenorrhea. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed uterus didelphys, hematometrocolpos, obstructed hemivagina, and right renal agenesis. Hemivaginal septal resection and anastomosis between the obstructed hemivagina and the normal vagina was tried, but it was not possible. Unilateral hysterectomy was performed. HWW syndrome may present with acute abdomen and is usually treated with vaginal septum resection and drainage of the hematometrocolpos.

Acromegaly is associated with higher frequency of female sexual dysfunction: experience of a single center.

The aim of the study was to assess female sexual dysfunction (FSD), quality of life and depression status in female patients with acromegaly. Fifty-seven sexually active female patients with acromegaly disease (21 controlled, 36 uncontrolled) monitored by Cerrahpasa Medical School, Endocrinology and Metabolism out-patient clinic and age and body mass index-matched 46 healthy female subjects were included in the study. Sexual functions and status of depression in both patient and control groups were evaluated by using the Female Sexual Function Index Form (FSFI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), respectively. Quality of life was evaluated by using the Acromegaly Quality of Life (AcroQoL) Scale. Hormone levels were studied in the groups. The FSFI total score and desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction domains in patients with acromegaly were significantly lower than in the healthy controls (p ≤ 0.0001). There was no difference between biochemically controlled and uncontrolled patients with acromegaly with respect to FSFI scores (p = 0.7). AcroQoL total score in female patients with controlled acromegaly and uncontrolled acromegaly were 46.33 ± 16.5% and 50.13 ± 18.21%, respectively (p = 0.53). The difference in BDI scores between controlled and uncontrolled acromegaly patients was not significant but they were significantly higher in the control group (p ≤ 0.0001). In the correlation analysis, a negative correlation was found between FSFI total and BDI score (r = -0.69, p< 0.001), age (r = -0.45, p< 0.001), and IGF-I (r = -0.28, p = 0.006). This study showed that sexual dysfunction and depression rates in female patients with acromegaly are higher than in healthy females.

Adiponectin, leptin and ghrelin levels in obese adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the differences in adipokines, namely adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin, in obese adolescent girls with or without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: 38 adolescent girls (age 15-20 years). Group I: 17 Obese adolescent girls with PCOS (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2)); Group II: Control group of 21 obese adolescent girls (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2)). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin measurements. RESULTS: LH, LH/FSH, and cortisol levels were significantly higher in the obese PCOS girls compared to the obese controls (6.94 ± 3.28 vs 4.44 ± 1.79; 1.50 ± 0.72 vs 0.90 ± 0.36; 16.02 ± 4.28 vs 12.46 ± 5.29; P < .05, respectively). Adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin levels were similar between the obese PCOS girls and the obese controls (11.13 ± 6.00 vs 15.26 ± 12.66; 23.66 ± 11.54 vs 23.11 ± 11.17; 665.69 ± 402.12 vs 650.22 ± 467.73, respectively). Adiponectin negatively correlated with BMI (r = -0.32; P = .04) and positively correlated with fasting glucose (r = 0.40; P = .01). Leptin positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.534; P = .001), estradiol (r = 0.354; P = .02), and TSH (r = 0.374; P = .02). No significant correlation was found between ghrelin and the test parameters. CONCLUSION: Among obese adolescents with PCOS, adiponectin, and leptin levels do not seem to be determined by the existence of PCOS, while ghrelin presents no significant correlation.

Comparison of tibolone and 17beta-estradiol administration on the expression of zonula occludens-1, occludin, glial fibrillary acidic protein and c-fos levels in the brain cortex and hippocampus of female rats.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect exerted by oral tibolone or intramuscular 17ß-estradiol administration on the expression of ZO-1, occludin, GFAP and c-fos levels in the brain cortex and hippocampus of ovariectomized rats. RESULTS: Immunostaining for ZO-1 and occludin revealed similar staining patterns between controls and tibolone rats and between controls and E2 rats. When staining in tibolone and E2 rats were compared both for ZO-1 and occludin, staining patterns were again identical. Positive staining for the GFAP was detected in the controls, tibolone rats and E2 rats. Staining was more intense in the tibolone rats than controls and in the E2 rats than controls. In sections from the controls, tibolone rats and E2 rats, number of reactive cells for c-fos were 1.75±0.25, 3.75±0.36 and 4.50±0.50, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the three groups (p=0.0001). Comparison of tibolone and E2 rats revealed no statistically significant difference (p=0.246). CONCLUSIONS: It is well known that natural hormones like E2 regulate brain development and function. Our results provide further information on the mechanism of action of tibolone in the brain cortex and hippocampus. These results will allow us to continue with further studies with different post-ovariectomy intervals, because tibolone can be proposed as an attractive alternative for hormone replacement therapy, acting as a neuroprotective agent for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases in menopausal women.