Bacteriophage-based approach for treatment of urinary tract infections: a quick outlook.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections affecting millions worldwide. The increasing emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a serious concern in managing UTIs. Therefore, there is a growing interest in using bacteriophages as an alternative or adjunct therapy for UTIs. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect and kill bacteria, making them a promising tool for treating UTIs caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This article provides a quick outlook on using bacteriophages to treat UTIs. We summarize the current understanding of the biology of bacteriophages, the challenges associated with developing phage-based therapies, and the promising results of several case reports and clinical trials. We also highlight the potential of phage therapy as a valuable tool in the fight against antibiotic-resistant UTIs. This quick outlook on a bacteriophage-based approach for treating UTIs offers a timely and informative summary of the current research in this field.

The Interplay between Muscular Grip Strength and Bone Mineral Density with Consideration of Metabolic and Endocrine Parameters in Individuals with Turner Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with Turner syndrome (TS) often face skeletal and muscular challenges, including reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle weakness. This comprehensive study sheds light on the complex interplay between muscle strength, BMD, and metabolic and endocrine parameters in TS and healthy subjects. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 42 TS patients and 70 healthy women was conducted. All patients had their BMD determined in the L1-L4 lumbar spine section and in the whole skeleton as well as the parameters of body fat mass (BF), and visceral fat mass (VF) were also determined. The maximum gripping force was measured with a hydraulic manual dynamometer. In addition, a number of blood hormonal and metabolic parameters were determined. RESULTS: In the TS group, hand grip strength correlated positively with triglyceride levels but not with BMD. Healthy individuals had a positive link between hand grip strength and BMD, while patients with TS did not show a significant association between the two. A trend suggested that longer recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy might improve BMD in the L1-L4 region. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that muscle strength assessment may be a potential exponent of reduced BMD, and also used clinically in young adult women but not in individuals with TS. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between BMD variables and hand grip might differ between the two groups, potentially indicating distinct musculoskeletal characteristics in TS patients. Longer rhGH therapy in TS patients may have a positive effect on BMD in the L1-L4 region. Understanding the intricate relationships between these factors is important for optimizing clinical management strategies and improving the quality of life for TS patients.

Psychological Associations of Stress with the Level of Health Locus of Control and Self-Efficacy in Patients with Ovarian Cancer.

The aim of this study was to analyze the locus of health control, self-efficacy and stress coping styles of female patients treated for ovarian cancer. Learning the styles of coping with stress in patients with ovarian cancer may contribute to improve their quality of life after cancer diagnosis. A series of Pearson's r-analyses was performed in the order to evaluate the hypotheses regarding the relationship between styles of coping with stress, the locus of health control and self-efficacy. A total of 151 female patients participated in this study. Standardized psychological questionnaires were used: the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) to measure coping with difficult situations and obstacles, the Multi-Dimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) to measure health control and the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) to measure stress coping styles. All questionnaires had an adaptation in Polish. Patients using task-focused and socializing styles had higher self-efficacy, whereas focusing on negative emotions resulted in lower self-efficacy. External locus of health control was related to a task-focused approach to treatment. On the other hand, the focus on negative emotions was related to the feeling that the fate of patients was decided by chance. Self-efficacy was positively associated with internal locus of health control and with external control, which means the influence of others. The results of our study indicate the need for a multidimensional approach to the treatment of female patients with ovarian cancer. The psychological condition of female patients has an ongoing relationship with their physical health.

Preoperative Serum Levels of PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, TGF-α, EGF and ANG-2 in the Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer.

