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Vercellini P, Piccini M, Caprara F, Cetera GE, Viganò P, Somigliana E. Potential anatomical determinants of retrograde menstruation: a comprehensive narrative review. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 49:104345. [PMID: 39137508 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.104345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
A century ago, Sampson identified three uterine anatomical structures that may determine the amount of retrograde menstruation and the likelihood of the development of endometriosis: the cervix, the intramural portion of the fallopian tubes, and the myometrium. Critical appraisal was undertaken of data published over the last 40 years on the potential effect of the characteristics of these three anatomical variables on the risk of endometriosis. There is some evidence to support the pathogenic role of the diameter of the cervical canal, stenosis of internal or external orifices, and stiffness of cervical tissue. One study showed a significant association between the morphology of the intramural tubal tract and the frequency of endometriosis. A large body of evidence points to abnormalities of the myometrial structure as the anatomical aberration most consistently associated with endometriosis. These abnormalities have largely been interpreted as signs of early-onset adenomyosis, which may precede endometriosis and even lead to its development by increasing the amount of retrograde menstruation. Future research should aim to verify whether a positive relationship exists between the substantially increased number of ovulatory menses occurring in the decade following menarche, the development of anatomical myometrial abnormalities, changes in the amount of retrograde menstruation over time, and the risk of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Vercellini
- Academic Centre for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi, Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Martina Piccini
- Academic Centre for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Caprara
- Academic Centre for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Emily Cetera
- Academic Centre for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi, Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Viganò
- Academic Centre for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi, Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Academic Centre for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi, Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Viganò P, Caprara F, Giola F, Di Stefano G, Somigliana E, Vercellini P. Is retrograde menstruation a universal, recurrent, physiological phenomenon? A systematic review of the evidence in humans and non-human primates. Hum Reprod Open 2024; 2024:hoae045. [PMID: 39055487 PMCID: PMC11272177 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the quantitative, qualitative, and temporal patterns of retrograde mentruation? SUMMARY ANSWER The extreme quantitative and qualitative heterogeneity of the available studies prevents the definitive conclusion that retrograde menstruation is a universal and consistent phenomenon during the reproductive period. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Retrograde menstruation has been defined as a universal, physiological phenomenon that occurs similarly in about 90% of menstruators during the reproductive period. However, uncertainties still exist in terms of the event frequency, total amount, and cellular composition of retrograde menstruation and the differences between individuals with versus those without endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION Two systematic reviews were performed, one for human studies, and one for non-human primate studies. We retrieved studies from the PubMed and Embase databases published between 1 January 1980 and 1 November 2023. Studies published in the English language were included and identified using a combination of MeSH terms. References from relevant publications were systematically screened and further articles were identified using PubMed's 'similar articles' and 'cited by' functions. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Results were reported in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Studies that did not report original data or provided a review of the field were excluded. Bias analysis was completed for each included human study by using the Newcastle-Ottawa scoring system. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Fifteen studies were finally included in the human systematic review, mostly with limited sample sizes. The macroscopic visualization of blood in PF during menses was reported with a frequency ranging from 9% to 100%. A prevalence of endometrial cells detected in peritoneal fluid ranging from 8% to 75% was reported in the various studies. Controversial findings were reported in relation to patients with endometriosis. Retrograde menstruation has been evaluated cross-sectionally on single occasions, and no information is available on the course of the phenomenon within an entire cycle and between subsequent cycles. Two studies were included in the non-human primate systematic review; one of them showed that retrograde menstruation was observed more frequently in baboons with naturally occurring endometriosis (83%) than in those with a normal pelvis (51%). LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION In humans, peritoneal fluid has often been collected at different cycle phases and not systematically during menstruation. The indication for laparoscopy was not always clear for all participants. A wide variety of methods were used to detect endometrial cells, including cytological staining, cell block analysis, immunocytochemistry, and various methods of cell culture. WIDER IMPLICATION OF THE FINDINGS The idea that almost all women experience retrograde menstruation regularly and similarly during their reproductive life is currently unsubstantiated. It is an academic notion accepted uncritically. Development of endometriosis may derive from differences in the frequency or severity of the event. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS The review was partially funded by Italian Ministry of Health-Current Research IRCCS. P.Vi. serves as co-editor in Chief of Journal of Endometriosis and Uterine Disorders. E.S. serves as Editor in Chief of Human Reproduction Open and discloses research grants from Ferring, Ibsa, Gedeon Richter, and Theramex, and honoraria from Ibsa and Gedeon Richter. P.Ve. serves as Associate Editor for Human Reproduction Open; is a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, of the Italian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and of the International Editorial Board of Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica; has received royalties from Wolters Kluwer for chapters on endometriosis management in the clinical decision support resource UpToDate; and maintains both a public and private gynecological practice. All other authors declare they have no conflict of interest. REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Viganò
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Caprara
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Academic Center for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Giola
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Academic Center for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgia Di Stefano
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Academic Center for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Vercellini
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Academic Center for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Vercellini P, Bandini V, Viganò P, Di Stefano G, Merli CEM, Somigliana E. Proposal for targeted, neo-evolutionary-oriented, secondary prevention of early-onset endometriosis and adenomyosis. Part I: pathogenic aspects. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1-17. [PMID: 37951243 PMCID: PMC10876119 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential for repeated ovulation and menstruation is thought to have provided a Darwinian advantage during the Palaeolithic. Reproductive conditions remained relatively stable until the pre-industrial era, characterized by late menarche, very young age at first birth, multiple pregnancies, and prolonged periods of lactational amenorrhoea. For hundreds of thousands of years, menstruators experienced few ovulatory cycles, even though they were genetically adapted to ovulate and menstruate every month. In the post-industrial era, the age at menarche gradually declined, the age at first birth progressively increased, and breastfeeding became optional and often of short duration. This created a mismatch between genetic adaptation and socio-environmental evolution, so that what was initially a probable reproductive advantage subsequently contributed to increased susceptibility to diseases associated with lifetime oestrogen exposure, such as ovarian, endometrial and breast cancer and, hypothetically, also those associated with the number of ovulatory menstruations, such as endometriosis and adenomyosis. The incidence of endometriosis shows a steep and progressive increase around the age of 25 years, but given the consistently reported delay in diagnosis, the actual incidence curve should be shifted to the left, supporting the possibility that the disease has its roots in adolescence. This raises the question of whether, from an evolutionary point of view, anovulation and amenorrhoea should not still be considered the physiological state, especially in the postmenarchal period. However, an increase in the frequency of endometriosis in recent decades has not been demonstrated, although this deserves further epidemiological investigation. In addition, as endometriosis occurs in a minority of individuals exposed to retrograde menstruation, other important pathogenic factors should be scrutinised. Research should be resumed to explore in more detail the transtubal reflux of not only blood, but also endometrial cells, and whether they are systematically present in the peritoneal fluid after menstruation. If repetitive ovulatory menstruation during the early reproductive years is shown to increase the risk of endometriosis and adenomyosis development and progression in susceptible individuals, hormonal interventions could be used as secondary prevention in symptomatic adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Vercellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Academic Centre for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Università degli Studi, Milano, Italy
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Veronica Bandini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Academic Centre for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Università degli Studi, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Viganò
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Academic Centre for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Università degli Studi, Milano, Italy
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Giorgia Di Stefano
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Academic Centre for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Università degli Studi, Milano, Italy
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
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Edwards TL, Greene CA, Piekos JA, Hellwege JN, Hampton G, Jasper EA, Velez Edwards DR. Challenges and Opportunities for Data Science in Women's Health. Annu Rev Biomed Data Sci 2023; 6:23-45. [PMID: 37040736 PMCID: PMC10877578 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biodatasci-020722-105958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
