Endocrine Abstracts

BMP15 is a TGFβ-like oocyte-derived growth factor involved in ovarian folliculogenesis as a critical regulator of many granulosa cell processes. BMP15 is synthesized as a pro-protein which dimerizes and then is processed in the bioactive mature domain and a large prodomain. The proregion has an important role in the BMP15 processing by driving the dimerization and secretion of the active mature dimers. Since several mutations in the BMP15 gene have been found with differe...

Context: The regulation of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) and their interactions with steroid hormone signaling in Fallopian tubes and endometrium are not clearly understood.Objective: We determined whether hnRNP expression is regulated during the menstrual cycle and correlates with estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) levels in human Fallopian tubes in vivo. We also explored the mechanisms of hnRNP regulation i...

Acute stressors can active the reproductive function depending on estrogen priming. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) has been implicated as mediator of stress-induced effects on hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis (HPG), acting in the limbic system, paraventricular nucleus and noradrenergic (NA) neurons. Antalarmin and astressin2-B are selective CRH-R1 and CRH-R2 antagonists, respectively. We investigated the mediation of CRH-R1 and/or CRH-R2 receptors and of lo...

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a disorder in which amenorrhea, associated to elevated levels of gonadotropins, occurs before the age of 40 years.The proband, a 36-year-old woman, was born at term after an uneventful pregnancy and delivery from healthy non-consanguineous parents. Growth and mental developmental milestones were normal. At the age of 12 years she presented menarche followed by regular menses, she had no miscarriage and had a succe...

Introduction: The current evidence on the association between thyroid function or thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) and reproductive outcomes after assisted reproduction techniques (ART) is scarce and inconclusive.Objective: To record ART outcome according to function and TAI status of thyroid gland.Methods: A group of 226 subfertile women that underwent any method of ART (IVF, ICSI, intra-uterine insemination (IUI)) from January 2006 to ...

Introduction: Our previous research suggested that a history of sexual abuse (SA) may impact thyroid axis profiles differently in women with menstrually related mood disorder (MRMD) compared with non-MRMD women but was limited by a small sample of non-MRMD women with SA. The current study was designed to study a larger sample of MRMD and non-MRMD women with SA to evaluate whether MRMD status moderates the effects of SA on thyroid axis function.Methods: A...

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has an early onset. However, its prevalence in the youngest age groups has not been assessed, mostly due to the poor specificity of the criteria for defining PCOS in adolescents, including the testosterone references generated only on adult women. Moreover, the current references for testosterone were mostly built by immunoassays, known to have poor accuracy. This study was aimed at defining androgen and pro-androgen reference intervals in 149 ...

Introduction: There is increasing evidence for a role of the CRH/urocortin family in human pregnancy, since they have been implicated both in physiological processes and pathogenesis of diseases such as spontaneous preterm labour. However, little information is available on the presence or function of the CRH/urocortin genes in mouse pregnancy. The study aimed to investigate the expression of CRH, urocortins and their receptors in mouse utero-placental tissues during late preg...

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disease characterized by de novo development of concurrent hypertension, proteinuria and oxidative stress in placenta. Hypoxia occurs during the development of placenta in the first trimester and is implicated in trophoblast differentiation. The oxidative stress, resulting from deficient remodeling of spiral arteries, is an important inducer of preeclampsia. The potassium-dependent sodium/calcium exchangers including NC...

Testosterone levels in normally cycling women are generally assumed to be elevated during ovulation. The clinical relevance of changing testosterone levels during the menstrual cycle, however, is unclear, due to poor performance of current direct immunoassays for testosterone at low concentrations.An isotope dilution-liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC–MS/MS) method with sufficient reliability and sensitivity1 was u...

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disturbance in women of reproductive age, thought to be linked to increased cardiovascular risk in later life. Cardiovascular risk factors are usually present even at younger age and this suggests that the chronic disturbances in hormonal and metabolic status typical for the syndrome predispose the patients to development of early atherosclerosis and premature clinical presentation of cardiovascular disease. NT-pro-BNP w...

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disease characterized by de novo development of concurrent hypertension, proteinuria and oxidative stress in the placenta. Hypoxia occurs during the development of placenta in the first trimester and is implicated in trophoblast differentiation. Last trimester of gestation, the calcium and mineral transport from mother to fetus are dramatically increased in response to the accelerated demand for bone mineralization in t...

