Two-year efficacy and safety of relugolix combination therapy in women with endometriosis-associated pain: SPIRIT open-label extension study.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the efficacy and safety of long-term treatment (up to 2 years) with relugolix combination therapy (CT) in women with moderate to severe endometriosis-associated pain? SUMMARY ANSWER: For up to 2 years, treatment with relugolix CT improved menstrual and non-menstrual pain, dyspareunia, and function in women with endometriosis; after an initial decline of <1%, the mean bone mineral density (BMD) remained stable with continued treatment. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterized by symptoms of dysmenorrhea, non-menstrual pelvic pain (NMPP), and dyspareunia, which have a substantial impact on the lives of affected women, their partners, and families. SPIRIT 1 and 2 were phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of once-daily relugolix CT (relugolix 40 mg, oestradiol 1 mg, norethisterone acetate 0.5 mg) in premenopausal women (age 18-50 years) with endometriosis and moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhea and NMPP. These trials demonstrated a significant improvement of dysmenorrhea, NMPP, and dyspareunia in women treated with relugolix CT, with minimal decline (<1%) in BMD versus placebo at 24 weeks. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Patients participating in this open-label, single-arm, long-term extension (LTE) study of the 24-week SPIRIT pivotal studies (SPIRIT 1 and 2) received up to an additional 80 weeks of once-daily oral relugolix CT treatment between May 2018 and January 2023. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Premenopausal women with confirmed endometriosis and moderate to severe dysmenorrhea and NMPP who completed the 24-week pivotal studies (SPIRIT 1 and 2 trials; Giudice et al., 2022) and who met all entry criteria were eligible to enrol. Two-year results were analysed by treatment group based on original randomization in pivotal studies: relugolix CT, delayed relugolix CT (relugolix 40 mg monotherapy for 12 weeks, followed by relugolix CT), or placebo→relugolix CT (placebo for 24 weeks followed by relugolix CT). The primary endpoints of the LTE study were the proportion of dysmenorrhea and NMPP responders at Week 52 and Week 104/end-of-treatment (EOT). A responder was a participant who achieved a predefined, clinically meaningful reduction from baseline in Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain imaginable) for the specific pain type with no increase in analgesic use. The predefined clinically meaningful threshold for dysmenorrhea was 2.8 points and for NMPP was 2.1 points. Secondary efficacy endpoints included change from baseline in Endometriosis Health Profile-30 (EHP-30) pain domain scores, a measure of the effects of endometriosis-associated pain on daily activities (function), NRS scores for dysmenorrhea, NMPP, dyspareunia, and overall pelvic pain, and analgesic/opioid use. Safety endpoints included adverse events and changes in BMD. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Of 1261 randomized patients, 1044 completed the pivotal studies, 802 enrolled in the LTE, 681 completed 52 weeks of treatment, and 501 completed 104 weeks of treatment. Demographics and baseline characteristics of the extension population were consistent with those of the original randomized population. Among patients randomized to relugolix CT at pivotal study baseline who continued in the LTE (N = 277), sustained improvements in endometriosis-associated pain were demonstrated through 104 weeks. The proportion of responders at Week 104/EOT for dysmenorrhea and NMPP was 84.8% and 75.8%, respectively. Decreases in dyspareunia and improvement in function assessed by EHP-30 pain domain were also sustained over 2 years. At Week 104/EOT, 91% of patients were opioid-free and 75% of patients were analgesic-free. Relugolix CT over 104 weeks was well tolerated with a safety profile consistent with that observed over the first 24 weeks. After initial least squares mean BMD loss <1% at Week 24, BMD plateaued at Week 36 and was sustained for the duration of 104 weeks of treatment. Efficacy and safety results were generally consistent in women in the placebo→relugolix CT and delayed relugolix CT groups. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The study was conducted as an open-label study without a control group over the 80 weeks of the extension period. Of the 802 patients who were enrolled in this LTE study, 681 patients (84.9%) and 501 patients (62.5%) of patients completed 52 and 104 weeks of treatment, respectively. In addition, there currently are no comparative data to other hormonal medications. Finally, a third (37.4%) of the study population terminated participation early. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: In conclusion, relugolix CT offers an additional option to help address an important unmet clinical need for effective, safe, and well-tolerated medical treatments for endometriosis that can be used longer-term, reducing the need for opioids and improving quality of life. The findings from this study may help support the care of women with endometriosis seeking longer-term effective medical management of their symptoms. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was funded by Myovant Sciences GmbH (now Sumitomo Pharma Switzerland GmbH). C.M.B. reports fees from Myovant, grants from Bayer Healthcare, fees from ObsEva, and Chair of ESHRE Endometriosis Guideline Group (all funds went to the University of Oxford); N.P.J. reports personal fees from Myovant Sciences, during the conduct of the study, personal fees from Guerbet, personal fees from Organon, personal fees from Roche Diagnostics; S.A.-S. reports personal fees from Myovant Sciences, personal fees from Bayer, personal fees from Abbvie, personal fees from UpToDate; J.S.P., and R.B.W. are employees and shareholders of Myovant Sciences; J.C.A.F. and S.J.I. are shareholders of Myovant Sciences (but at time of publicaion are no longer employess of Myovant Sciences); M.S.A. and K.W. have no conflicts to declare; V.M. is a consultant to Myovant; L.C.G. reports personal fees from Myovant Sciences, Inc and Bayer. The authors did not receive compensation for manuscript writing, review, and revision. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03654274.

