N-acetylcysteine and Hydroxychloroquine Ameliorate ADMA-Induced Fetal Growth Restriction in Mice via Regulating Oxidative Stress and Autophagy.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) seriously threatens perinatal health. The main cause of FGR is placental malperfusion, but the specific mechanism is still unclear, and there is no effective treatment for FGR. We constructed a FGR mouse model by adding exogenous asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) through in vivo experiments and found that ADMA could cause placental dysplasia and induce the occurrence of FGR. Compared with the control group, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the placenta was increased in mice with FGR, and the expression of autophagy-related proteins p-AKT/AKT, p-mTOR/mTOR, and P62 was significantly decreased, while the expression of Beclin-1 and LC3-II was significantly increased in the FGR group. Furthermore, ADMA had a favorable effect in promoting the formation of autophagosomes. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) improved ADMA-induced disorders of placental development and alleviated ADMA-induced FGR. This study found that ADMA could cause excessive autophagy of trophoblasts by increasing the level of oxidative stress, ultimately leading to the occurrence of FGR, and HCQ and NAC had therapeutic effects on ADMA-induced FGR.

Metformin With or Without Clomiphene Citrate Versus Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling With or Without Clomiphene Citrate to Treat Patients With Clomiphene Citrate-Resistant Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Which is optimal to treat clomiphene citrate-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (CCR-PCOS) with LOD or metformin remains a problem. There are three inconsistent or even contradictory views. Objectives: The present meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Metformin with or without CC and to compare them with LOD with or without CC (Met/Met-CC vs. LOD/LOD-CC) in women with CCR-PCOS who also have anovulation. Data source: The PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched to identify relevant studies reported between 1 Jan 1966 and 31 Aug 2019; the search was updated on 17 May 2022. Study eligibility criteria: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CCR-PCOS that had considered Met/Met-CC and LOD/LOD-CC as the exposure variables and fertility as the main outcome variable. Study appraisal and synthesis methods: We assessed study quality using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The primary effectiveness outcome was live birth/ongoing pregnancy rate and the primary safety outcome was miscarriage rate. A fixed-effect meta-analysis was performed. The robustness of the results was assessed using sensitivity analyses. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were performed to examine the reasons for heterogeneity. Publication bias was examined using the funnel plot, Egger linear regression, and Begg rank correlation tests. The quality of this meta-analysis was estimated according to the GRADE approach. This meta-analysis has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021240156). Results: Among 71 potentially relevant studies, we included five RCTs in our meta-analysis. We found no difference in effectiveness between Met-CC and LOD in terms of live birth/ongoing pregnancy (RR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.87-1.21, z = 0.28; p = 0.780), and miscarriage rates (RR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.46-1.36, z = 0.86; p = 0.390). I2 tests results revealed moderate or no heterogeneity (I2 = 51.4%, p = 0.083; I2= 0.0%; p = 0.952). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the results. Funnel plot, Egger linear regression, and Begg rank correlation tests implied no publication bias (p > 0.05). LOD was more expensive than Met (€1050 vs. €50.16). The evidence quality was moderate. Conclusion: There is no evidence on the difference in the outcomes between the two interventions regarding ovulation, pregnancy, and live birth. As LOD is an invasive procedure and carries inherent risks, the use of Met/Met-CC should be the second-line treatment for women with CCR-PCOS. Systematic Review Registration: identifier CRD42021240156.

C1q/tumor necrosis factor related protein 6 (CTRP6) regulates the phenotypes of high glucose-induced gestational trophoblast cells via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) signaling.

Multiple studies have confirmed that adipokines are compactly relevant to insulin resistance and participate in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This paper aimed to study the effects of C1q/tumor necrosis factor related protein (CTRP)6 on the phenotypes of trophoblast cells, covering cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and initially explore the mechanism. High glucose was used to induce trophoblast cells to establish an in vitro model. The expression levels of CTRP6 were firstly determined, and then the effects of CTRP6 knockdown on cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion were assessed using CCK8, TUNEL, wound healing, Transwell assays. Moreover, the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), probable target of CTRP6, was evaluated through co-transfection with PPARγ overexpression vector. The results of the present study revealed that CTRP6 and PPARγ were both upregulated in high glucose-induced cells. And CTRP6 knockdown could significantly elevate the abilities of cell viability, migration and invasion, and avoid cell apoptosis. In addition, PPARγ overexpression was found to restrain the protective effects of CTRP6 knockdown on the above aspects, indicating CTRP6 played a role in trophoblast cells via inhibiting PPARγ expression. In conclusion, CTRP6 regulated the viability, migration and invasion of high glucose-induced gestational trophoblast cells through PPARγ signaling.

