D-chiro-inositol in clinical practice: A perspective from The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI).

BACKGROUND: D-chiro-inositol is a natural molecule that, in association with its well-studied isomer myo-inositol, may play a role in treating various metabolic and gynecological disorders. OBJECTIVES: This perspective seeks to explore the mechanisms and functions of D-chiro-inositol, laying the foundations to discuss its use in clinical practice, across dysmetabolism, obesity, and hormonal dysregulation. METHODS: A narrative review of all the relevant papers known to the authors was conducted. OUTCOME: D-chiro-inositol acts through a variety of mechanisms, acting as an insulin sensitizer, inhibiting the transcription of aromatase, in addition to modulating white adipose tissue/brown adipose tissue trans differentiation. These different modes of action have potential applications in a variety of therapeutic fields including: PCOS, dysmetabolism, obesity, hypoestrogenic/hyperandrogenic disorders, and bone health. CONCLUSIONS: D-chiro-inositol mode of action has been studied in detail in recent years, resulting in a clear differentiation between D-chiro-inositol and its isomer myo-inositol. The insulin sensitizing activities of D-chiro-inositol are well understood; however, its potential applications in other fields, in particular obesity and hyperestrogenic/hypoandrogenic disorders in men and women, represent promising avenues of research that require further clinical study.

Bebidas de soja y salud femenina. Revisión de la evidencia y opinión de expertos / Soy beverages and women’s health: evidence review and experts opinion

Las bebidas vegetales de soja constituyen una alternativa dentro de la dieta habitual. Sin embargo, existe la preocupación de potenciales efectosen la salud reproductiva de la mujer por mecanismos de disrupción endócrina.En esta revisión se evalúan documentos científicos en el área de la Ginecología y la Obstetricia bajo el tamiz de la medicina basada en la evidencia,respondiendo preguntas estructuradas. La metodología se apegó a las guías establecidas por la declaración PRISMA 2020.Los estudios evaluados descartan un riesgo incrementado de pubertad precoz o cáncer de mama; incluso se aprecia un efecto protector frentea dicha neoplasia. Se ha reportado el paso transplacentario de isoflavonas de soja y su presencia en la leche materna, sin que ello implique unarelación con complicaciones materno-fetales o malformaciones congénitas. La exposición a productos de soja no parece influir sobre el pesocorporal y la salud ósea de la mujer.Los estudios en adultos indican que la soja favorece un mínimo incremento de tirotropina (TSH) en personas con antecedente de hipotiroidismosubclínico.El impacto de los alimentos basados en soja sobre la microbiota intestinal parece ser favorable para su diversidad, particularmente al consumirproductos fermentados.Muchos de los estudios en humanos han sido realizados con suplementos de isoflavonas o con productos que contienen proteínas aisladas otexturizadas de soja. Por tanto, los resultados y las conclusiones deben interpretarse con cautela ya que no son totalmente extrapolables a lasbebidas comerciales de soja. (AU)

Soy drinks are an increasingly consumed option within the Western diet. However, there are concerns about potential endocrine disruptor effectsand possible impact on women’s reproductive health.This review evaluates scientific documents in gynecology and obstetrics under an evidence-based medicine approach. All methods adhered toPRISMA 2020 declaration guidelines.The evaluated studies do not support a positive association between soy intake and early puberty or breast cancer; instead, a protective effectagainst such neoplasm was observed. Transplacental passage of soy isoflavones and their presence in breast milk has been reported withoutany maternal-fetal complications nor congenital malformations.Exposure to soy-derived products appears to have a neutral effect on body weight and bone health. Studies performed in adults indicate that soymay promote a minimal increase in thyrotropin (TSH) in subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism. The impact of soy-based foods on gut microbiotaappears favorable, especially when consuming fermented products.Many of the human studies have been conducted with isoflavones supplements, isolated or textured soy proteins. Therefore, the results andconclusions should be interpreted cautiously, as these are not entirely applicable to commercial soy beverages. (AU)

[Soy beverages and women's health: evidence review and experts opinion]. / Bebidas de soja y salud femenina. Revisión de la evidencia y opinión de expertos.