(1) Background: It is relevant to find new diagnostic biomarkers for endometrial cancer. This study aimed to investigate whether PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, TGF-α, EGF and ANG-2 could be considered new useful markers for diagnosis and survival of endometrial cancer. (2) Methods: A total of 93 women diagnosed with endometrial cancer (EC) and 66 patients with non-cancerous endometrial lesions (NCEL) were included in this study. (3) Results: Median serum levels of PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, TGF-α, EGF and ANG-2 were significantly higher in the EC group compared to the NCEL group (for PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, TGF-α and ANG-2, p = 0.0000; for EGF, p = 0.0186). The cut-off level of PDGF-AB was set at 127.69 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 87.1% and a specificity of 66.67% (AUC = 0.78, p < 0.000001). The cut-off level of PDGF-BB was set at 207.86 ng/L with a sensitivity of 82.8% and a specificity of 75.76% (AUC = 0.85, p < 0.000001). The cut-off level of TGF-α was set at 33.85 ng/L with a sensitivity of 82.8% and a specificity of 75.76% (AUC = 0.82, p < 0.000001). The cut-off level of EGF was set at 934.76 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 83.87% and a specificity of 28.79% (AUC = 0.61, p = 0.018472). The cut-off level of ANG-2 was set at 3120.68 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 72.04% and a specificity of 93.94% (AUC = 0.87, p < 0.000001). (4) Conlusion: It was concluded that all the proteins studied could be potential diagnostic markers in endometrial cancer.

Screening for Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction in the First Trimester in Women without Chronic Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, it is possible to identify a group at increased risk of preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) using the principles of the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF). It has been established for several years that acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) reduces the incidence of PE and FGR in high-risk populations. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of ASA use after the first-trimester screening in a Polish population without chronic hypertension, as well as its impact on perinatal complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 874 patients were enrolled in the study during the first-trimester ultrasound examination. The risk of PE and FGR was assessed according to the FMF guidelines, which include the maternal history, mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtPI), pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and placental growth factor (PLGF). Among patients with a risk higher than >1:100, ASA was administered at a dose of 150 mg. Perinatal outcomes were assessed among the different groups. RESULTS: When comparing women in the high-risk group with those in the low-risk group, a statistically significantly higher risk of pregnancy complications was observed in the high-risk group. These complications included pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) (OR 3.6 (1.9-7)), any PE (OR 7.8 (3-20)), late-onset PE (OR 8.5 (3.3-22.4)), FGR or small for gestational age (SGA) (OR 4.8 (2.5-9.2)), and gestational diabetes mellitus type 1 (GDM1) (OR 2.4 (1.4-4.2)). The pregnancies in the high-risk group were more likely to end with a cesarean section (OR 1.9 (1.2-3.1)), while the newborns had significantly lower weights (<10 pc (OR 2.9 (1.2-6.9)), <3 pc (OR 10.2 (2.5-41.7))). CONCLUSIONS: The first-trimester screening test for PE and FGR is a necessary and effective tool in identifying high-risk pregnancies. ASA prophylaxis among high-risk patients may have the most beneficial effect. Furthermore, this screening tool may significantly reduce the incidence of early-onset PE (eo-PE).

Assessment of Serum Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe Concentration in Women with Endometrial Cancer and Different Endometrial Pathologies.

BACKGROUND: There is conflicting evidence on the effect of specific micronutrient concentration and cancer risk. In this study, we investigated the differences in serum zinc, copper, iron, and manganese levels and different endometrial pathologies, including endometrial cancer. METHODS: 110 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of endometrial cancer, benign uterine conditions (endometrial polyp, endometrial hyperplasia, uterine myoma), or normal endometrium were included in the study and assessed in terms of endometrial cancer risk factors. The measurements of serum micronutrients were conducted using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. RESULTS: When assessing for differences between serum concentrations of trace metals, we found significant differences in the distribution of Mn (p < 0.001) and Fe (0.034). There was also a significant difference in Cu/Zn ratio between the analyzed groups (p = 0.002). Patients' BMI was found to influence Cu concentration, with obese patients having higher mean copper concentration (p = 0.006). Also, patients' menopausal status was shown to influence Cu concentration with postmenopausal patients having higher Cu levels (p = 0.001). The menopausal status was found to influence Cu/Zn ratio (p = 0.002). Univariable regression analysis did not confirm that any of the micronutrients significantly influence the risk of endometrial cancer. CONCLUSION: The concentration of specific trace metals varies between different histopathological diagnoses of endometrial pathologies. Menopausal status and patient BMI are endometrial cancer risk factors impacted by the concentrations of Cu and Zn and their ratio.