Corrigendum to "Cytoreductive Surgery plus Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Improves Survival with Acceptable Safety for Advanced Ovarian Cancer: A Clinical Study of 100 Patients".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2021/5533134.].

Risk factors for postoperative delayed gastric emptying in ovarian cancer treated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) has shown promising results in improving the survival of ovarian cancer patients. Although the safety profiles of CRS-HIPEC exist, more attention should be paid to gastrointestinal complications, as the procedure involves a considerable proportion of bowel resection and anastomosis. AIM: To identify the risk factors for delayed gastric emptying in ovarian cancer treated with CRS-HIPEC. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we retrospectively analyzed 77 patients admitted between March 2014 and April 2018 with advanced and recurrent ovarian cancer treated with CRS-HIPEC in Beijing Shijitan Hospital of Capital Medical University. Risk factors for delayed gastric emptying were analyzed using univariate analysis. All of the statistically significant variables in the univariate analysis were entered into the multivariable logistic regression model to determine factors independently associated with delayed gastric emptying. RESULTS: Among the 77 included patients, 36.4% (28/77) had delayed gastric emptying after CRS-HIPEC. The median age and body mass index of all patients were 59 years and 22.83 kg/m2, respectively. Preoperative chemotherapy was administered in 55 patients (71%). Sixty-two patients (81%) had a history of at least one previous pelvic surgery. The median operation time and intraoperative hemorrhage volume were 630 min and 600 mL, respectively. Omentectomy was performed in 32 cases of primary ovarian cancer and 24 cases of recurrence. The median peritoneal cancer index was 16. The risk factors for delayed gastric emptying from the univariate analysis were body mass index < 23 kg/m2 (X 2 = 5.059, P = 0.025), history of pelvic surgery (X 2 = 4.498, P = 0.034), history of chemotherapy (X 2 = 4.334, P = 0.037), operation time ≥ 7 h (X 2 = 4.827, P = 0.047), and intraoperative hemorrhage ≥ 800 mL (X 2 = 7.112, P = 0.008). Multivariable analysis revealed that age ≥ 70 years (HR = 7.127; 95%CI 1.122-45.264; P = 0.037) and intraoperative hemorrhage ≥ 800 mL (HR = 3.416; 95%CI 1.067-10.939; P = 0.039) were independently associated with postoperative delayed gastric emptying after CRS-HIPEC. CONCLUSION: Postoperative gastrointestinal management, including prolonged nasogastric intubation, should be promoted for patients over 70 years or those with intraoperative bleeding exceeding 800 mL.

Cytoreductive Surgery plus Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Improves Survival with Acceptable Safety for Advanced Ovarian Cancer: A Clinical Study of 100 Patients.

BACKGROUND: The mainstay of treatment for advanced ovarian cancer is debulking surgery followed by chemotherapy that includes carboplatin and paclitaxel, but the prognosis is poor. This study is aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS+HIPEC) as first-line surgical treatment in patients with advanced ovarian cancer (AOC). METHODS: FIGO stage III/IV AOC patients underwent CRS+HIPEC as first-line surgical treatment at our center from December 2007 to January 2020. The primary endpoint was survival, and the secondary endpoint was safety. RESULTS: Among 100 patients, the median Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score was 80 (50-100), median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was 19 (1-39), median completeness of cytoreduction (CC) score was 1 (0-3), number of organ regions removed was 4 (3-9), number of peritoneal regions removed was 4 (1-9), and number of anastomoses was 1 (0-4). The median follow-up was 36.8 months; 75 (75.0%) patients were still alive, and 25 (25.0%) had died. The median overall survival (mOS) was 87.6 (95% CI: 72.1-103.0) months, and the 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year survival rates were 94.1%, 77.2%, 68.2%, 64.2%, and 64.2%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that better mOS correlated with an age ≤, KPS ≥ 80, ascites ≤ 1000 ml, PCI < 19, and CC score 0-1. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that CC was an independent factor for OS; patients who underwent CRS with a CC score 0-1 had a mPFS of 67.8 (95% CI: 48.3-87.4) months. The perioperative serious adverse event and morbidity rates were 4.0% and 2.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CRS+HIPEC improves survival for AOC patients with acceptable safety at experienced high-volume centers. Stringent patient selection and complete CRS are key factors for better survival.