Introduction: Soy drinks are an increasingly consumed option within the Western diet. However, there are concerns about potential endocrine disruptor effects and possible impact on women's reproductive health. This review evaluates scientific documents in gynecology and obstetrics under an evidence-based medicine approach. All methods adhered to PRISMA 2020 declaration guidelines. The evaluated studies do not support a positive association between soy intake and early puberty or breast cancer; instead, a protective effect against such neoplasm was observed. Transplacental passage of soy isoflavones and their presence in breast milk has been reported without any maternal-fetal complications nor congenital malformations. Exposure to soy-derived products appears to have a neutral effect on body weight and bone health. Studies performed in adults indicate that soy may promote a minimal increase in thyrotropin (TSH) in subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism. The impact of soy-based foods on gut microbiota appears favorable, especially when consuming fermented products. Many of the human studies have been conducted with isoflavones supplements, isolated or textured soy proteins. Therefore, the results and conclusions should be interpreted cautiously, as these are not entirely applicable to commercial soy beverages.

Introducción: Las bebidas vegetales de soja constituyen una alternativa dentro de la dieta habitual. Sin embargo, existe la preocupación de potenciales efectos en la salud reproductiva de la mujer por mecanismos de disrupción endócrina. En esta revisión se evalúan documentos científicos en el área de la Ginecología y la Obstetricia bajo el tamiz de la medicina basada en la evidencia, respondiendo preguntas estructuradas. La metodología se apegó a las guías establecidas por la declaración PRISMA 2020. Los estudios evaluados descartan un riesgo incrementado de pubertad precoz o cáncer de mama; incluso se aprecia un efecto protector frente a dicha neoplasia. Se ha reportado el paso transplacentario de isoflavonas de soja y su presencia en la leche materna, sin que ello implique una relación con complicaciones materno-fetales o malformaciones congénitas. La exposición a productos de soja no parece influir sobre el peso corporal y la salud ósea de la mujer. Los estudios en adultos indican que la soja favorece un mínimo incremento de tirotropina (TSH) en personas con antecedente de hipotiroidismo subclínico. El impacto de los alimentos basados en soja sobre la microbiota intestinal parece ser favorable para su diversidad, particularmente al consumir productos fermentados. Muchos de los estudios en humanos han sido realizados con suplementos de isoflavonas o con productos que contienen proteínas aisladas o texturizadas de soja. Por tanto, los resultados y las conclusiones deben interpretarse con cautela ya que no son totalmente extrapolables a las bebidas comerciales de soja.

Inositols: From Established Knowledge to Novel Approaches.

Myo-inositol (myo-Ins) and D-chiro-inositol (D-chiro-Ins) are natural compounds involved in many biological pathways. Since the discovery of their involvement in endocrine signal transduction, myo-Ins and D-chiro-Ins supplementation has contributed to clinical approaches in ameliorating many gynecological and endocrinological diseases. Currently both myo-Ins and D-chiro-Ins are well-tolerated, effective alternative candidates to the classical insulin sensitizers, and are useful treatments in preventing and treating metabolic and reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and male fertility disturbances, like sperm abnormalities. Moreover, besides metabolic activity, myo-Ins and D-chiro-Ins deeply influence steroidogenesis, regulating the pools of androgens and estrogens, likely in opposite ways. Given the complexity of inositol-related mechanisms of action, many of their beneficial effects are still under scrutiny. Therefore, continuing research aims to discover new emerging roles and mechanisms that can allow clinicians to tailor inositol therapy and to use it in other medical areas, hitherto unexplored. The present paper outlines the established evidence on inositols and updates on recent research, namely concerning D-chiro-Ins involvement into steroidogenesis. In particular, D-chiro-Ins mediates insulin-induced testosterone biosynthesis from ovarian thecal cells and directly affects synthesis of estrogens by modulating the expression of the aromatase enzyme. Ovaries, as well as other organs and tissues, are characterized by a specific ratio of myo-Ins to D-chiro-Ins, which ensures their healthy state and proper functionality. Altered inositol ratios may account for pathological conditions, causing an imbalance in sex hormones. Such situations usually occur in association with medical conditions, such as PCOS, or as a consequence of some pharmacological treatments. Based on the physiological role of inositols and the pathological implications of altered myo-Ins to D-chiro-Ins ratios, inositol therapy may be designed with two different aims: (1) restoring the inositol physiological ratio; (2) altering the ratio in a controlled way to achieve specific effects.