Evidence of Placental Aging in Late SGA, Fetal Growth Restriction and Stillbirth-A Systematic Review.

During pregnancy, the placenta undergoes a natural aging process, which is considered normal. However, it has been hypothesized that an abnormally accelerated and premature aging of the placenta may contribute to placenta-related health issues. Placental senescence has been linked to several obstetric complications, including abnormal fetal growth, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and stillbirth, with stillbirth being the most challenging. A systematic search was conducted on Pubmed, Embase, and Scopus databases. Twenty-two full-text articles were identified for the final synthesis. Of these, 15 presented original research and 7 presented narrative reviews. There is a paucity of evidence in the literature on the role of placental aging in late small for gestational age (SGA), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and stillbirth. For future research, guidelines for both planning and reporting research must be implemented. The inclusion criteria should include clear differentiation between early and late SGA and FGR. As for stillbirths, only those with no other known cause of stillbirth should be included in the studies. This means excluding stillbirths due to congenital defects, infections, placental abruption, and maternal conditions affecting feto-maternal hemodynamics.

Influence of Vitamin D on the Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome and Hormonal Balance in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder that affects 8-13% of women of reproductive age. It is one of the most common causes of infertility and is associated with hyperandrogenism in the form of hirsutism and acne, non-ovulatory cycles, and characteristic ovarian morphology. The available research on serum vitamin D deficiency in patients with PCOS and the appropriateness of vitamin D supplementation in this group of women is inconclusive, so we decided to investigate the influence of vitamin D on the incidence of metabolic syndrome and hormonal balance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. The study comprised 120 women aged between 18 and 42 years, who were divided into two groups: a group with diagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and a group of regularly menstruating women without features of androgenisation, in whom polycystic ovary syndrome was excluded. Each patient underwent a history and physical examination, including a gynecological examination, anthropometric measurements were taken, including height, weight, waist, and hip circumference, and blood pressure was measured using the Korotkow method. In the female patients, the following parameters were also determined from the blood: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol, TSH, ft4, prolactin (PRL), total testosterone, DHEASO4, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), androstendione, 25(OH) vitamin D3 metabolite. The majority of the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were found to have deficient or suboptimal serum vitamin D levels, and the effects of vitamin D on the SHBG levels and free-androgen indices in these patients was examined. The effects of vitamin D on the incidence of metabolic syndrome and BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference, and blood pressure in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were also found.

The Role of Selenium and Manganese in the Formation, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical, Endometrial and Ovarian Cancer.

Selenium (Se) and manganese (Mn) are essential micronutrients that are important elements of cell metabolism. They are involved in the composition of enzyme systems and regulate enzyme activity. Disturbances in the homeostasis of these micronutrients affect the development of many diseases and carcinogenesis, which can be linked to increased levels of oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant properties of many enzymes. Selenium has a very important function in maintaining immune-endocrine, metabolic and cellular homeostasis. Manganese, on the other hand, is important in development, digestion, reproduction, antioxidant defense, energy production, immune response and regulation of neuronal activity. We review the role of selenium and manganese and their effects on tumor growth, metastasis potential and remodeling of the microenvironment. We also describe their role as potential biomarkers in the diagnosis and the potential for the use of Se- and Mn-containing compounds in composition for the treatment of cancer of the reproductive organs.

Influence of hsCRP Parameter on the Occurrence of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a common endocrine disorder that affects 8-13% of women of reproductive age. Increased body weight and insulin resistance may be associated with chronic inflammation, which increases the risk of cardiovascular complications. CRP (C-reactive protein) tests may be use to assess persistent inflammation. Elevated CRP levels may be associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Determination of hsCRP, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, can be used to assess cardiovascular risk in women with PCOS. In this study, 120 women between the ages of 18 and 42 were divided into two groups: patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (n = 80) and regular menstruating women in whom PCOS was excluded (n = 40). Lipid and carbohydrate metabolism parameters and hsCRP levels were assessed, followed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for hsCRP, where metabolic syndrome was the dependent variable. For hsCRP, the cutoff point was 1.44 (mg/dL). Sensitivity for the cutoff point was 0.913 and specificity was 0.691. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.851 (p < 0.000). The closer the AUC value is to unity, the better the predictive ability of the studied variable. There was also a statistically significant correlation between hsCRP levels and the presence of metabolic syndrome.