A Plain Language Summary to learn about relugolix combination therapy for the treatment of pain associated with endometriosis.

WHAT IS THIS SUMMARY ABOUT?: This is a summary of research studies (known as clinical trials) called SPIRIT 1 and SPIRIT 2. The SPIRIT 1 and SPIRIT 2 studies compared how well a medicine called relugolix combination therapy worked in relieving pain in women with moderate to severe endometriosis compared to a placebo, a pill with no active medication. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to what normally lines the uterus grows in other places, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bowels. WHAT WERE THE RESULTS?: Researchers looked at 1261 adult women with moderate to severe endometriosis. Randomly, 420 (33%) of these women were assigned to relugolix combination therapy, 420 (33%) were assigned to delayed relugolix combination therapy (relugolix alone first and then relugolix combination therapy for the remainder of the study), and 421 (33%) were assigned to placebo. The SPIRIT 1 and SPIRIT 2 studies showed that more women taking relugolix combination therapy (75% from SPIRIT 1 and 75% from SPIRIT 2) for 24 weeks had both less pelvic or groin pain during menstrual periods from endometriosis and no need for more pain medicines than women who took placebo (27% from SPIRIT 1 and 30% from SPIRIT 2). The SPIRIT 1 and SPIRIT 2 studies also showed that more women taking relugolix combination therapy (59% from SPIRIT 1 and 66% from SPIRIT 2) for 24 weeks had both less pelvic or groin pain between menstrual periods from endometriosis and no need for more pain medicines than women who took placebo (40% from SPIRIT 1 and 43% from SPIRIT 2). Women taking relugolix combination therapy had less pelvic or groin pain during and between menstrual periods within 4 weeks of starting the medicine. The most common side effects were headaches, the common cold, and hot flushes or feeling hot among women taking relugolix combination therapy, delayed relugolix combination therapy, and placebo. Relugolix combination therapy was considered safe for those with no major medical problems. Women taking relugolix combination therapy had little to no loss of bone mineral density (a way of knowing how strong bones are) after 24 weeks of treatment. WHAT DO THE RESULTS OF THESE STUDIES TELL US?: Women with moderate to severe endometriosis taking relugolix combination therapy had much less pain from endometriosis than women taking placebo. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03204318 (SPIRIT-1); NCT03204331 (SPIRIT-2) (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Once daily oral relugolix combination therapy versus placebo in patients with endometriosis-associated pain: two replicate phase 3, randomised, double-blind, studies (SPIRIT 1 and 2).