Experts' opinion on inositols in treating polycystic ovary syndrome and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus: a further help for human reproduction and beyond.

Introduction: This Experts' opinion provides an updated scientific support to gynecologists, obstetricians, endocrinologists, nutritionists, neurologists and general practitioners on the use of Inositols in the therapy of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).Areas covered: This paper summarizes the physiology of Myo-Inositol (MI) and D-Chiro-Inositol (DCI), two important molecules present in human organisms, and their therapeutic role, also for treating infertility. Some deep differences between the physiological functions of MI and DCI, as well as their safety and intestinal absorption are discussed. Updates include new evidence on the efficacy exerted in PCOS by the 40:1 MI/DCI ratio, and the innovative approach based on alpha-lactalbumin to overcome the decreased therapeutic efficacy of Inositols in some patients.Expert opinion: The evidence suggests that MI, alone or with DCI in the 40:1 ratio, offers a promising treatment for PCOS and NIDDM. However, additional studies need to evaluate some still unresolved issues, such as the best MI/DCI ratio for treating NIDDM, the potential cost-effectiveness of reduced gonadotropins administration in IVF due to MI treatment, or the benefit of MI supplementation in ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate in PCOS patients.

Evaluación del efecto de la prasterona en el tratamiento del deseo sexual hipoactivo en mujeres posmenopáusicas / Evaluation of the effect of the Prasterone in the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire in postmenopausal women

Resumen OBJETIVO: Determinar los efectos de la dosis oral diaria de 50 mg de dehidroepiandrosterona en la función sexual de pacientes posmenopáusicas. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio experimental, clínico, prospectivo y longitudinal efectuado en pacientes posmenopáusicas atendidas en el Hospital Juárez de México entre los meses de abril a julio de 2017. La muestra se seleccionó de pacientes posmenopáusicas atendidas por primera vez que cumplieran los criterios de inclusión. Administración de 50 mg de prasterona (Biolaif™) por vía oral cada 24 horas durante 12 meses a las pacientes con protocolo de estudio completo; consulta de seguimiento cada 3 meses. Estadística descriptiva y análisis bidimensional de Friedman. Los estudios estadísticos se realizaron con el programa SPSS versión 22. RESULTADOS: En 29 pacientes se evaluó el índice de función sexual que se incrementó, posterior al tratamiento oral con 50 mg diarios de prasterona, de una media de 10.8 a 28.1, y a 12 meses en 18 pacientes de una media de 10.6 a 29.1. CONCLUSIONES: La disfunción sexual es un problema de salud infradiagnosticado en pacientes posmenopáusicas. La administración oral de prasterona (dehidroepiandrosterona) a dosis de 50 mg al día mejoró todos los dominios del índice de función sexual femenina de todas las pacientes estudiadas con resultados estadísticamente significativos, sin efectos secundarios de hiperandrogenismo.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of the administration of 50 mg of DHEA orally daily on sexual function of menopausal patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an experimental, clinical, prospective and longitudinal study in menopausal patients. We selected the sample from april to july 2017 with menopausal patients who attended for the first time at the clinic who met the inclusion criteria, having a final sample of 29 patients. Patients with a complete study protocol who met the entry criteria were administered 50 mg of prasterone (Biolaif™) orally daily for 12 months, with a follow-up consultation every 3 months. Descriptive statistics were used for the statistical analysis. Also, Friedman's two-dimensional analysis was used. All statistical studies were conducted in the SPSS program, v.22. RESULTS: Sexual Function Index evaluated with 29 patients at 6 months increased from an average of 10.8 to 28.1. At 12 months with 18 patients, after the treatment with 50 mg prasterone orally daily, it increased from an average of 10.6 to 29.1. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction is an underdiagnosed health problem in patients over the postmenopausal stage. Administration of prasterone (DHEA) at a dose of 50 mg orally daily improved the domains of Female Sexual Function Index of all our patients with statistically significant results, without side effects of hyperandrogenism.