Low-Dose Aspirin after ASPRE-More Questions Than Answers? Current International Approach after PE Screening in the First Trimester.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a multi-factorial disorder of pregnancy, and it continues to be one of the leading causes of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Aspirin is universally recommended for high-risk women to reduce preeclampsia risk. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recommendations of various scientific societies on predicting preeclampsia and their indications for the inclusion of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) prophylaxis. Fourteen guidelines were compared. The recommended dose, screening method, and gestational age at the start of the test vary depending on the recommendation. The societies are inclined to recommend using increasingly higher doses (>75 mg) of ASA, with many encouraging doses from 100 mg upward. Most societies indicate that the optimal time for implementing aspirin is prior to 16 weeks' gestation. Following the publication of the Aspirin for Evidence-Based Preeclampsia Prevention (ASPRE) trial results and other papers evaluating the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) screening model, a large number of societies have changed their recommendations from those based on risk factors alone to the ones based on the risk assessment proposed by the FMF. This allows for the detection of a high-risk pregnancy population in whom aspirin will be remarkably effective in preventing preterm PE, thereby decreasing maternal and fetal morbidity.

Influence of Muscle Mass and Strength on Bone Mineralisation with Consideration of Sclerostin Concentration.

Osteoporosis is a disease characterised by a reduction in bone strength due to increased porosity and impaired mineralisation. In our study, we investigated whether muscle strength and mass exert a significant effect on bone mineral density in young adult women. We also tested whether sclerostin can be used as an indicator in the assessment of bone mineralisation. The study included 111 patients. All patients had their bone mineral density determined in the L1-L4 section of the lumbar spine and in the whole skeleton. The parameters of fat mass (FM), lean body mass (LBM) and visceral fat mass (VF) were also determined. Metabolic activity of osteocytes was assessed by measuring the serum sclerostin concentration. There was a statistically significant association of both hands' muscle strength with all parameters expressing bone mineralisation. A statistically significant relationship was also obtained between BMD L1-L4 and the body mass components (FM, LBM). Sclerostin levels in the study did not differ between groups with normal and reduced bone mineral density. Muscle strength assessment may be a potential exponent of reduced bone mineral density, also used clinically in young adult women. The utility of sclerostin in the clinical assessment of bone mineralisation has not been demonstrated.

Associations of Hormonal and Metabolic Parameters with Bone Mineralization in Young Adult Females.

Osteoporosis is characterized by impaired bone mineralization and microarchitecture. An important protective factor is a high peak bone mass (PBM), attained in the second and third decade of life. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of hormonal and metabolic parameters on bone mineralization in young adult female patients. A total of 111 participants qualified for the study. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and whole skeleton was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Hormonal parameters were determined: the concentrations of androstendione, dihydroepiandrosterone sulphate, testosterone, sex hormone binding protein, 17-OH-progesterone, folliculotropic hormone, estradiol, thyrotropic hormone, free thyroxine and cortisol. Metabolic parameters were also examined. The study showed a statistically significant correlation between bone mineral density and estradiol concentration and a negative relationship between cortisol concentration and the bone mineral density (BMD) Z-score of the lumbar spine. Sclerostin measurements taken during this study were not related to bone mineral density. It has been shown that the concentration of the hormones tested, even within the reference range, may affect bone mineralization. We suggest observing the follow-up of the menstrual cycles, as well as analyzing the results of test patients in an annual examination system. However, each clinical case should be considered individually. The sclerostin test is currently not useful in the clinical evaluation of bone mineralization in young adult women.