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of premature luteinization in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and compared the main determinants of success in IVF in PCOS patients with and without premature luteinization.Methods: Retrospective analysis of 180 PCOS women of Chinese Han origin with infertility who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) with an exogenous gonadotropin/GnRH antagonist protocol. Hormon...

Context: Early premature ovarian failure (ePOF) defined by cessation of ovarian function before age 18 is a rare condition. The link between puberty progression and POF hasn’t been explored in details.Aim of study: To describe pubertal development and clinical practices of women with ePOF in a referral center for RME within the first 2 years follow-up.Description method/design: A mixed retrospective and prospective study was p...

Introduction: Reproductive health is closely related with nutritional status of a country. Nutritional problems are different between developed and developing countries. In the context of Bangladesh there is no recent assessment. This study aims to assess the nutritional status and reproductive morbidity among women in Dhaka city.Description of methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 400 women, aged 15–40 years, in Dhaka city. Sample was s...

Patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk for diabetes mellitus and often show an adverse cardiovascular risk profile. Among the anthropometric variables for evaluation of central obesity widely used are the waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR) and, more recently, waist-to-stature ratio (WSR).The aim of the present study is to investigate the link between some anthropometric indices of visceral obesity and cardiov...

Premature menopause (PM) occurs spontaneously as premature ovarian failure (POF), or is medically induced (MIPM) by oophorectomy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. PM is associated with increased health risks, including osteoporosis. This study explored understanding of menopausal therapies, medication use and health-related behaviour in women with and without PM.Methods: Cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study involving 23 premenopausal, 25 POF and 29 MI...

Introduction: Recent data indicate that women affected by the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a greater risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the association ethinylestradiol 30 μg–drospirenone 3 mg (DRP/EE30 μg) plus metformin and weight loss on surrogate markers of CVD in PCOS.Methods: Twenty-five young women with PCOS (mean age 22.76±0.83 years, body mass index (BMI...

Summary: To establish the relations of women’s sexual function with social factors and use of hormonal contraception.Methods: There has been performed a pilot study. 20–43 years old participants with regular menstrual cycles (22–35 days) were randomly selected and have been interviewed. The test group consisted of 113 women who use any of hormonal contraception method. The control group consisted of 51 women not using hormonal contraceptio...

Aim: To study the effectiveness of metformin in treatment of polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS) in women of birthing age.Materials and methods: We followed 31 women with PCOS. Mean age of patients was 29.8 years old. All patients were evaluated for hormones levels (LH, FSH, TSH, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, prolactin, coritsole, free thyroxine, dehydroepiahndrostendione etc.), glucose tolerance test, lipids profile, uterus and ovaries ultrasono...

Continuous administration of 400 μg/day of letrozole (LET), a non-steroidal inhibitor of P450 aromatase, with start pre-pubertally to female rats, induces hyperandrogenemia and reproductive abnormalities similar to those observed in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, these rats do not develop metabolic abnormalities, despite high circulating testosterone. A possible explanation may be that the dose was too high and thus completely inhibited the estrogen...

Background: Increased prevalence of abnormal aminotransferase levels and/or ultrasonographic evidence of hepatic steatosis have been found in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), being more pronounced in overweight and obese patients. However, few data exist concerning the prevalence of PCOS in premenopausal women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Objective: To investigate the presence of PCOS in overweight and obese premenopausal wom...

Introduction: Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) regulates the bioavailability of sex steroid hormones, which in turn regulate reproductive function. The potential association of SHBG gene polymorphisms with the age at menopause has not been examined.Objective: The present study aimed to assess the possible relationship between the pentanucleotide (TAAAA)n repeat polymorphism in the promoter of the SHBG gene and the age at menopause in a Greek fe...

Background: Insulin resistance is a core pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The screening recommendations for type 2 diabetes in PCOS patients have varied according to organizations, but the AE-PCOS Society recommended that a OGTT be performed in obese patients or in lean patients with advanced age (>40 year), with a history of gestational diabetes, or with a family history of type 2 diabetes. Recently, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) newly includ...

Objective: Insulin resistance is a core feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thus, it may be the common link between PCOS and type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Although the etiology of PCOS has not been elucidated, a number of studies have suggested that genetic factors may play important roles in its etiology and pathogenesis. If PCOS and T2DM share a common genetic background, genetic variants determining the risk of T2DM may also be associated with PCOS....