Relación entre síndrome vasomotor y obesidad en pacientes con posmenopausia espontánea temprana / Vasomotor syndrome and the relationship with obesity in patients with early spontaneous postmenopause

Resumen OBJETIVO: Evaluar la relación entre síntomas vasomotores y obesidad en pacientes con posmenopausia espontánea temprana de una clínica de climaterio. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal, prospectivo y observacional efectuado en pacientes posmenopáusicas atendidas en la Clínica de Climaterio del Hospital Juárez de México, entre junio y agosto de 2018. Se calculó una muestra de 140 pacientes, con base en la fórmula estadística para población infinita: n = Z2(PQ)/d2 con una precisión de 10% calculado y prevalencia de 33%. Criterios de inclusión: pacientes con posmenopausia espontánea temprana (etapa +1a, +1b y +1c del STRAW+10) que acudieron a consulta por síntomas vasomotores. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el programa SPSS versión 24. RESULTADOS: Se encontró relación estadísticamente significativa (p < 0.05) entre síntomas vasomotores y obesidad en pacientes con posmenopausia espontánea temprana. Del total de pacientes, 45.7% manifestó síntomas leves, 30% moderados y 24.3% severos. En el grupo de estudio, 16 de 70 reportaron síntomas leves, 30 de 70 moderados y 24 de 70 severos versus el grupo control con 48, 12 y 10 de 70 pacientes, respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: Las pacientes posmenopáusicas con IMC alto (obesidad) tienen mayor posibilidad de sufrir síntomas vasomotores moderados-severos. Puesto que la obesidad es un factor de riesgo relacionado con síntomas vasomotores, se sugiere el control adecuado o disminución del del peso.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the relationship between obesity and vasomotor symptoms in patients with spontaneous early postmenopause of a climacteric clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, prospective and observational study was carried out in postmenopausal patients treated at the Climacteric Clinic of Hospital Juárez de México, between June and August of 2018. We calculated a sample of 140 patients, based on the same infinite population: n = Z2 (PQ) / d2 with a precision of 10% and prevalence of 33%. Inclusion criteria: patients with early spontaneous postmenopause (stage + 1a, + 1b and + 1c of STRAW + 10) who attended a consultation due to vasomotor symptoms. The statistical analysis was carried out with the SPSS program, version 24. RESULTS: A statistically significant relationship (p <0.05) was found between vasomotor symptoms and obesity in patients with early spontaneous postmenopause. Of the total of patients, 45.7% presented symptoms, 30% moderate and 24.3% severe. In the study group, 16 of 70 reported symptoms, 30 of 70 moderate and 24 of 70 severe versus the control group with 48, 12 and 10 of 70 patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Postmenopausal patients with high BMI (obesity) are more likely to suffer moderate-severe vasomotor symptoms. It is a risk factor related to vasomotor symptoms.

[Consensus conference of the Mexican Association for the Study of Climateric on veralipride prescription for patients with vasomotor symptoms]. / Consenso de la Asociación Mexicana para el Estudio del Climaterio para la indicación de veraliprida a pacientes con síntomas vasomotores.

Vasomotor symptoms are one of the main reasons for climateric women to consult a physician. Hormone therapy is the first treatment choice, but it is not indicated to all patients. Veralipride is an option for those who cannot or will not try hormone treatment. The Mexican Association for the Study of Climateric (AMEC) assembled an interdisciplinary group of medical experts so that they revised the medical literature on the subject and reached a consensus on veralipride indication, doses, counterindications and safety. The recommendations of the consensus conference on veralipride are: (1) Physicians must be familiar with its indication, side effects, pharmacokinetics and dosage. (2) Patients must be informed on other therapeutical options. (3) Patients' mental and neurological state must be evaluated, in particular to identify movement disorders, extrapyramidal symptoms (tremor or dystonia), anxiety and depression that can be mistaken for climateric symptoms. (4) Any adverse effect associated with the drug must be reported. (5) A random multicenter trial must be carried out in order to identify the frequency and severity of side effects, and (6) Written information on possible health risks when using the drug must be provided.