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a common cause of pelvic pain in women, for which current treatment options are suboptimal. Relugolix, an oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist, combined with estradiol and a progestin, was evaluated for treatment of endometriosis-associated pain. METHODS: In these two replicate, phase 3, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials at 219 community and hospital research centres in Africa, Australasia, Europe, North America, and South America, we randomly assigned women aged 18-50 years with surgically or directly visualised endometriosis with or without histological confirmation, or with histological diagnosis alone. Participants were eligible if they had moderate to severe endometriosis-associated pain and, during the 35-day run-in period, a dysmenorrhoea Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score of 4·0 or higher on two or more days and a mean non-menstrual pelvic pain NRS score of 2·5 or higher, or a mean score of 1·25 or higher that included a score of 5 or more on 4 or more days. Women received (1:1:1) once-daily oral placebo, relugolix combination therapy (relugolix 40 mg, estradiol 1 mg, norethisterone acetate 0·5 mg), or delayed relugolix combination therapy (relugolix 40 mg monotherapy followed by relugolix combination therapy, each for 12 weeks) for 24 weeks. During the double-blind randomised treatment and follow-up period, all patients, investigators, and sponsor staff or representatives involved in the conduct of the study were masked to treatment assignment. The co-primary endpoints were responder rates at week 24 for dysmenorrhoea and non-menstrual pelvic pain, both based on NRS scores and analgesic use. Efficacy and safety were analysed in the modified intent-to-treat population (randomised patients who received ≥1 study drug dose). The studies are registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (SPIRIT 1 [NCT03204318] and SPIRIT 2 [NCT03204331]) and EudraCT (SPIRIT 1 [2017-001588-19] and SPIRIT 2 [2017-001632-19]). Eligible patients who completed the SPIRIT studies could enrol in a currently ongoing 80-week open-label extension study (SPIRIT EXTENSION [NCT03654274, EudraCT 2017-004066-10]). Database lock for the on-treatment duration has occurred, and post-treatment follow-up for safety, specificially for bone mineral density and menses recovery, is ongoing at the time of publication. FINDINGS: 638 patients were enrolled into SPIRIT 1 and randomly assigned between Dec 7, 2017, and Dec 4, 2019, to receive relugolix combination therapy (212 [33%]), placebo (213 [33%]), or relugolix delayed combination therapy (213 [33%]). 623 patients were enrolled into SPIRIT 2 and were randomly assigned between Nov 1, 2017 and Oct 4, 2019, to receive relugolix combination therapy (208 [33%]), placebo (208 [33%]), or relugolix delayed combination therapy (207 [33%]). 98 (15%) patients terminated study participation early in SPIRIT 1 and 115 (18%) in SPIRIT 2. In SPIRIT 1, 158 (75%) of 212 patients in the relugolix combination therapy group met the dysmenorrhoea responder criteria compared with 57 (27%) of 212 patients in the placebo group (treatment difference 47·6% [95% CI 39·3-56·0]; p<0·0001). In SPIRIT 2, 155 (75%) of 206 patients in the relugolix combination therapy group were dysmenorrhoea responders compared with 62 (30%) of 204 patients in the placebo group (treatment difference 44·9% [95% CI 36·2-53·5]; p<0·0001). In SPIRIT 1, 124 (58%) of 212 patients in the relugolix combination therapy group met the non-menstrual pelvic pain responder criteria versus 84 (40%) patients in the placebo group (treatment difference 18·9% [9·5-28·2]; p<0·0001). In SPIRIT 2, 136 (66%) of 206 patients were non-menstrual pelvic pain responders in the relugolix combination therapy group compared with 87 (43%) of 204 patients in the placebo group (treatment difference 23·4% [95% CI 13·9-32·8]; p<0·0001). The most common adverse events were headache, nasopharyngitis, and hot flushes. There were nine reports of suicidal ideation across both studies (two in the placebo run-in, two in the placebo group, two in the relugolix combination therapy group, and three in the delayed relugolix combination therapy group). No deaths were reported. Least squares mean percentage change in lumbar spine bone mineral density in the relugolix combination therapy versus placebo groups was -0·70% versus 0·21% in SPIRIT 1 and -0·78% versus 0·02% in SPIRIT 2, and in the delayed relugolix combination group was -2·0% in SPIRIT 1 and -1·9% in SPIRIT 2. Decreases in opioid use were seen in treated patients as compared with placebo. INTERPRETATION: Once-daily relugolix combination therapy significantly improved endometriosis-associated pain and was well tolerated. This oral therapy has the potential to address the unmet clinical need for long-term medical treatment for endometriosis, reducing the need for opioid use or repeated surgical treatment. FUNDING: Myovant Sciences.