Introduction: Uterine leiomyoma (fibroid) is the most common solid tumor in reproductive-age women. Symptomatic leiomyomas affect millions of women through menorrhagia, abnormal uterine bleeding, and infertility. No effective treatment except surgery is available, partly because of the lack of effective animal models for screening new therapies. We established a new xenograft model by grafting primary cultured leiomyoma cells beneath the kidney capsule in super-immunodeficient...

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is the common denominator of three multigenic disorders: type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and PCOS. IR can result from genetic abnormalities involving proteins of the insulin signalling pathway, including PC-1 and IRS-1. The IRS-1 G972R variant had the highest world frequency and correlated with IR in PCOS Sicilian women (Horm Metab Res, 2010).Objective and methods: To determine: i) the rates of the G972R IRS-...

Exposure to soy isoflavones (ISO), abundant in soy protein infant formula, during early postnatal life has benefits to bone health in female mice. Moreover, exposure during the first 10 or 21 days of life has been shown to interfere with structural development of female reproductive organs and results in heavier body weight. The study objective was to compare if shorter exposure to ISO, during the first 5 vs 10 days of life, results in lesser adverse effects on ovarian and ute...

The kisspeptin, the peptide product of KiSS-1 gene has recently emerged as essential gatekeeper of pubertal activation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons and the reproductive axis. Mutations or targeted disruptions in the gene cause hypogonadism or premature sexual development and sterility.Purpose: The study was undertaken to research the kisspeptin levels in healthy girls and girls with endocrine and gynaecological disorders.<p class=...

The present study was performed to search whether SCAT increase in women with PCOS. Fifty-two women with PCOS patients and 53 matched healthy controls were participated in the study. Caliper device was used to measure skinfold thickness (SFT). Body fat distributions were determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis. SFT in all defined areas, total body and trunk fat free mass (FFM), and HOMA score were higher in women with PCOS, while adiponectin was significantly lower. SFT...

Introduction: A high prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hyperandrogenism has been described in adult women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is secreted by granulosa cells of antral ovarian follicles and its plasma concentration is correlated with the number of small antral follicles. AMH levels are increased in women with PCOS and higher plasma concentration has been observed in prepubertal girls with T1DM. The aim of this...

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) may affect the gonadotropic axis at different levels, causing changes in the hypothalamic–pituitary unit, functions of the gonads, and changes on peripheral metabolism of sex hormones. Polycistic ovary sndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine syndrome characterized by the combination of reproductive aberrations, namely hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation, with metabolic defects.The aim: To determine the role of SH a...

Objective: To compare the effects of a classic therapy to those of a novel treatment for androgen excess in adolescent girls.Study design: Randomized, open-labeled trial over 12 months.Study participants: Adolescents (n=34; mean age 16 year, BMI 23 kg/m2) with hyperinsulinemic androgen excess and without risk of pregnancy.Interventions: Ethinyl estradiol-cyproterone acetate (EE-CA; Diane 35 ...

A large body of evidence suggests that in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) there is a link between abdominal adiposity, visceral adiposity dysfunction and hyperandrogenism and this relationship could be bidirectional. However a well designed study of adipose tissue distribution reported no significant differences between PCOS and controls. Visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a recently reported marker of the cardiovascular risk, strongly correlated with visceral adipose tissue (...

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted disease characterized by metabolic and reproductive disorders associated with hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline derivative alkaloid extracted from chinese medicinal herbs that has been used as an insulin sensitizer.BBR could represent a potential therapeutic tool for PCOS.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of BBR on the clinical, metabol...

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been associated with adverse maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes. The aim of this case-control study was to compare women whose pregnancy was complicated with GDM, diagnosed by the new International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria, with a control group of healthy pregnant women as far as large-for-gestational-age (LGA) neonates and macrosomia are concerned.Methods...

Numerous studies provided data on possible decline in human fertility over the last decades and geografic differences in it. So, recently research interest in these tendencies and possible factors affecting fertility is increased.Objective: In this study, we aimed to explore women’s fertility expressed as time to pregnancy (TTP) – the number of contraceptive-free cycles needed to conceive – in a large cohort of Lithuanian women and the eff...