[Antiphospholipid syndrome and human reproduction]. / Síndrome antifosfolipídico y reproducción humana.

Recurrent pregnancy loss is secondary to multiple illnesses. An important cause sometimes undiagnosed is the antiphospholipid syndrome, an autoimmune disease with various clinical alterations (miscarriage, hypertensive disorders, preterm delivery, vascular thrombosis, intrauterine retard growth, death intrauterine, abruption placentae). There are major and minor clinical criteria and precise indications that guide the physician to its recognition. Antibodies related with the syndrome are anticardiolipin and lupic anticoagulant, but other phospholipids seems to be implicated on this pathology and its participation on trombotic events is even unknown. Opportune diagnosis is of vital importance for fetomaternal morbidity and mortality. The repercussions are important during gestational stage, but effects c an persist o r even appear during the puerperium, predisposing t o trombotic events. The antiphospholipid s yndrome th at accompanies gestation, requires of efficient valuation and a special treatment, with a narrow prenatal surveillance. The best therapy for reproductive future which has less undesirable effects, is with heparin and acetylsalicylic acid administration; prednisone (steroids) is used in cases of active illness. The current knowledge about this disease makes possible that a pregnancy at term can be achieved with the least as possible number of complications.

[Mechanism of action of insulin sensitizer agents in the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome]. / Mecanismos de acción de los agentes sensibilizantes de insulina en el tratamiento del sindrome de ovario poliquístico.

Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) is the most important endocrine abnormality that affects women in reproductive age. It is characterized by chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenemia probably secondary to insulin resistance. Hence insulin sensitizers agents had been used in PCOD. Metformin is a biguanide used in the treatment of PCOD via decrease of hepatic gluconeogenesis and insulinemia; improvement peripheral glucose utilization, oxidative glucose metabolism, nonoxidative glucose metabolism and intracellular glucose transport. Such effects, when this drug is administered alone during 3 to 6 months, increase sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), reduce free androgens index and hirsutism, decrease insulin resistance, and regulate menses in 60 to 70% of cases. Thiazolidinodiones are drugs that decrease insulin resistance in the liver with hepatic glucose production. Their mechanism of action is through the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors gamma (PPAR-gamma), that help to decrease plasmatic concentrations of free fatty acids, pre and postprandial glucose, insulin, triglycerides, increased HDL cholesterol and decreased LDL, menses return to normality, with improvement of ovulation and decreased hirsutism. It seems that by modulation and attenuation of insulin resistance, hypoglucemic agents such as metfomin and thiazolidinodiones can be used effectively to treat anovulation, infertility and hyperandrogenemia.

[Hypogonadism caused by Gorlin-Goltz syndrome]. / Hipogonadismo causado por el síndrome de Gorlin-Goltz.

The Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is a dominant autosomic disorder characterized by cancerigenic predisposition and multiple development defects, apparently without reproductive compromise. The complex is characterized by four primary symptoms, which include nevoid basal cell epitheliomas malignantly prone, keratocystic jaw, skeletal abnormalities and intracranial calcifications. Apparently, reproductive problems reported had been rarely associated with this syndrome. We present the case of a patient with clinic stigmatae of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, who had a characteristic progress as seen in the literature; he was the fifth product of a 43 year-old female (father was 48 years old); who at birth disclosed right eye microftalmy, bilateral cryptorchidism surgically treated at age of six. At puberty, an odontogenic cyst of the jaw was noted and enucleated. He also showed facial nevi in neck, thorax and abdomen. When he was admitted being 14 years old in our clinic, he had recurrent bilateral cryptorchidism, sexual immatturity and infertility. It is important to take into consideration Gorlin-Goltz stigmatae in cases of hypogonadism in order to recognize a further genetic influence.