The intersection of women's health and data science is a field of research that has historically trailed other fields, but more recently it has gained momentum. This growth is being driven not only by new investigators who are moving into this area but also by the significant opportunities that have emerged in new methodologies, resources, and technologies in data science. Here, we describe some of the resources and methods being used by women's health researchers today to meet challenges in biomedical data science. We also describe the opportunities and limitations of applying these approaches to advance women's health outcomes and the future of the field, with emphasis on repurposing existing methodologies for women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd L Edwards
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA;
| | - Catherine A Greene
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA;
- Division of Quantitative Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jacqueline A Piekos
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA;
- Division of Quantitative Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jacklyn N Hellwege
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA;
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Gabrielle Hampton
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA;
| | - Elizabeth A Jasper
- Division of Quantitative Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Center for Precision Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Digna R Velez Edwards
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA;
- Division of Quantitative Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Kolte AM, Westergaard D, Lidegaard Ø, Brunak S, Nielsen HS. Chance of live birth: a nationwide, registry-based cohort study. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1065-1073. [PMID: 33394013 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does the sequence of prior pregnancy events (pregnancy losses, live births, ectopic pregnancies, molar pregnancy and still birth), obstetric complications and maternal age affect chance of live birth in the next pregnancy and are prior events predictive for the outcome? SUMMARY ANSWER The sequence of pregnancy outcomes is significantly associated with chance of live birth; however, pregnancy history and age are insufficient to predict the outcome of an individual woman's next pregnancy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Adverse pregnancy outcomes decrease the chance of live birth in the next pregnancy, whereas the impact of prior live births is less clear. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Nationwide, registry-based cohort study of 1 285 230 women with a total of 2 722 441 pregnancies from 1977 to 2017. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS All women living in Denmark in the study period with at least one pregnancy in either the Danish Medical Birth Registry or the Danish National Patient Registry. Data were analysed using logistic regression with a robust covariance model to account for women with more than one pregnancy. Model discrimination and calibration were ascertained using 20% of the women in the cohort randomly selected as an internal validation set. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Obstetric complications, still birth, ectopic pregnancies and pregnancy losses had a negative effect on the chance of live birth in the next pregnancy. Consecutive, identical pregnancy outcomes (pregnancy losses, live births or ectopic pregnancies) immediately preceding the next pregnancy had a larger impact than the total number of any outcome. Model discrimination was modest (C-index = 0.60, positive predictive value = 0.45), but the models were well calibrated. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION While prior pregnancy outcomes and their sequence significantly influenced the chance of live birth, the discriminative abilities of the predictive models demonstrate clearly that pregnancy history and maternal age are insufficient to reliably predict the outcome of a given pregnancy. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Prior pregnancy history has a significant impact on the chance of live birth in the next pregnancy. However, the results emphasize that only taking age and number of losses into account does not predict if a pregnancy will end as a live birth or not. A better understanding of biological determinants for pregnancy outcomes is urgently needed. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The work was supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Ole Kirk Foundation and Rigshospitalet's Research Foundation. The authors have no financial relationships that could appear to have influenced the work. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid M Kolte
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Fertility Clinic 4071, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, and Hvidovre Hospital, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - David Westergaard
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Fertility Clinic 4071, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, and Hvidovre Hospital, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.,Methods and Analysis, Statistics Denmark, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Øjvind Lidegaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.,Department of Gynaecology 4232, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Søren Brunak
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Henriette Svarre Nielsen