Background: Hirsutism is a major feature of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the only accepted clinical sign of hyperandrogenism for its diagnosis, according to the androgen excess society (AES) recommendations. Previous studies demonstrated that hirsutism can be influenced by factors other than hyperandrogenism per se.Aim: To detect factors influencing hirsutism severity in PCOS.Patients and methods: Hundred and sev...

Introduction: Insulin resistance is a common finding in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and is considered a major aspect in this condition, as it likely plays a role in the pathogenesis of both hyperandrogenism and several metabolic abnormalities, frequently found in these women. Despite its significance, prevalence of insulin resistance in PCOS subjects is still unclear, as it was assessed in small samples and/or by using surrogate parameters of insulin action. Mo...

We have shown that repeated cold stress increases ovarian sympathetic tonus and induces typical polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) features. Lesion of the noradrenergic nucleus Locus Coeruleus decreases ovarian noradrenaline release and prevents stress-induced PCOS in rats exposed to chronic intermittent cold stress. The aim of this study was to assess whether the alterations on ovarian morphology, ovulation rate and hormonal secretion induced by cold stress could be prevented b...

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a disorder which affects ~1% of women under 40 years of age. Genetic component has been suggested in the majority of cases of nonsyndromic forms, and recently mutations of NR5A1 have been reported to be associated with POI. In order to evaluate the frequency of NR5A1 mutations in POI together with the functional characterisation of the existing variants, we conducted a genetic study on a large cohort of POI patients.<p class=...

Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is defined as ≥3 consecutive pregnancy losses and occurs in 1–3% of fertile couples. No specific early biomarkers with high predictive value of threatening miscarriage have been identified. Using GeneChips (Affymetrix), we profiled whole-genome differential gene expression in RM placental tissue compared to uncomplicated pregnancies matched for gestational age. In cases of RM, significantly increased placental mRNA expression of TNF-relate...

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a critical fertility defect characterized by a progressive and silent impairment of the follicular reserve. POI aetiology is heterogeneous and largely unknown, but a maternal inheritance often characterizes idiopathic forms. Therefore, we hypothesized a possible involvement of a mitochondrial defect in the pathogenesis of this disease since mitochondrial biogenesis and bioenergetics play an essential role in ovarian folliculogenesis. Our ...

Introduction: Thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes for both the mother and the fetus. The aim of this study was to describe fetal growth parameters of pregnancies complicated with thyroid diseases/TAI and to construct predictive models for their outcome.Methods: The study included 196 consecutive singleton pregnancies in women with thyroid diseases, during the period 2007–2010. A coh...

Introduction: FSH is a key player in reproductive functions, the expression of its unique subunit FSHB is regulated by the FSHB promoter. Recently, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at a highly conserved position in the FSHB promoter (rs10835638; −211G>T) has been found to be associated with decreased serum FSH levels in men and with male infertility. Because to date no information is available on possible endocrine consequences of this SNP in women, we conducte...

Objective: PCOS may be associated with an increased risk of endometrial hyperplasia (EH) and endometrial cancer (EC), but substantial evidence remains to be established. We investigated the prevalence of EH and EC in a well-characterized group of women with PCOS and/or clinical/biochemical hyperandrogenism.Design: Retrospective, trans-sectional study.Setting: Out-patient clinic at the Departments of Endocrinology and Gynecology, Od...

Cytochrome P450 aromatase is a membrane bound enzyme that synthesises estrogens. This reaction involves electron delivery from NADPH via cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR). Little is known as to how the P450arom performs the aromatase reaction or how it associates with CPR in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In humans, there is only one P450arom, however pigs have three isozymes. The catalytic efficiency of one of these, the porcine gonadal P450arom, is much lower than the human a...

The metabolic features of Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can vary based on the definition used. The aim of this study is to compare the metabolic characteristics of PCOS according to the phenotypes from various diagnostic criteria and help to establish a optimal diagnostic criteria.Subjects with PCOS defined by the NIH criteria (n=494) and the Rotterdam criteria (n=568) and regular cycling non-hirsuite control women (n=1000) were r...

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age and is characterized by chronic anovulation and clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism. Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is a common disease of organ-specific autoimmunity affecting predominantly women, that is attributed to an interaction between a genetic background and environmental factors. There are few data showing higher AIT prevalence in PCOS patients.<p...