[Present usefulness of diagnostic tests in hyperandrogenism]. / Utilidad actual de las pruebas diagnósticas de hiperandrogenismo.

There are diagnostic tests that allow to differentiate feminine hyperandrogenism of tumorous, non-tumorous, ovarian, adrenal and peripheral origin. We made a review of the current available tests accordingly to a case of amenorrhea and hyperandrogenism. By means of the low-dose dexamethasone suppression and human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) stimulation test we confirmed a suprarenal participation. There was spontaneous menses when treated with dexamethasone.

[Early menarche as a risk factor of breast cancer]. / Menarquia temprana como factor de riesgo de cáncer de mama.

BACKGROUND: Most of the information in medical literature report diverse factors of breast cancer, which are related to the reproductive life of the woman. It is mentioned that menarche before the 12 years elevates the relative risk of this disease, in comparison with its appearance after the 13 years. OBJECTIVE: To determine if early menarche is a risk factor associated to breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective, observational and descriptive study included 162 women with breast cancer from a 3 years period (2002-2004), in the Juarez Hospital of Mexico. In addition other well known risk factors for breast cancer were evaluated. The statistical analysis was made with the software program SPSS; the descriptive analysis was made by means of summary of statistics, histograms, box and bar charts. RESULTS: Early menarche doesn't have correlation with breast cancer nor with the appearance of the disease in early ages; it was present in the 12.3% (n = 20) of the patients; the menarche initiated between 12 and 13 years in 64.4% (n = 104.3) of the cases. The average age at the time of the diagnosis of breast cancer in the early menarche group was of 55 years and for the group in general of 47.6 years. The factor that seems to be related to breast cancer is overweight and obesity with 54.26 and 17.11% respectively, with an average body mass index of 27.7 kg/m2. CONCLUSIONS: There was not a correlation between early menarche as risk factor for breast cancer neither between the reproductive risk factors considered habitual and increased risk of breast cancer. Overweight and obesity seem to be related to the appearance of the disease, reason why it is required to investigate this with different random control groups in the country. We propose to study other factors that may be implicated in the genesis of breast cancer such as inflammatory factors, similar insulin growth factors and hyperinsulinism.

[Prevalence of postmenopausal simple ovarian cyst diagnosed by ultrasound]. / Prevalencia de quistes simples de ovario diagnosticados por ultrasonido en mujeres posmenopáusicas.

INTRODUCTION: The high-resolution ultrasound has taken to discover small ovary cysts in postmenopausal asymptomatic women who in another situation would not been detected; these cysts frequently disappear spontaneously and rarely develop cancer; however, they are treated aggressively. OBJECTIVE: To know the prevalence, evolution and treatment of ovary simple cysts in the postmenopausal women in our department, since in our country there are not studies that had analyzed these data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We made a retrospective and descriptive study in the Service of Biology of the Human Reproduction of the Hospital Juarez de Mexico, in a four-year period (2000-2003) that included 1,010 postmenopausal women. The statistical analysis was made using the SPSS software program with which we obtained descriptive measurements in localization, dispersion and by a graphic analysis. RESULTS: We found a simple cysts prevalence of 8.2% (n = 83); the average of age at the diagnosis time was 50.76 years with a standard deviation of 5.55; the cysts diameter was between 0.614 to 12,883 cm with a mean and standard deviation of 2.542 and 1.91 cm respectively; in 27.71% of the cases (n = 23), the cysts disappear spontaneously in the follow up of 3 to 36 month (mean of 14.1). Surgery was indicated in 16.46% (n = 13), by increase in the size of the cyst in 9 patients (11.64%) and by changes in morphology from simple to complex in 4 (4.82%). Tumor like markers were made only to 37 patients (44.57%), which were in normal ranks; no carcinoma was found in this group. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ovary simple cysts was similar to the reported in literature. Risk of cancer of these cysts is extremely low when a suitable evaluation is made, a reason why the conservative treatment is suggested when these are simple cysts lesser than 5cm with Ca-125 levels within normal ranks. We recommend a follow up every 3-6 months by Doppler color ultrasound and tumor like markers for five years.