Uterine corpus rhabdomyosarcoma in 13-year-old girl.

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common malignant tumor of the genitourinary system in children. The most common symptoms in girls include vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, urinary and/or stool incontinence and hematuria. Treatment includes primary resection of the tumor and adjuvant therapy or neoadjuvant chemotherapy, resection of the tumor and adjuvant therapy.

Ovarian adenocarcinoma in 14-year-old girl.

Ovarian tumors have an uncommon occurrence in children and adolescent girls compared with adult women. The peak incidence of ovarian tumors is between 15-19 years of age. Malignant ovarian tumors in children and adolescent girls are extremely rare. A case of a 14-year-old girl with ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma that has probably not been described before in the literature is presented below.

Mechanical, Chemical, and Processing Properties of Specimens Manufactured from Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone (PEEK) Using 3D Printing.

As part of the experiments herein, the mechanical properties of specimens made of poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) material using 3D printing technology were determined. Two populations of specimens were investigated, the first of which contained an amorphous structure, while the other held a crystal structure. The studies also investigated the influence of the print directionality on the mechanical properties obtained. Static tensile, three-point bending, and impact tests were carried out. The results for the effect of the structure type on the tensile properties showed that the modulus of elasticity was approximately 20% higher for the crystal than for the amorphous PEEK form. The Poisson's ratios were similar, but the ratio was slightly higher for the amorphous samples than the crystalline ones. Furthermore, the studies included a chemical PEEK modification to increase the hydrophilicity. For this purpose, nitrite and hydroxyl groups were introduced into the chain by chemical reactions. The results demonstrate that the modified PEEK specimens had worse thermoplastic properties than the unmodified specimens.

Treatment of endometriosis-associated pain with linzagolix, an oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone-antagonist: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of a new investigational oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist, linzagolix, on endometriosis-associated pain (EAP). DESIGN: A multinational, parallel group, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, dose-ranging trial. SETTING: Clinical centers. PATIENT(S): Women aged 18-45 years with surgically confirmed endometriosis and moderate-to-severe EAP. INTERVENTION(S): The interventions were 50, 75, 100, or 200 mg linzagolix (or matching placebo) administered once daily for 24 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The primary endpoint was the number of responders (≥30% reduction in overall pelvic pain) after 12 weeks. Other endpoints included dysmenorrhea, non-menstrual pelvic pain, serum estradiol, amenorrhea, quality of life (QoL) measures, and bone mineral density (BMD). RESULT(S): Compared with placebo, doses ≥ 75 mg resulted in a significantly greater proportion of responders for overall pelvic pain at 12 weeks (34.5%, 61.5%, 56.4%, and 56.3% for placebo, 75, 100, and 200 mg, respectively). A similar pattern was seen for dysmenorrhea and non-menstrual pelvic pain. The effects were maintained or increased at 24 weeks. Serum estradiol was suppressed, QoL improved, and the rate of amenorrhea increased in a dose-dependent fashion. Mean BMD loss (spine) at 24 weeks was <1% at doses of 50 and 75 mg and increased in a dose-dependent fashion up to 2.6% for 200 mg. BMD of femoral neck and total hip showed a similar pattern. CONCLUSION(S): Linzagolix significantly reduced EAP and improved QoL at doses of 75-200 mg and decreased BMD dose-dependently. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02778399.