Assessment of Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) Blood Concentration on the Risk of Endometrial Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are heavy metals with carcinogenic potential. Their increased concentration has been correlated with a risk of malignancies, including breast, lung, kidney, gastrointestinal, and gynecological cancers. Most of the studies have evaluated tissue heavy metal concentration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate blood Cd and lead levels in different uterine pathologies and the risk of endometrial cancer. METHODS: This study included 110 patients with a histopathological diagnosis of endometrial cancer, endometrial polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, uterine myoma, and normal endometrium. The patients included in the study were assessed in terms of their endometrial cancer risk factors and blood heavy metal levels. The analysis was conducted using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the Cd and Cd/Pb ratio among the different groups of patients (p = 0.002), with higher a median Cd concentration among the endometrial cancer patients. The differences in Pb concentration were not significant (p = 0.717). There were also no differences in the Cd and Pb concentrations based on the patients' menopausal status nor BMI index. The univariate logistic regression showed a blood cadmium concentration above the median to be associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer (OR = 5.25; 95% CI 1.56, 17.72). No significant associations were observed between the Pb concentration or Cd/Pb ratio and endometrial cancer risk. CONCLUSION: The concentration of Cd varies in patients diagnosed with different uterine pathologies. Increased blood cadmium concentration seems to be a risk factor for endometrial studies. Further research on greater populations, accounting for environmental and lifestyle heavy metal exposure, is required to validate our findings.

Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of the Gastrointestinal Tract versus Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of the Gynaecological Tract-Comparison of the Risk Factors and Non-Surgical Treatment Efficacy.

Neuroendocrine tumours of the gastrointestinal tract are rare. The incidence has increased in recent years due to improvements in diagnostic methods for detecting these lesions. These tumours have a poor prognosis, especially when detected at an advanced stage. The basis of the treatment is resection, and non-surgical treatments are also standard in the treatment process. The situation is similar in even rarer neuroendocrine tumours of the reproductive tract, which are associated with an equally poor prognosis. In this article, we focus on learning about the risk factors (including genetic mutations) that increase the risk of the disease and comparing the effectiveness of non-surgical treatments-chemotherapy, radiotherapy, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, somatostatin analogues, and immunotherapy. The efficacy of these treatments varies, and immunotherapy appears to be a promising form of treatment; however, this requires further research.

Metabolic and Dietary Factors in Acne Vulgaris and Evaluation of the Acne Vulgaris Treatment with Oral Contraceptive-Based Therapies in Young Adult Women.

The etiopathogenesis of acne is complex, as several endo- and exogenous factors that affect the sebaceous-hair unit are involved in the development of acne lesions. The main aim of the study was to evaluate selected metabolic parameters before treatment. Another goal of the study was to determine the correlation between selected metabolic and dietary parameters and the severity of acne before treatment. The third objective was to assess the severity of acne before and after treatment, considering the type of treatment used. The final objective was to assess the relationship between the difference in acne severity before and after treatment, considering the type of treatment used and factors of dairy or sweets intake. 168 women participated in the study. The patients belonged to two groups: the study group (99 patients with acne vulgaris) and the control group (69 patients without skin lesions). The study group was divided into subgroups according to the treatment used: contraceptive preparation, contraceptive preparation and cyproterone acetate, and contraceptive preparation and isotretinoin preparation. We found that LDL levels and consumption of sweets correlated with acne severity. The mainstay of acne treatment is contraceptive treatment (ethinylestradiol and drospirenone). The effectiveness of the three contraceptive-based treatments was confirmed by observing the severity of acne. There were no significant correlations between the difference in acne severity before and after treatment with the three treatments and factors of dairy or sweet consumption.

An Assessment of MT1A (rs11076161), MT2A (rs28366003) and MT1L (rs10636) Gene Polymorphisms and MT2 Concentration in Women with Endometrial Pathologies.