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Fertility Clinic 4071, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, and Hvidovre Hospital, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.,Department of Gynaecology-and-Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre Hospital, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
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Sauer S, Beinart D, Finn SMB, Kumar SL, Cheng Q, Hwang SE, Parker W, Devi GR. Hymenolepis diminuta-based helminth therapy in C3(1)-TAg mice does not alter breast tumor onset or progression. Evol Med Public Health 2021; 9:131-138. [PMID: 33738103 PMCID: PMC7953836 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoab007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES An individual's risk of breast cancer is profoundly affected by evolutionary mismatch. Mismatches in Western society known to increase the risk of breast cancer include a sedentary lifestyle and reproductive factors. Biota alteration, characterized by a loss of biodiversity from the ecosystem of the human body as a result of Western society, is a mismatch known to increase the risk of a variety of inflammation-related diseases, including colitis-associated colon cancer. However, the effect of biota alteration on breast cancer has not been evaluated. METHODOLOGY In this study, we utilized the C3(1)-TAg mouse model of breast cancer to evaluate the role of biota alteration in the development of breast cancer. This model has been used to recapitulate the role of exercise and pregnancy in reducing the risk of breast cancer. C3(1)-TAg mice were treated with Hymenolepis diminuta, a benign helminth that has been shown to reverse the effects of biota alteration in animal models. RESULTS No effect of the helminth H. diminuta was observed. Neither the latency nor tumor growth was affected by the therapy, and no significant effects on tumor transcriptome were observed based on RNAseq analysis. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings suggest that biota alteration, although known to affect a variety of Western-associated diseases, might not be a significant factor in the high rate of breast cancer observed in Western societies. LAY SUMMARY An almost complete loss of intestinal worms in high-income countries has led to increases in allergic disorders, autoimmune conditions, and perhaps colon cancer. However, in this study, results using laboratory mice suggest that loss of intestinal worms might not be associated with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Sauer
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Dylan Beinart
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Sade M B Finn
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Sereena L Kumar
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Qing Cheng
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Shelley E Hwang
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - William Parker
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Gayathri R Devi
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Klement RJ, Koebrunner PS, Krage K, Weigel MM, Sweeney RA. Short-term effects of a Paleolithic lifestyle intervention in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy: a pilot and feasibility study. Med Oncol 2020; 38:1. [PMID: 33247817 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-020-01443-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Evolutionary principles are rarely considered in clinical oncology. We here aimed to test the feasibility and effects of a dietary and physical activity intervention based on evolutionary considerations in an oncological setting. A total of 13 breast cancer patients referred to our clinic for curative radiotherapy were recruited for this pilot study. The women were supposed to undertake a "Paleolithic lifestyle" (PL) intervention consisting of a Paleolithic diet and daily outdoor activity of at least 30 min duration while undergoing radiotherapy. Body composition was measured weekly by bioimpedance analysis. Blood parameters were assessed before, during, and at the end of radiotherapy. A control group on an unspecified standard diet (SD) was assigned by propensity score matching. A total of eleven patients completed the study. The majority of patients (64%) reported feeling good or very good during the intervention. The intervention group experienced an average decrease of 0.4 kg body weight (p < 0.001) and 0.34 kg (p < 0.001) fat mass per week, but fat-free and skeletal muscle mass were not significantly affected. Vitamin D levels increased slightly from 23.8 (11-37.3) ng/ml to 25.1 (22.6-41.6) ng/ml (p = 0.053). β-hydroxybutyrate levels were significantly increased and triglycerides and free T3 hormone levels significantly reduced by the PL intervention. This pilot study shows that adoption of a PL intervention during curative radiotherapy of breast cancer patients is feasible and able to reduce fat mass. Daily outdoor activity could eliminate vitamin D deficiency (vitamin D < 20 ng/ml). Future studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer J Klement
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leopoldina Hospital, Robert-Koch-Straße 10, 97422, Schweinfurt, Germany.
| | - Petra S Koebrunner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leopoldina Hospital, Robert-Koch-Straße 10, 97422, Schweinfurt, Germany
| | - Kelley Krage
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leopoldina Hospital, Robert-Koch-Straße 10, 97422, Schweinfurt, Germany
| | - Michael M Weigel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leopoldina Hospital, Schweinfurt, Germany.,Breast Cancer Centre, Leopoldina Hospital, Schweinfurt, Germany
| | - Reinhart A Sweeney
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leopoldina Hospital, Robert-Koch-Straße 10, 97422, Schweinfurt, Germany.,Breast Cancer Centre, Leopoldina Hospital, Schweinfurt, Germany
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