Body mass composition and dietary habits in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to assess differences in body composition between female participants in the study group who suffer from PCOS versus a healthy control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 85, 14-22-year-old, female participants. Participants belonged to one of two groups. Thirty seven participants with a diagnosis of PCOS were in the clinical group, and 48 participants were in the healthy control group with no prior diagnosis of PCOS. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference between groups was found in their answer regarding diet. A correlation was found between the body fat index and the use of dieting among participants; participants with a lower body fat index (in kilograms) were less likely to be on a diet. CONCLUSIONS: The young female participants with PCOS were shown to have similar body composition to age-matched healthy controls. However, the clinical group with PCOS reported more frequent use of dieting, with less use of exercise.

Late-Onset Puberty Induction by Transdermal Estrogen in Turner Syndrome Girls-A Longitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVE: Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) for Turner syndrome (TS) is a widely discussed topic; however, the optimal model of ERT for patients with delayed diagnosis and/or initiation of therapy is still unclear, mainly due to insufficient data. We present the results of a prospective observational single-center study in which the efficacy of late-onset puberty induction by one-regimen transdermal ERT in TS girls was evaluated. METHODS: The analysis encompassed 49 TS girls (63.3% with 45,X) with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism in whom unified transdermal ERT protocol was used for puberty induction (first two months 12.5 µg/24 h, thereafter 25.0 µg/24 h until breakthrough bleeding). Clinical visits for examination and therapy modification took place every 3-6 months. Transabdominal pelvic ultrasound examinations were performed at least twice: at the beginning and at the end of follow-up. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age at ERT induction was 15.1 (1.3) years. The duration of follow-up was 2.4 (1.1) years. Half of all the patients had at least B2 after 0.57 years, B3 after 1.1 years, B4 after 1.97 years, and menarche after 1.82 years from ERT initiation. With earlier initiation of ERT (≤14 years), B2 (p = 0.059) was achieved faster and B4 (p = 0.018) significantly slower than with the later start of ERT. Thirty-four (94.4%) patients had at least stage B3 at menarche. The karyotype, initial weight, and body mass index had no impact on puberty tempo during ERT. The uterine volume increased significantly during ERT in all the study group (p < 0.0001), and in half of the patients, the increase was at least 12.4-fold. It did not correlate with the duration of treatment (p = 0.84) or the dose of estradiol per kilogram (p = 0.78), nor did it depend on karyotype (p = 0.71) or age at ERT initiation (p = 0.28). There were no differences in ΔhSDS during ERT (p = 0.63) between the two age groups (ERT ≤14 and >14 years). CONCLUSION: The presented easy-to-use fixed-dose regimen for late-onset puberty induction allowed for a satisfactory rate of achieving subsequent puberty stages and did not influence the growth potential.

Prediction of Spontaneous Puberty in Turner Syndrome Based on Mid-Childhood Gonadotropin Concentrations, Karyotype, and Ovary Visualization: A Longitudinal Study.