Ketogenic diet in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and liver dysfunction who are obese: A randomized, open-label, parallel-group, controlled pilot trial.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of a ketogenic diet (KD) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and liver dysfunction who were obese. METHODS: Women with PCOS and liver dysfunction who were obese were enrolled in this prospective, open-label, parallel-group, controlled pilot trial, and randomly received KD (KD group) or conventional pharmacological treatment (Essentiale plus Yasmin, control group) in a 1:1 ratio for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the liver function markers. Secondary endpoints included the menstrual cycle, anthropometric characteristics, body composition, hormonal levels, and metabolic biomarkers. RESULTS: Of the 20 eligible participants enrolled, 18 participants completed the study. The KD group reported a significant reduction in anthropometric characteristics and body composition from baseline to week 12 (all p < 0.05). In addition, there were significant reductions in menstrual cycle, plasma estradiol, and progesterone levels in two groups (all p < 0.05), but no significant between-group difference was observed. KD significantly reduced the liver function markers compared with control group (p < 0.05). The signs of fatty liver disappeared in six out of seven fatty liver participants in KD group after 12 weeks of intervention, while only one of 10 fatty liver participants in control group disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to improving the menstrual cycle, KD had the additional benefits of reducing blood glucose and body weight, improving liver function, and treating fatty liver compared to traditional pharmacological treatment in women with PCOS and liver dysfunction who were obese.

Efficacy of progesterone on threatened miscarriage: Difference in drug types.

AIM: To investigate whether treatment with progesterone would decrease the incidence of miscarriage in women who faced threatened miscarriage. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCT) were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Trials were included if they compared progesterone with placebo, no treatment or any other treatment given in an effort to treat threatened miscarriage. Pregnant prophylaxis drugs were not included without strict progesterone type, language and progesterone management. The primary outcome was the incidence of miscarriage. The summary measures were reported as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Eight RCT including 845 women who faced threatened miscarriage were analyzed. Pooled data from the eight trials showed that women with threatened miscarriage who were randomized to the progesterone group had a lower risk of threatened miscarriage (RR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.48-0.85). Dydrogesterone was shown to have a lower risk of miscarriage (RR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.33-0.75) than natural progesterone (RR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.40-1.19). Oral management was demonstrated to have a lower risk of miscarriage (RR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.38-0.79) compared with vaginal administration (RR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.28-1.21). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that progesterone agents are effective in reducing the incidence of miscarriage in threatened miscarriage. Dydrogesterone, but not natural progesterone, was associated with a lower risk of miscarriage. Given the limitations of the studies included in our meta-analysis, it is difficult to recommend route and dose of progesterone therapy. Further head-to-head trials of gestational weeks and long-time follow-up are required.