Central obesity and insulin resistance are more prevalent in women with PCOS, affecting both normal weight and obese subjects. The metabolic effects of insulin are partially dependent on the amount of lean mass and insulin resistance seems to selectively affect the metabolic, but not the mitogenic, actions of insulin. Therefore, this age-matched case-control study assessed total and segmental lean muscle mass in classic or ovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients an...

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a characterized by hyperandrogenism and irregular menses and is associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and obesity. While there is a strong genetic component to PCOS, candidate gene analyses and genome wide association studies (GWAS) have identified only a handful of replicated PCOS susceptibility loci. Therefore, we employed a candidate pathway approach to identify additional PCOS susceptibility loci. This approach is more comp...

The aim of the study was to explore the relation of female sexual function to the concentration of estradiol (E2), total testosterone (T), DHEA-S in the sample of Lithuanian women in postmenopause.Methods and participants: Two hundred and forty six postmenopausal women who fulfilled inclusion criteria were asked to fill in female sexual functioning index (FSFI) and socio-demographic questionnaire. A blood sample from all participants was taken...

We estimated androgen status at 111 female patients (pts) with HH before and after hormonal therapy (HT) by estadiol 2 mg+dydrogesterone 10 mg in sequence manner not <12 months. Median age of pts was 28 y.o., mean duration of HH 6.2 year, isolated HH n=56 group 1, HH as a part of hypopituitarism n=55 group 2, 45 healthy women of the same age were included in control group. Total T, SHBG and DHEA-S levels were measured, free T levels were calculated using stan...

Introduction: NAFLD has become the leading cause of liver disease in the Western world and has a strong association with obesity and diabetes. There are no studies of NAFLD in pregnant women.Methods: Pregnant volunteers (n=57) were recruited in the first or third trimester and evaluated for the presence of NAFLD using abdominal ultrasound scans using accepted criteria. Liver biopsies were not performed since this invasive procedure would present u...

Introduction: Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) represent ovarian functional markers of granulosa and theca cells respectively. This study investigated AMH and INSL3 plasma levels in two groups of ovulatory or anovulatory women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and their relationship with ovarian morphology and androgen levels.Methods: AMH and INSL3 were measured in a cohort of 57 patients with PCOS classified in two gro...

Objective: The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the risk of persistent glucose impairment after gestational diabetes (GDM) is increased in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Research design and methods: The prospective case–control study included 42 pregnant patients with PCOS and GDM and 84 pregnant control patients with GDM but without clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries and oligo-anovu...

Androgens are one of the most important agents influencing folliculogenesis. They can modulate follicular function by interactions with various factors and promote granulosa cells differentiation. On the other hand, androgens can antagonize follicular development by inducing apoptosis in granulosa cells. Therefore, androgens can promote follicular atresia. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that androgen receptor antagonists (2-hydroxyflutamide (2-Hf) ...

All evidence so far indicates a role of different connexins during gonadal development, gamete formation and testicular and ovarian functions. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is one of the predominant gap junction proteins in the testis and ovary. It is well established that gonads development is highly sensitive to hormonal disruption induced by various endocrine active compounds during fetal period. Therefore, it was interesting to study whether communication via gap junctions is altered...

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a disorder which affects approximately 1% of women under 40 years of age. Besides infertility and estrogen deficiency altering the quality of life, the impact of this disease on the long-term health status of these women, especially bone status, has received little attention. We therefore designed a cross-sectional study of patients with POI, 5–10 years after a first evaluation in our department. We evaluated their anthropometric, ...

Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and gestational diabetes (GDM) are two common metabolic disorders. The serum oxidative stress markers advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) have been found to be elevated in women with PCOS and GDM compared to controls. However the impact of these harmful molecules to their offspring is under investigation.Objective: To evaluate AGEs and AOPPs serum levels along wi...

Objective: To investigate the impact of dietary intervention of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) intake on hormonal and metabolic profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods: After baseline evaluation, 23 women with PCOS (mean±S.D., age: 23.4±5.7 years; body mass index (BMI): 26±5.7 kg/m2) underwent the following consecutive 2-month dietary regimens: a hypocaloric diet with ad-libitum</...

Background: Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a complex disorder defined as the cessation of ovarian function before or at the age of 40. Although the etiology of POF remains unknown in a large proportion of cases, it has been suggested that variations in the Inhibin α gene (INHA) may affect the ovarian function of women. This study was performed to investigate whether the genetic polymorphisms of the INHA gene are associated with idiopathic POF in a Korean population.</...