AIMS: To investigate whether karyotype, mid-childhood (6-10 years) follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, and ultrasound ovary visualization results can be used as indicators of spontaneous puberty in Turner syndrome (TS). METHODS: The analysis was based on clinical and biochemical data from 110 TS girls aged >13 years at the end of the study (1,140 visits between 1996 and 2015). The study population was divided according to karyotype: 45,X and non-45,X. RESULTS: The mean age ± standard deviation at diagnosis was 10.7 ± 4.0 years, and the follow-up duration was 5.9 ± 3.3 years. Spontaneous puberty was confirmed in 48% and menarche in 20% of the subjects, less frequently in 45,X girls. The mean age at Tanner stage B2 was 13.7 ± 2.4 years and that at menarche 14.2 ± 1.7 years, regardless of the karyotype. The median FSH level at 6-10 years was 8.16 IU/L, which was significantly lower than <6 years and >10 years. The median LH level at 6-10 years was 0.35 IU/L, which was lower than >10 years. The chance of spontaneous menarche was decreased in girls with FSH ≥6.7 IU/L between 6 and 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Although spontaneous puberty and menarche occur more frequently in non-45,X girls, the karyotype cannot be used to predict them. However, the chance of spontaneous menarche can be predicted based on gonadotropin cut-off values. There was no correlation between ultrasound ovary visualization results and spontaneous puberty.

Seeking Optimal Nutrition for Healthy Body Mass Reduction among Former Athletes.

The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of 6 week Mediterranean diet or 30% calorie restriction on the fatty acid profile and eicosanoids (hydroxyoctadecadienoi acids and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids) concentration. Furthermore, basic biochemical variables such as insulin, glucose, HOMA-IR, and a lipid profile were estimated. The study enrolled 94 Caucasian former athletes aged 20-42, with body height of 179 ± 16.00 cm and body mass of 89.26 ± 13.25 kg who had not been active for at least 5 years. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of the three intervention groups: CR group - the 30% calorie restriction (n = 32), MD group - the Mediterranean diet (n = 34), and C group - a control group (n = 28). The pattern of nutrition was analysed before and after the experiment using the 72 h food diaries. In order to evaluate the effect of diet intervention, the following variables were measured: anthropometrics, basic biochemical variables (insulin, fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, lipid profile), fatty acids and their blood derivatives profiles. The CR group showed significantly lower levels of several biochemical variables, i.e., BMI, total cholesterol LDL, TG, total lipids, insulin and HOMA - IR (p < 0.05). Subjects consuming the MD diet significantly decreased their BMI and reduced the level of total lipids (p < 0.05). We did not find any significant changes in the C group. The analysis of the fatty acid profile revealed that the CR group had a significantly decreased EPA level (p < 0.05). The MD group showed a significantly increased level of the DHA (p < 0.05) and improvement in the omega - 3 index (p < 0.05). Subjects following the MD also showed significantly lower concentrations of 15 - hydroxyicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE). We did not observe any significant differences between the CR and C groups. Within short time, calorie restriction helps to improve lipid variables and insulin resistance. The MD diet seems to be more advantageous in the decrease of inflammation, but does not improve basic biochemical variables. We can conclude that calorie restriction can be a good choice for former athletes, although EPA and DHA supplementation is needed.

Comparison of Signaling Pathways Gene Expression in CD34(-) Umbilical Cord Blood and Bone Marrow Stem Cells.

The aim of the study was to compare the biological activity of the total pool of genes in CD34(-) umbilical cord blood and bone marrow stem cells and to search for the differences in signaling pathway gene expression responsible for the biological processes. The introductory analysis revealed a big similarity of gene expression among stem cells. When analyzing GO terms for biological processes, we observed an increased activity of JAK-STAT signaling pathway, calcium-mediated, cytokine-mediated, integrin-mediated signaling pathway, and MAPK in a cluster of upregulating genes in CD34(-) umbilical cord blood stem cells. At the same time, we observed a decreased activity of BMP signaling pathways, TGF-beta pathway, and VEGF receptor signaling pathway in a cluster of downregulating genes in CD34(-) umbilical cord blood stem cells. In accordance with KEGG classification, the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway are overrepresented in CD34(-) umbilical cord blood stem cells. A similar gene expression in both CD34(-) UCB and BM stem cells was characteristic for such biological processes as cell division, cell cycle gene expression, mitosis, telomere maintenance with telomerase, RNA and DNA treatment processes during cell division, and similar genes activity of Notch and Wnt signaling pathways.