A Multi-center, Randomized, Controlled and Open Clinical Trial of Heyan Kuntai Capsule () and Hormone Therapy in Perimenopausal Women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Heyan Kuntai Capsule (, HYKT) and hormone therapy (HT) on perimenopausal syndromes (PMSs). METHODS: From 2005 to 2008, 390 women with PMSs were recruited from 4 clinic centers. The inclusion criteria included ages 40 to 60 years, estradiol (E2) below 30 ng/L, and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) above 40 IU/L, etc. The patients were randomly assigned to HYKT group or HT group by random number table method, administrated HYKT or conjugated estrogen with/without medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets for 12 months. During treatment, the patients were interviewed quarterly, Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI) scores, hot flush scores, insomnia scores, Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) scores and adverse effects were used for evaluating drug efficacy and safety respectively. The last interview was made at the end of 12-month treatment RESULTS: After treatment, KMI scores of HYKT group and HT group were both significantly decreased compared with baseline (P <0.01) and there was no significant difference between groups (P >0.05), except that KMI of HYKT group was higher after 3-month treatment (P <0.05). After treatment, hot flush and insomnia scores were both improved significantly in two groups (P <0.01); and HT had a better performance than HYKT in improving hot flush (P <0.05). MENQOL were significantly improved in both groups after treatment (P <0.01); but there was no significant difference between two groups (P >0.05). The incidence of adverse event in the HYKT group was much lower than that in the HT group (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: HYKT could effectively relieve PMSs and improve patients quality of life without severe adverse reactions. Although HYKT exerted curative effects more slowly than hormone, it possessed better safety profile than hormone.

Does Cimicifuga racemosa have the effects like estrogen on the sublingual gland in ovariectomized rats?

BACKGROUND: Cimicifuga racemosa is one of the herbs used for the treatment of climacteric syndrome, and it has been cited as an alternative therapy to estrogen. Apart from hectic fevers, dyspareunia and so on, dry mouth also increase significantly after menopause. It has not yet been reported whether C. racemosa has any impact on the sublingual gland, which may relate to dry mouth. In an attempt to determine this, we have compared the effects of estrogen and C. racemosa on the sublingual gland of ovariectomized rats. RESULTS: HE staining showed that the acinar cell area had contracted and that the intercellular spaces were broadened in the OVX (ovariectomized rats) group, while treatment with estradiol (E2) and iCR (isopropanolic extract of C. racemosa) improved these lesions. Transmission electron microscopy showed that rough endoplasmic reticulum expansion in mucous and serous acinar epithelial cells and apoptotic cells was more commonly seen in the OVX group than in the SHAM (sham-operated rats) group. Mitochondria and plasma membrane infolding lesions in the striated ducts were also observed. These lesions were alleviated by both treatments. It is of note that, in the OVX + iCR group, the volume of mitochondria in the striated duct was larger than in other groups. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the ratio of caspase-3 positive cells was significantly increased in the acinar cells of the OVX group compared with the SHAM group (p < 0.05); and the MA (mean absorbance) of caspase-3 in the striated ducts also increased (p < 0.05). Estradiol decreased the ratio of caspase-3 positive cells and the MA of caspase-3 in striated ducts significantly (p < 0.05). ICR also reduced the ratio of caspase-3 positive cells and the MA in the striated ducts (p < 0.05), but the reduction of the MA in striated ducts was inferior to that of the OVX + E2 group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both estradiol and iCR can inhibit subcellular structural damage, and down-regulate the expression of caspase-3 caused by ovariectomy, but their effects were not identical, suggesting that both drugs confer a protective effect on the sublingual gland of ovariectomized rats, but that the specific location and mechanism of action producing these effects were different.

Does Cimicifuga racemosa have the effects like estrogen on the sublingual gland in ovariectomized rats?

BACKGROUND: Cimicifuga racemosa is one of the herbs used for the treatment of climacteric syndrome, and it has been cited as an alternative therapy to estrogen. Apart from hectic fevers, dyspareunia and so on, dry mouth also increase significantly after menopause. It has not yet been reported whether C. racemosa has any impact on the sublingual gland, which may relate to dry mouth. In an attempt to determine this, we have compared the effects of estrogen and C. racemosa on the sublingual gland of ovariectomized rats. RESULTS: HE staining showed that the acinar cell area had contracted and that the intercellular spaces were broadened in the OVX (ovariectomized rats) group, while treatment with estradiol (E2) and iCR (isopropanolic extract of C. racemosa) improved these lesions. Transmission electron microscopy showed that rough endoplasmic reticulum expansion in mucous and serous acinar epithelial cells and apoptotic cells was more commonly seen in the OVX group than in the SHAM (sham-operated rats) group. Mitochondria and plasma membrane infolding lesions in the striated ducts were also observed. These lesions were alleviated by both treatments. It is of note that, in the OVX + iCR group, the volume of mitochondria in the striated duct was larger than in other groups. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the ratio of caspase-3 positive cells was significantly increased in the acinar cells of the OVX group compared with the SHAM group (p < 0.05); and the MA (mean absorbance) of caspase-3 in the striated ducts also increased (p < 0.05). Estradiol decreased the ratio of caspase-3 positive cells and the MA of caspase-3 in striated ducts significantly (p < 0.05). ICR also reduced the ratio of caspase-3 positive cells and the MA in the striated ducts (p < 0.05), but the reduction of the MA in striated ducts was inferior to that of the OVX + E2 group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both estradiol and iCR can inhibit subcellular structural damage, and down-regulate the expression of caspase-3 caused by ovariectomy, but their effects were not identical, suggesting that both drugs confer a protective effect on the sublingual gland of ovariectomized rats, but that the specific location and mechanism of action producing these effects were different.