Background: Body composition of females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) varies considerably. The literature lacks of skeleton size description in women with PCOS. Objective of the present study was to investigate skeleton robustness in PCOS women.Material and methods: Hundred and one PCOS women (by androgen excess society criteria, mean age 26.85±3.91 years) and 81 healthy control women (mean age 27.95±3.65 years) were investigated in Vil...

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder among women in their reproductive years. Apart from reproductive and metabolic manifestations, recently more attention has been paid to psychological features of this syndrome. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of PCOS on quality of life and to estimate the frequency of anxiety and depression in Polish women with PCOS.Methods: One hundred seventy five women with PCO...

Purpose: For vaginoplasty of Rokitansky syndrome, we use oxidized regenerated cellulose instead of bio-craft that has been used in the past because it requires a less invasive and more physiological surgery. However, the mechanism of epithelialization of this procedure is still not clear. There is a report that differentiation and proliferation of the vaginal epithelium of newborn mice is promoted by administration of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).<p class="abstext...

Introduction: Since primary amenorrhea because of ovarian dysfunction is a common complication in women with Turner syndrome (TS), sex hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is mandatory for induction of puberty, such as acquisition of secondary sexual characteristics and increased bone density. However, appropriate treatment protocols have not yet been established. To evaluate the efficacy of HRT on puberty induction in our department, a retrospective analysis was conducted.<p...

Both low-frequency electro-acupuncture (EA) and manual acupuncture improve menstrual frequency and decrease circulating androgens in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We sought to determine whether low-frequency EA is more effective than manual stimulation in regulating disturbed estrous cyclicity in rats with PCOS induced by 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). To identify the central mechanisms of the effects of stimulation, we assessed hypothalamic mRNA expression ...

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most commonly diagnosed endocrinopathies in women of reproductive age and is associated with an increasing number of metabolic comorbidities. About 50% of PCOS patients are obese, while insulin resistance affect up to 70% of these women. The endocannabinoid system contributes to human energy homeostasis. CNR1 is a biological candidate for human obesity and related metabolic disorders.Aims: The ...

Introduction: Cushing’s disease (CD) is a condition due to an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma and leading to hypercorticism. Hirsutism is common in CD but its exact frequency has been poorly studied. It results from the stimulating effect of ACTH on adrenal production of androgens.The aim of this study is to determine the androgenic profile in hirsute patients with CD.Patients and methods: It is a retrospective study of nine ...

Cystic ovarian disease is a common reproductive disorder in women and females of domestic animals, leading to temporal or permanent infertility. Over one in three women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are overweight and have higher serum leptin concentration. Leptin may thereby mediate some of the adverse effect of obesity on ovarian function.In the presented data, we decided to compare the action of two high doses of leptin (20 ng and 40 ng/ml) ...

The results concerning the role of leptin in mediating effect of food restriction on ovarian functions, in controlling these functions, as well as the endocrine and intracellular mechanisms of leptin action are reviewed.In our experiments, food restriction resulted in a reduction in rabbit and chicken plasma leptin, GH, IGF1 and gonadal steroid hormone levels and ovulation rate. Malnutrition (serum deprivation) inhibited hormone release and the expressio...

Purpose: The aim of this study in new diagnosed adult women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was to evaluate carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and visceral fat thickness (VFT) measurement by ultrasonography and which method can be used for atherosclerosis risk follow-up.Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 22 PCOS women (18–30 years of age) and 22 controls. BMI was matched volunteer controls. Two different criteria were used to as...

Introduction: Gender identity disorder (GID) is a disagreement between biological sexual differentiation and self-declared gender identity. The aetiology of GID remains unclear, although endocrinological, neuroanatomical and psychosocial factors are all thought to be causally involved. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by chronic anovulation, polycystic ovarian morphology, and biochemical and/or biological signs of hyperandrogenism. Most women with PCOS also ex...

Purpose: Disorders of sex development (DSD) are defined as having, ‘A chromosome, germinal gland, or anatomical structure that is atypical in the native state’. There are two types of patients with DSD who consult a gynecologist: patients diagnosed in childhood (group A), and patients diagnosed based on unusual secondary sex characteristics in adolescence (group B). In group A, gynecologists are required as a member of a multidisciplinary medical team for DSD. On the...