Several studies have indicated a relationship between metallothionein (MT) polymorphisms and the development of different pathologies, including neoplastic diseases. However, no studies thus far have been conducted on the influence of MT polymorphisms and the development of endometrial lesions, including endometrial cancer. This study included 140 patients with normal endometrial tissue, endometrial polyps, uterine myomas and endometrial cancer. The tissue MT2 concentration was determined using the ELISA method. MT1A, MT2A and MT1L polymorphisms were analyzed using TaqMan real-time PCR genotyping assays. We found no statistical difference between the tissue MT2 concentration in patients with EC vs. benign endometrium (p = 0.579). However, tissue MT2 concentration was significantly different between uterine fibromas and normal endometrial tissue samples (p = 0.019). Menopause status did not influence the tissue MT2 concentration (p = 0.282). There were no significant associations between the prevalence of MT1A, MT2A and MT1L polymorphisms and MT2 concentration. The age, menopausal status, and diabetes status of patients were identified as EC risk factors.

Could Vaspin Be a Potential Diagnostic Marker in Endometrial Cancer?

Obesity and being overweight are risk factors for many types of cancer, including endometrial cancer. Adipose tissue is thought to be an endocrine organ that produces various hormones, including one known as vaspin. Insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes are all associated with higher vaspin levels. A total of 127 patients divided into study (endometrial cancer) and control groups (non-cancerous) participated in this research. Serum vaspin levels were measured for all patients. The analysis was performed while taking into account grading and staging. In order to assess the usefulness of the tested protein as a new diagnostic marker, we used the plotting of a curve (ROC) and the calculation of the AUC curve to characterize the sensitivity and specificity of the parameters tested. We concluded that there were significantly lower vaspin levels in patients with endometrial cancer compared to patients with benign endometrial lesions. Vaspin may be a useful diagnostic marker in separating benign lesions from endometrial cancer.

Atypical Preeclampsia before 20 Weeks of Gestation-A Systematic Review.

This systematic review was conducted to gather evidence of preeclampsia occurring before the 20th week of gestation, additionally considering the role of PLGF and sFlt-1 in the development of the disease. In the three cases of preeclampsia before the 20th week of gestation presented in the authors' material, all pregnancies ended up with IUFD, and the SFlt-1/PLGF ratios were significantly elevated in all women. Eligible publications were identified with searches in the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. No date or language restrictions were made. All original peer-reviewed scientific reports were included. A total of 30 publications were included in the final report, including case reports and case series. No other publication types regarding this issue were identified. In the literature, 34 cases of preeclampsia with onset occurring before the 20th week of gestation were identified, for a final total of 37 cases. Live births were reported in 5 cases (10.52%), and there were 9 intrauterine fetal demises (24.32%), and 23 terminations of pregnancy (62.16%). Preeclampsia before the 20th week of gestation is rare but can occur. We collected all available evidence regarding this phenomenon, with 37 cases reported worldwide. We call for large-scale cohort or register-based studies to establish revised definitions or develop new ones regarding the currently unrecognized very early onset preeclampsia.

Analysis of the Occurrence of Predicative Factors of Chronic Fatigue in Female Patients with Cancer of the Reproductive Organs with Respect to Stage of Treatment.

The aim of this study was to search for mechanisms contributing to cancer-related fatigue in patients with gynecologic cancer. The study involved 51 women with advanced endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Data were gathered at four points in time. After giving consent, each of the women had their blood drawn several times (before surgery and the first, third, and sixth cycle of chemotherapy) to determine serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Empirical data were collected using the MFSI-SF and an original questionnaire. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) was present at every stage of treatment, but the highest mean scores were noted before cytoreductive surgery (8.745 ± 4.599), and before the sixth cycle of chemotherapy (9.667 ± 4.493). Statistically significant relationships were found between IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, Il-6, and IL-10 and fatigue at different stages of treatment. Older age and an above-normal BMI were the major prerequisite factors for the occurrence of fatigue in female oncological patients. The analysis of changes in cytokine levels and the severity of fatigue may be used to improve our understanding of cancer-related fatigue, and to take action to alleviate the obtrusive symptoms experienced by female patients with cancer of the reproductive organs.