Efficacy and safety of solifenacin succinate tablets versus solifenacin succinate tablets with local estrogen for the treatment of overactive bladder in postmenopausal women--a multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled comparison study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of solifenacin succinate tablets alone or combined with local estrogen for overactive bladder treatment in postmenopausal women. METHODS: This multicenter, randomized, open, parallel-controlled clinical trial enrolled 104 women between January 2012 and August 2013. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria were randomized 1:1 to 12 weeks of treatment with group A (solifenacin 5 mg qd + promestriene vaginal capsules intravaginally) or group B (solifenacin 5 mg qd). Before and after 12 weeks of treatment, symptoms (urinary urgency, frequency, and urge incontinence) were analyzed. Our primary outcome was the change from baseline to the end of treatment in the mean number of voids in 24 hours. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using International Prostate Symptom Score and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score questionnaires and safety according to the incidence of adverse events. The t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare continuous variables, and the χ(2) test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare categorical variables. RESULTS: The median decreases in the mean number of voids in 24 hours in groups A and B were 5.2. and 4.3, respectively, which were not significantly different. The median decreases in urgency episodes in groups A and B were 2.0 and 2.5, respectively. In addition, the QoL scores significantly changed in both groups (both P < 0.05). The most common adverse event was dry mouth (19.2% in both groups). CONCLUSIONS: Solifenacin with or without local estrogen was effective and safe for overactive bladder treatment in postmenopausal women. The addition of local estrogen improved subjective feelings and QoL.

Relationship between the expressions of mitofusin-2 and procollagen in uterosacral ligament fibroblasts of postmenopausal patients with pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the mRNA and protein expressions of mitochondrial fusion protein-2 (mitofusin-2, Mfn2), and procollagen 1A1/1A2/3A1 in uterosacral ligament fibroblasts of postmenopausal patients with or without pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The effect of Mfn2 on the expression of procollagen in fibroblasts was also investigated. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-seven POP patients and 23 non-POP postmenopausal patients were included in the POP (study) and non-POP (control) groups, respectively. Laser capture microdissection (LCM) was combined with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of Mfn2, and types I and III procollagen in uterosacral ligament fibroblasts of the two groups, and the differences in expression levels were compared between the groups. The correlation between Mfn2 and procollagens was also investigated. RESULTS: Fibroblasts were successfully isolated from frozen sections of the uterosacral ligament using LCM. The results of qRT-PCR and western blot showed that the expressions of types I and III procollagen were significantly lower and those of Mfn2 were significantly higher in the POP group than in the non-POP group (p<0.05, all). In POP, opposite trends of protein expression changes of Mfn2 and procollagens were observed along with the duration of postmenopause (P<0.05), while this was not the case in POP accompanied by stress urinary incontinence and frequency of vaginal delivery (P>0.05). The expressions of type I and III procollagen were negatively associated with Mfn2 in POP patients (-1