[Epidemiological analysis of infertility in a Mexican population]. / Análisis epidemiológico de la infertilidad en una población mexicana.

BACKGROUND: Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after a year of sexual life without a method of birth control. Most studies indicate that 15% of all couples will experience primary or secondary infertility in some moment of their reproductive life. OBJECTIVE: To gain knowledge of general characteristics from patients with infertility in our environment (social, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic) that attended the Reproductive Biology Department of Hospital Juárez de Mexico. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive, observational, situational, and retrospective indagatory study was performed on 116 infertile patients, seen in the outpatient clinic, from January through December 1999. All had entered our protocol of infertility and selected treatment. RESULTS: The altered ovarian endocrine factor was the most frequent (82.7%), followed by cervical factor (80%), masculine factor (38%) and tuboperitoneal factor (29%). In most cases the cause was multifactorial. The percentage of successful pregnancies (31.88%) was similar to that reported in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: The most common factors that influence infertility resembled those exhibited by specialized clinics of affluent countries with similar pregnancy rates.

[Spermatogenesis arrest]. / Detención de la espermatogénesis.

Spermatogenesis arrest is a complex process of interruption in the differentiation of germinal cells of specific cellular type, which elicits an altered spermatozoa formation. In contrast, hypospermatogenesis is defined as a decrease in number of germ cells and its proportion. Factors identified intervening upon spermatogenesis arrest are: genetic, hormonal, growth factors, interaction between Sertoli and germ cells and ectoplasmic specialization integrity of spermatozoa. In addition, environmental toxic effects have shown to exert subletal and letal cellular damage with gene disruption. Hence in this work we review sperm physiology along with etiologic elements associated to spermatogenesis arrest delineating the most appropriate conduct for diagnosis and treatment.

[Insulin sensitizers in the treatment of polycystic ovary]. / Sensibilizantes de la insulina en el tratamiento del ovario poliquístico.

Polycystic ovary is characterized by anovulation, hyperandrogenemia and insulin resistance. Hyperinsulinemia is known to be associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk and the development of diabetes mellitus. The finding that insulin resistance has important implications in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian disease has elicit the concept of a therapeutic approach of insulin-sensitizing drugs. Last decade multiple clinical trials about these drugs and upon genesis of polycystic ovary were designed; hence there is now sufficient evidence in the literature to support its clinical use. The management of polycystic ovary includes short-term objectives, such as treatment of infertility and control of androgen excess, as well as long-term considerations, such as prevention of endometrial cancer and management of dysmetabolic syndrome with its associated risk for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The present review justifies the rationale use of insulin-sensitizing drugs in order to treat both short-term and long-term issues regarding polycystic ovarian disease.

[Heterosexual precocious puberty due to arrhenoblastoma. Postsurgical spontaneous pregnancy]. / Pubertad precoz heterosexual por arrenoblastoma: embarazo espontáneo postescisión.

It is presented the case of a female with heterosexual precocious puberty associated to hyperandrogenism and virilization due to arrhenoblastoma, who became pregnant after surgery. Clinical study: a 14-year-old female initiated at age 6 years with premature pubarche and telarche. By age 11, the patient only had one menstrual period along with virilization. Physical exam disclosed: facial acne, cricoid enlargement, breast Tanner II, pubic hair Tanner III, clitoromegaly of 4.5 cm and hypotrophy of labia majora. Ferriman and Gallwey: 12. Basal quantitation of circulating testosterone: 1.25 ng/mL (normal: 0.2 to 0.8 ng/mL), androstenedione 13.9 ng/mL (normal: 0.5 to 2.4 ng/mL). A pelvic ultrasonographic study showed: uterus of 66 x 25 x 30 mm, right ovary of 50 x 50 mm, hyperechoic with echolucid and nodular areas (vol. 65.3 cc). Left ovary was of 30 x 30 mm with echolucid areas of 2.0 mm (vol. 5.1 cc). Cariotype: 46XX. Surgical right oophorectomy was performed containing an ovoid tumor of 4 x 3 x 3 cm. Histologic analysis revealed a Sertoli Leydig (Type II, Mayoer) cell tumor. The patient resumed menses and became pregnant at age 20 (22 week obitus). In the last assessment, performed 6 years after surgery, the patient resumed normal menses, Ferriman and Gallwey 5, Tanner V and regression of clitoromegaly to 3.0 cm. In this case, surgery provided remission of hyperandrogenism, normal menstrual cycles and fertility restoration.