[What is the nutrition regimen followed by athletes after the end of their sporting career?].

Introduction: The aim of this study is to assess the nutritional habits of participants in the research project "CRON -diet as an alternative method for athletes who have completed their sporting career". Materials and methods: 94 former athletes from Poland participated in this study. A standardized Food Frequency Questionnaire was used for interview. Respondents were interviewed once, during the first visit after inclusion in the study. Results: Most former athletes had 3 meals per day during the last 12 months (39.4%), not respecting specified consumption hours (44.7%). The most commonly consumed foods are: whole grain bread, fruits and vegetables. Respondents reported the consumption of these foods several times a week. The study revealed a correlation between the consumption of fruit in general and a preference for apples and pears (r = 0.7340; p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study showed that former athletes' diets are quite diversified. It should be mentioned that former athletes' diets consists of a low number of meals, which are not consumed at fixed times. Respondents were aware that their diet provided too much sugar and fat; some of them declared that they try to reduce the consumption of these products in their daily diet.

Coexistence of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome and Turner Syndrome: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Turner syndrome is a common chromosomal disorder, with an incidence of 1 in 2000 live-born female infants. Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH) affects 1 in 4500 female births and, rarely, it might be associated with gonadal dysgenesis. CASE: A 17-year-old girl was referred to our clinic with short stature and primary amenorrhea. The patient was diagnosed with Turner syndrome and underwent estrogen therapy. At the age of 24 years, just after the patient's sexual initiation, the first complete gynecological examination was performed. A blind-ending vagina was revealed and the patient was diagnosed with MRKH. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of coexistence of MRKH and Turner syndrome, although very difficult, might prevent patients from developing serious complications.

[CHANGES IN BODY MASS AND BLOOD LIPID LEVELS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING CALORIC RESTRICTION]. / ZMIANY MASY CIALA I STEZENIA LIPIDÓW PACJENTÓW PODDANYCH RESTRYKCJOM KALORYCZNYM--DONIESIENIE WSTEPNE.

INTRODUCTION: Caloric restriction is the only well-documented nutritional intervention prolonging the life of mammals. This method modifies the lipid levels in blood, controlling obesity and delaying the onset of many medical conditions associated with metabolic disorders. The aim of the study was to carry out a comparative analysis of lipid profile in patients on Mediterranean or CRON (Caloric Restriction with Optimal Nutrition) diets, before and after six weeks of dieting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The following parameters were compared: total cholesterol, total lipids, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and BMI. Additionally, we measured the levels of insulin, HOMA score, and anthropometric parameters. The comparative analysis demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between mild caloric restriction and blood lipid profile. Results from studies on patients who underwent six-week dietetic intervention indicated statistically significant changes in biochemical parameters due to caloric restrictions. Such changes were not found in subjects following the Mediterranean diet. The greatest decrease in the blood level of triglycerides was found in subjects on the CRON diet, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and total lipid levels also decreased. No significant changes if biochemical parameters were found in patients on the Mediterranean diet. CONCLUSIONS: A comparative analysis of all parameters demonstrated that the use of mild caloric restrictions with ensured supply of all necessary nutrients seems to be the most effective solution for reducing fatty tissue.