[Recognition of depression and related risk factors among non psychiatric doctors in tertiary general hospital outpatients in Beijing].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the level of identification and related factors of depression in physicians of Beijing tertiary general hospitals. METHODS: A cross-sectional investigation was used to screen the outpatients, and depression was diagnosed according to Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Identification of depression was defined as referral to psychiatrist or managed with antidepressant or sedative hypnotics. RESULTS: Among 248 cases of depression, 30 (12.1%) were referred to psychiatrists, 28(8.9%) managed with antidepressant or sedative hypnotics. The identification rate of depression by physicians was 21.0%, and the identification rate by neurologist was 40.4%, which is higher than the rate by cardiologist (22.4%), gastrointestinal physician (3.8%) and gynecologist (2.0%) (χ2=61.077, P<0.05). Visiting neurology department, severity of life impairment, with psychotic distress history, had psychological complaints, co-morbidity with anxiety related to the physician's identification of depression. Among the psychological complaints, only mood disorder and insomnia were related to the physician's identification of depression. CONCLUSIONS: The level of depression identification by physician was low, the level of neurologist was higher than that of cardiologist, gastrointestinal physician and gynecologist. The patient with serious life impairment, psychotic distress history, mood disorder and insomnia complaints was easily to be identified.

[Efficacy and safety of remifemin compared to tibolone for controlling of perimenopausal symptoms].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of remifemin (isopropanolic extract of cimicifuga racemosa) treating perimenopausal symptoms in comparison of tibolone. METHODS: One hundred and eighty postmenopausal women at range of 40 - 60 years old were enrolled in a multicenter, randomized and double blind study. They were divided into remifemin and tibolone group at ratio 1:1. The therapeutic strategy was remifemin 20 mg bid po for 12 weeks in remifemin group and tibolone 2.5 mg qd po for 12 weeks in tibolone group. To evaluate therapeutic effect, total score of Kupperman menopause index (KMI) was used as the major observed index and single item score of KMI were secondary observed index. Safety warning was determined by laboratory tests and adverse events at timepoint of before, at 4 and 12 weeks treatment. RESULTS: (1) Total score of KMI: it were 24 +/- 5 in remifemin group and 25 +/- 6 in tibolone group before treatment. At timepoint of 4 weeks treatment, it were 11 +/- 6 in remifemin group and 11 +/- 7 in tibolone group. At timepoint of 12 weeks treatment, it were 7 +/- 6 in remifemin group and 6 +/- 5 in tibolone group. Total KMI score between two groups did not show statistical difference at various timepoint (P > 0.05). (2) Single item score of KMI: when compared before, at 4 and 12 weeks treatment, did show remarkable difference (P < 0.05) either in remifemin or in tibolone group. However, those single items of KMI score did not show statistical difference between 4 and 12 weeks timepoint in each treatment group (P > 0.05). (3) Adverse effect: the incidence of adverse effect in remifemin group was significantly lower than that of tibolone group. None case with vaginal bleeding was observed in remifemin group, however, 17 cases with vaginal bleeding occurred in tibolone group (19%, 17/90). The incidence of breast swelling were 16% (14/90) in remifemin group and 36% (32/90) in tibolone group; before treatment, the thickness of endometrium were (2.6 +/- 1.1) mm in remifemin group and (2.8 +/- 1.1) mm in tibolone group; at timepoint of 12 weeks treatment, the thickness of endometrium were (2.9 +/- 1.4) mm in remifemin group and (3.4 +/- 2.0) mm in tibolone group. In comparison of thickness of endometrium before and at 12 weeks treatment, no remarkable changes was observed in remifemin group, however, endometrium displayed significantly thicker in tibolone group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested that remifemin was one effective and safe agent to manage women with climacteric symptom. It has similar therapeutic effect and lower incidence of adverse effect when compared with tibolone.