[Craniopharyngioma and its impact upon human reproduction: analysis of 15 cases at the Hospital Juarez de Mexico]. / Craneofaringioma y sus repercusiones en la reproducción humana: análisis de 15 casos en el Hospital Juárez de México.

BACKGROUND: Craniopharyngiomas are intracranial tumors of non-glial origin derived from cellular remnants of the Rathke's pouch. Their frequency is 1-3% of intracranial tumors and 13% of suprasellar neoplasms. Histologically, it is a benign lesion, albeit clinically severe with a high index of relapse and sequelae upon the reproductive function. OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinical characteristics of patients with craniopharyngiomas before and after treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed our experience of 15 cases with craniopharyngioma seen at the Hospital Juarez de Mexico from 1995 throughout 2002. RESULTS: Prevalence was higher in males (ratio 2:1) with ages between 6-45 years old (X 17.9 +/- 6.45 years). The most common symptoms were cephalalgia (100%) and visual disorders (93%); the average levels of hormonal determination were in females: FSH 1.0 mIU/mL, LH 0.5 mIU/mL, estradiol 11.0 pg/mL, PRL 80 mg/mL. In males: FSH 1.7 mIU/mL, LH 2.6 mIU/mL, testosterone 0.6 mg/dL and PRL 29 mg/mL. All patients had hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Tumoral relapse was mostly seen in patients who underwent only surgery (n = 7, 46.6%). The ones with surgery and radiotherapy (n = 8, 53.3%) did not disclose symptoms that required another surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The main repercussion of craniopharyngioma, due to its proximity to hypothalamus and hypophysis, is on the endocrine and reproductive areas of human being.

[Absence of antiosteopenic effect of hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women]. / Ausencia de efecto antiosteopénico de la terapia de reemplazo hormonal en mujeres posmenopáusicas.

BACKGROUND: Several studies suggest that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) stops bone loss in postmenopausal women while increasing their bone mineral density up to 20%; however, there are studies where hormone replacement therapy does not increase bone density, only prevents it. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of hormone replacement therapy upon bone mineral density of hip and lumbar spine in postmenopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical files of several patients with sudden menopause diagnosis seen at the Hospital Juarez of Mexico were reviewed in the year 2000. They received hormone replacement therapy of conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate, with annual controls of estradiol in blood, equal or higher than 50 pg/mL and bone mineral density measurement (BMD) with DEXA (dual energy X-ray absortiometry) central (hip and lumbar spine), and at least one control within a period of four years. 89 patients were included and four groups were determined: all of them had basal densitometry in one (group 1), two (group 2), three (group 3), and four years (group 4) of monitoring. The percentage of bone mineral density was calculated in both anatomic areas and per group. In each study group the number or patients that showed gain, loss or whose mineral bone density stayed the same was assessed. The statistical analysis was made using the Student t test. RESULTS: The 89 patients mean age was of 50.5 (SD +/- 6.42) years. All of them showed spontaneous menopause. The average time of menopause evolution was of 6.9 (SD +/- 4.7) years. The body mass index (BMI) average was of 27.5 (SD +/- 3.97) kg/m2. After admittance, all patients received hormone replacement therapy with conjugated equine estrogens (0.625 mg and medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg/day). A gain of bone mineral density in the second and third year of treatment in the left hip and in the lumbar spine was observed; however, there were no important differences in any study group when results were treated statistically. CONCLUSION: Hormone replacement therapy was not effective to prevent bone loss, neither to increase bone density. Only one treatment was tested, and might be necessary to investigate the effect of other routes of administration or formulations.