Objective: To research the frequencies of HPRL, HI and CAH in PCOS, as well deducing their significance.Material and methods: For five years, 96 patients and their clinical histories were examined by the author, as each patient was visited.HI was proven by 3 h OGGT, testing glucose and insulin simultaneously, ovarian ultrasonography, testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA, 17-hydoxyprogesterone, PRL and LH/FSH were also investigated.<...

Objective: This work sets forth the current status and perspectives of HRT.Material and methods: In total, 547 medical works dealing with this subject are evaluated.Results: The beneficial effect of estrogens on the lipids, as well as the antagonistic influence of progestogens, have long been known.After MWS, HERS and WHI, the beneficial effects on several organs – the arterial system included – hav...

Objective: An interaction between adiponectin, steroid synthesis or action and measures of insulin resistance (IR) have been reported in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The present study was done to determine plasma adiponectin concentration (PAC) in women with and without PCOS and to assess its correlation to the hormonal and metabolic parameters including measures of IR. The effect of metformin for 6 months in PCOS was also evaluated.<p class="abste...

Objective: The role of pancreatic insulin secretion in Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not clear. To evaluate insulin sensitivity (IS) and β-cell function in lean and obese women with PCOS, either separately or by using an disposition index (DI).Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 137 Chinese women with PCOS and 123 normal women were examined by anthropometry, lipid profile, sex hormone, high-sensitivity C-reactive protei...

EAT has been linked to the presence and severity of cardiovascular disease. EAT has been linked to the presence and severity of cardiovascular disease. We searched if the patients with PCOS have increased EATT, or not.Total of 41 subjects with PCOS and 46 age and body mass index (BMI) matched healthy controls were enrolled. EAT was measured by echocardiography.EATT and HOMA-IR score were significantly higher (P=0.0001 for bo...

PCOS is characterized by insulin resistance. Inflammation has been anticipated to play role in the pathogenesis of both insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is an inflammatory mediator synthesized in a variety of cells and tissues. In the present study, serum PTX3 level and its relationship with insulin resistance were investigated in patients with PCOS. In total, 40 patients with PCOS and 40 age and body mass index (BMI) matched healthy controls were enr...

Introduction: Infertility investigations include uterine–ovarian ultrasound. The incidental finding of a tumor in a young female might associate a potential severe prognosis in otherwise completely asymptomatic patient.Aim: We present a case of a young female with an accidentally discovered ovarian tumor.Case report: S.M. 35-year female patient is admitted for infertility. Her family and personal medical history is irrelevant....

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous condition affecting 5–10% of reproductive -age female population.The aim of this study was to determine the clinical features, metabolic and hormonal profile in obese and overweight women with PCOS.Patients and method: A total of 102 women (age 31.28±6.05 and BMI 33.02±5.93) with PCOS and 110 (age 32.35±4.96 and BMI 33.05±5.87) matched controls were invest...

We studied 74 women admitted to the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology University of Medical Sciences of Poznan because of climacteric symptoms. All the studied women were older than 40 years of age, all were still menstruating or had their last menstruation not later than 1 year ago.The aim of the study was evaluation of possible relationship between serum 17β-estradiol concentration and depression symptoms presence in climacteric women....

The patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at increased risk for insulin resistance, central obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension. In our study, we aimed to detect whether women with PCOS who had normal OGTT results have had insulin resistance. Moreover we investigated the association of probable insulin resistance with cardiovascular risk indicators such as hs-CRP and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT).In total, 34 untreated PCOS patien...

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with a higher risk for development of metabolic syndrome. In this study, we evaluated the degree of metabolic disorders in women with different PCOS phenotypes.Methods: We analyzed 162 women with PCOS (BMI: 24.9±6.1 kg/m2, age:25.6±5.6 years) diagnosed on the basis of ESHRE/ASRM criteria, and 39 women without PCOS who comprised the control group (CG; BMI: 21.4±4.1 kg/m...

Aim: Progesterone is thought to be associated with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Pregnancies in which progesterone is administered for luteal phase support do not exhibit an increased incidence of HG, suggesting that high progesterone levels alone do not cause HG. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic role of progesterone therapy as a new modality in the management of hyperemesis.Subjects: In total, 40 Egyptian women below 40 years ...

Introduction: Metabolic disturbances that are common in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), represent a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to define contribution of obesity for the development of dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in PCOS.Methods: PCOS was diagnosed using ESHRE/ASRM criteria. We evaluated 158 women with PCOS who were divided into two subgroups according to body mass index (BMI) cut off value 25 kg/m2</s...