[The prevalence of depression and anxiety in gastrointestinal out-patients of tertiary general hospitals in Beijing].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the prevalence and physician's recognition of depression and anxiety disorder in gastrointestinal out-patients of three tertiary general hospitals in Beijing. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in the gastrointestinal out-patient departments of three tertiary general hospitals in Beijing from May to June 2007. Total 517 subjects were recruited consecutively within a one month period. All the subjects were screened with Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS). The subjects with HADS score of 8 and over were interviewed and diagnosed by psychiatrists using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). The physicians made the diagnosis and management without knowing the results of MINI and HADS score. RESULTS: Among the 517 cases, 301 had a HADS score of 8 and above and 244 were interviewed by psychiatrists; the response rate was 81.1%. The prevalence according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth edition of depressive disorders and anxiety disorders in gastrointestinal outpatients were 15.3%, depressive disorders were 12.0%, anxiety disorders were 6.4%, depression combined anxiety disorder was 3.0%. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, depression combined anxiety were not different between genders (chi2=0.874, chi2=1.797, chi2=0.518, P>0.05) and among different age group (18-34, 35-54, >or=55 years old) (chi2=1.084, chi2=2.735, chi2=0.350, P>0.05). Gastritis and gastrointestinal dysfunction were the major diagnoses in patients with depression and/or anxiety disorders, the rates were 30.6% and 26.4% respectively. The rate of identification of depression and anxiety disorder by physicians was 2.8%. CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal out-patients have a high prevalence of depression and anxiety disorder and the rate of identification by physicians was very low.

[Clinical comparison of transvaginal hysterectomy and laparoscopic hysterectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical characteristics of transvaginal hysterectomy (TVH) and total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). METHOD: Clinical data about 301 cases who received TVH and TLH were collected and the hospital stay days, medical expenses, diagnoses, operation and recovery status were compared between TVH and TLH groups. RESULTS: The ratio of cervical atypical hyperplasia (9.64%), multipara (96.45%) in TVH was higher than that in TLH (2.88%, 89.42%). The ratio of adenoma (29.44%), adnexal disease (4.55%), pelvic endometriosis (4.06%), history of cesarean section (7.11%) in TVH were lower than that in TLH (43.27%, 31.73%, 12.50%, 24.04%). The operation time (76 +/- 28) minutes, bleeding during operation (170 +/- 125) ml, additional operations (5.08%), pelvic adhesion (4.57%), loosening of pelvic adhesion (0.51%), the diameter of the largest myoma or adenoma (49 +/- 17) mm, expenses for operation and hospitalization (1073 +/- 203) yuan in TVH were lower than those in TLH, which were (139 +/- 52) minutes, (206 +/- 153) ml, 36.54%, 41.35%, 17.31%, (57 +/- 22) mm, (1526 +/- 676) yuan respectively. The differences were significant (all P < 0.05). There was no difference of the uterine weight, complication and length of hospitalization duration between the two kinds of operation. CONCLUSIONS: TVH is recommended in cases of few pelvic adhesion, or adnexal disease, cervical disease and of multipara. The uterine weight is not a decisive factor.

Menopausal depression: comparison of hormone replacement therapy and hormone replacement therapy plus fluoxetine.

BACKGROUND: To compare the efficacy and safety of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) combined with fluoxetine, with HRT alone, in post-menopausal women suffering from depression. METHODS: A randomized, open-label, parallel trial was applied. HRT was administered to all patients for 2 cycles, with 14 days of estrogen therapy and 14 days of estrogen plus progesterone. Patients who were randomly assigned to the HRT plus fluoxetine group were given fluoxetine in combination with HRT. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI), and Clinical Global Impressions scale were used to measure the efficacy. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three post-menopausal patients with depression were enrolled in the study. Among them, 120 had at least one post-treatment visit and entered into the statistical analysis. The mean total HAMD scores were significantly lower, and the percentages of HAMD score reductions were higher in the HRT plus fluoxetine Group compared with the HRT Group, after at least 3 weeks of treatment, with an average difference of 5 points at the endpoint. The Clinical Global Impression-Severity and Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scores were significantly different in the 2 groups, in favor of the combination therapy. The mean total KMI was significantly lower in the Combination Group compared with the HRT Group, after at least 6 weeks of treatment, with an average 4.5-point difference between the groups. No statistically significant differences were found in most of the adverse events reported in the Combination Group compared with the HRT group, with the exception of 3 symptoms, i.e., dry mouth, loss of appetite, and abdominal distention. They were mild to moderate in severity. Two patients in the HRT group, but none in the combination group, dropped out due to adverse events. CONCLUSION: HRT plus fluoxetine therapy was effective in the treatment of menopausal depression with a satisfactory safety profile.