Blood pressure regulation and resting heart rate abnormalities in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of cardiovascular disease on the basis of biochemical, echocardiographic, and 24-hour blood pressure (BP) monitoring parameters in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Academic and research institution. PATIENT(S): Thirty-four obese and nonobese girls with PCOS were evaluated and compared with body mass index-matched girls with regular menses. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Androgens, gonadotropins, lipids, and fasting and oral glucose tolerance test-stimulated glucose and insulin concentrations were measured. Echocardiographic assessment and 24-hour BP monitoring were done. RESULT(S): Compared with obese controls, obese girls with PCOS had significantly higher 24-hour mean BP, day mean BP, day diastolic BP, and diastolic BP nighttime dip (75.5 ± 4.5 mm Hg vs. 71.7 ± 3.7 mm Hg; 78.2 ± 5.0 mm Hg vs. 73.6 ± 4.0 mm Hg; 67.6 ± 4.9 mm Hg vs. 63.7 ± 3.7 mm Hg; and 20.2% ± 5.2% vs. 15.0% ± 6.6%, respectively). Obese girls with PCOS had significantly higher night heart rate than obese controls (60.4 ± 5.6 beats per minute vs. 61.7 ± 4.8 beats per minute). Left ventricle end-diastolic (4.6 ± 0.3 cm vs. 4.2 ± 0.2 cm) and end-systolic diameter (3.0 ± 0.3 cm vs. 2.7 ± 0.2 cm) were also significantly higher in nonobese girls with PCOS than in nonobese controls; however, all values were still within the accepted range of normal limits. CONCLUSION(S): Higher night heart rate in obese girls with PCOS and higher day BP but preserved diastolic nocturnal dip in nonobese girls with PCOS may be regarded as early cardiovascular disease risk factors.

[Budd-Chiari syndrome induced by hormonal oral contraception in the patient with congenital thrombophilia-factor V Leiden mutation--a case report]. / Zespól Budd-Chiari indukowany doustna antykoncepcja hormonalna u pacjentki z wrodzona trombofilia-mutacja czynnika V Leiden--opis przypadku.

The Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare pathology resulting from various etiological factors which often contribute to its late diagnosis. Liver cirrhosis, malignant tumors and haematological disorders resulting in hypercoagulability, are the most common reasons of Budd-Chiari syndrome. The syndrome is characterized by portal hypertension and splanchnic congestion due to obstruction of hepatic venous outflow. The first symptoms include pain, ascites and hepatosplenomegaly. The diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome can be achieved by Doppler ultrasonography, Computed Tomography scan, Magnetic Resonance or Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography. In the following article, a case report of a patient with diagnosed Budd-Chiari syndrome as a result of congenital thrombophilia-factor V Leiden gene mutation is presented. Clinical symptoms, diagnostic process, as well as treatment options, were shown in the article.

Comparison of gene expression of mitogenic kinin path in adherent and non-adherent CD 34-stem cells using oligonucleotide microarrays.

One of the more interesting cells present in the umbilical cord blood - as far as their potential clinical use is concerned - are stem cells not presenting the CD34 antigen. These are the pluripotential cells with their biological properties similar to mesenchymal stem cells, with the ability to differentiate into such tissue types as bone, cartilage, nervous (to some extent), glia and muscle. The authors compared the activity of genes coding the proteins in mitogenic signal paths activated by kinin receptors using oligonucleotide microarrays in adherent and non-adherent CD 34- cells derived from umbilical cord blood. In the linear regression model with a 95% prognosis area for differentiating genes outside this area, the following genes were selected: c-jun (present in 3 isoforms) and c-fos. The fos and jun genes create the AP-1 transcriptive factor which regulates the expression of genes taking part in numerous cellular processes, including the cell cycle and mitosis. The obtained results shed some light on the molecular processes behind the MSC proliferation and are a starting point for further studies on the mesenchymal stem cell biology.

[Diagnostic and treatment of overactive bladder]. / Diagnostyka i leczenie zespolu pecherza nadreaktywnego.

The overactive bladder (OAB) is characterized by symptoms of frequency, urgency, nocturia, and urge incontinence, substantially affecting the quality of life of millions of people throughout the world. Diagnosis of OAB made on patient history, physical examination, and clinical tests can be used as the basis for treatment in most cases. In cases where there is uncertainty regarding the diagnosis, urodynamic assessment should be carried out. Treatment of OAB includes behavioral therapy, pharmacology and, in some cases, surgery. This article reviews current findings regarding diagnostics and treatment of the overactive bladder.