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Scavello I, Maseroli E, Cipriani S, Di Stasi V, Verde N, Menafra D, Scannerini S, Marchiani S, Rastrelli G, Ricca V, Sorbi F, Fambrini M, Petraglia F, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Cardiometabolic risk is unraveled by color Doppler ultrasound of the clitoral and uterine arteries in women consulting for sexual symptoms. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18899. [PMID: 34552164 PMCID: PMC8458448 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98336-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) may be a mirror of a poor cardiometabolic state. In a small pilot study enrolling 71 women with FSD, we previously demonstrated that clitoral Pulsatility Index (PI) evaluated by using color Doppler ultrasound (CDU), reflecting vascular resistance, was associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. Data on uterine CDU in this context are lacking. First, to confirm previously reported data on the direct association between clitoral PI and cardiometabolic risk factors on a larger study population of women consulting for sexual symptoms; second, to investigate eventual similar correlations between cardiometabolic risk factors and CDU parameters of the uterine artery. We also ascertained whether uterine artery PI, similarly to what had previously been observed for clitoral artery PI, was directly related to body image uneasiness and psychopathological symptoms, assessed by validated questionnaires. N = 230 women consulting our clinic for sexual symptoms were examined with clitoral CDU and blood sampling and were asked to fill out the Female Sexual Function Index, the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ) and the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT). In a subgroup of women (n = 164), we also performed transvaginal CDU with measurement of uterine artery parameters. At multivariate analysis, we found a direct association between clitoral PI and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.004), waist circumference (WC) (p = 0.004), triglycerides (p = 0.006), insulin (p = 0.029) and HOMA-IR (p = 0.009). Furthermore, a correlation between obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and a higher clitoral PI was observed (p = 0.003 and p = 0.012, respectively). Clitoral PI was also correlated with MHQ-S (p = 0.010), a scale exploring somatized anxiety symptoms, and BUT-B Positive Symptom Distress Index (p = 0.010), a measure of body image concerns. Similarly, when investigating the uterine artery, we were able to demonstrate an association between its PI and BMI (p < 0.0001), WC (p = 0.001), insulin (p = 0.006), glycated haemoglobin (p = < 0.0001), and HOMA-IR (p = 0.009). Women diagnosed with obesity and MetS showed significantly higher uterine PI values vs. those without obesity or MetS (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). Finally, uterine PI was associated with BUT-A Global Severity Index (p < 0.0001) and with several other BUT-A subdomains. Vascular resistance of clitoral and uterine arteries is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors and body image concerns in women consulting for sexual symptoms. If further confirmed in different populations, our data could suggest CDU, a common examination method, as a useful tool for an identification—and possible correction—of cardiometabolic risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Scavello
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - E Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - S Cipriani
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - V Di Stasi
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - N Verde
- Clinical Medicine and Surgery Department, Section of Endocrinology, Unit of Andrology, Reproductive Medicine and Male and Female Sexuality (FERTISEXCARES), Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - D Menafra
- Clinical Medicine and Surgery Department, Section of Endocrinology, Unit of Andrology, Reproductive Medicine and Male and Female Sexuality (FERTISEXCARES), Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - S Scannerini
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - S Marchiani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy.,Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - V Ricca
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - F Sorbi
- Gynecology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Fambrini
- Gynecology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - F Petraglia
- Gynecology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy. .,Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy.
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Bianchi VE, Bresciani E, Meanti R, Rizzi L, Omeljaniuk RJ, Torsello A. The role of androgens in women's health and wellbeing. Pharmacol Res 2021; 171:105758. [PMID: 34242799 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Androgens in women, as well as in men, are intrinsic to maintenance of (i) reproductive competency, (ii) cardiac health, (iii) appropriate bone remodeling and mass retention, (iii) muscle tone and mass, and (iv) brain function, in part, through their mitigation of neurodegenerative disease effects. In recognition of the pluripotency of endogenous androgens, exogenous androgens, and selected congeners, have been prescribed off-label for several decades to treat low libido and sexual dysfunction in menopausal women, as well as, to improve physical performance. However, long-term safety and efficacy of androgen administration has yet to be fully elucidated. Side effects often observed include (i) hirsutism, (ii) acne, (iii) deepening of the voice, and (iv) weight gain but are associated most frequently with supra-physiological doses. By contrast, short-term clinical trials suggest that the use of low-dose testosterone therapy in women appears to be effective, safe and economical. There are, however, few clinical studies, which have focused on effects of androgen therapy on pre- and post-menopausal women; moreover, androgen mechanisms of action have not yet been thoroughly explained in these subjects. This review considers clinical effects of androgens on women's health in order to prevent chronic diseases and reduce cancer risk in gynecological tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio E Bianchi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Center Stella Maris, Strada Rovereta 42, Falciano 47891, San Marino.
| | - Elena Bresciani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
| | - Ramona Meanti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
| | - Laura Rizzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
| | - Robert J Omeljaniuk
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Rd, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada.
| | - Antonio Torsello
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
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Barbagallo F, Mongioì L, Cannarella R, La Vignera S, Condorelli R, Calogero A. Sexual Dysfunction in Diabetic Women: An Update on Current Knowledge. DIABETOLOGY 2020; 1:11-21. [DOI: 10.3390/diabetology1010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide and its prevalence is expected to increase in the coming years. Therefore, updated knowledge of all diabetic complications and their management is essential for the proper treatment of these patients. Sexual dysfunctions are one of the long-term complications of DM in both genders. However, female sexuality is still a taboo and sexual concerns are often overlooked, underdiagnosed, and untreated. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the relationship between sexual function and DM in women. In particular, we evaluated the prevalence, etiology, diagnostic approaches, and current treatment options of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in diabetic patients.
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