Introduction: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) than healthy, age and BMI matched women. The aim of this study was to determine if novel abdominal adiposity index – lipid accumulation product (LAP), could predict MS in women with PCOS.Methods: PCOS was diagnosed using ESHRE/ASRM criteria. We evaluated 159 PCOS women (PCOS group: 24.9±6.2 kg/m2; 25.8±5.4 years) and 56 he...

Insulin resistance is one of the common features of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and recent studies indicate the possible role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and inflammatory response. We aimed to investigate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and insulin resistance and inflammatory marker in obese women with PCOS and controls.We recruited 50 obese women with PCOS (age 25±5 years, BMI 27.5±2.3...

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a simple non-invasive procedure for assessment and measurement of atherosclerotic plaque. It is a valuable tool for evaluation of cardiovascular disease risk, as increase in CIMT is associated with cardiovascular events, mainly stroke. In this study we evaluated association and influence of metabolic disturbances on CI...

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinopathy affecting 6–10% of reproductive aged women. In young women with PCOS, multiple risk factors for cardio vascular disease (CVD) including dyslipidemia may be found and prevention is needed.Objective: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of dyslipidemia in Algerian PCOS women.Materials: A prospective study was performed (since 2004–2008) on 181 PCOS and 90 ...

Objective: Obesity is a major problem in pregnancy. Obesity has been associated with decreased vitamin D levels, diabetes and reproductive risks. Women were followed through pregnancy with frequent blood samples to determine any differences between lean and obese subjects. We present data on vitamin D levels through gestation in these subjects.Methods: Normal pregnant women at 6–9 weeks GA provided blood samples every 2 weeks and body weights were r...

Testosterone has a dose-dependent stimulatory effect on erythropoiesis but the mechanism is poorly understood. Although both erythroblasts and megakaryocytes express androgen receptors, testosterone’s effect on thrombopoiesis in humans has never been studied.We report a case of 53-years-old woman presented with androgenic alopecia, hirsutism, facial redness and hoarse voice. She was a non-smoker and had a history of well-controlled diabetes mellitus...

Background and aims: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by phenotypic heterogeneity and a wide variety of consequences. About half of PCOS women are overweight or obese and their obesity may be a contributing factor to PCOS pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate if PCOS alone affects the patients’ quality of life and to what extent obesity contributes to worsen this disease.Methods and results: In total, 200 women with PC...

Prolactin is associated with seasonal transitions into and out of anestrus in the mare. The earliest anestrous transitional changes are declining progesterone secretion and a concomitant prolactin decline. Ovarian changes include slowed follicular development and prolonged luteal activity. Dopamine antagonist administration during the autumnal transition prevented a seasonal progesterone decline, suggesting a cause-and-effect between prolactin and progesterone production. The ...

Background: Ketoconazole is a synthetic antifungal drug, and powerful inhibitor of steroidogenesis. Oral ketoconazole blocks both ovarian and adrenal androgen biosynthesis, and glucocorticoid synthesis, leading to a reduction in circulating testosterone and cortisol levels. In subjects with an intact HPA axis, ketoconazole by decreasing cortisol levels leads to compensatory rise an ACTH level.Objectives: To assess influence ketoconasole induced changes i...

Background: A minority of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is lean, and several individuals have no signs of hyperandrogenaemia. Earlier we showed that lean PCOS patients have no increased visceral adiposity. The aim of the present study was study is to characterize the metabolic and hormonal status a group of lean PCOS cases.Methods: In this cross-sectional study ten Caucasian women with PCOS and ten controls carefully matched for age and BMI...

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with features of the insulin resistance syndrome and altered glucose homeostasis. Factors that play an important role in these processes are still emerging. Adipokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines may be involved in development of insulin resistance in PCOS. The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between adiponectin, resistin, leptin, interleukin (IL) 4, IL6, IL10, tumor necrosis factor α (T...

Already a long time ago, the subtle adaptability of the reproductive endocrine system made it possible to elaborate a hormonal castration method for female pigs, which was based on the administration of a high-dose oestrogen (diethylstilboestrol) injection. The phenomenon was believed to be the result of a negative feedback reaction. However, this theory could not explain why more than 20% of the animals treated did not respond properly to the treatment. Therefore, the goal of...