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Stachowska A, Kicińska AM, Kotulak-Chrząszcz A, Babińska A. Usefulness of the Sympto-Thermal Method with Standardized Cervical Mucus Assessment (InVivo Method) for Evaluating the Monthly Cycle in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1108. [PMID: 38891183 PMCID: PMC11172004 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12111108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: FABMs (fertility awareness-based methods) are methods that rely on the observation of clinical signs related to fertility found in women, the so-called fertility bioindicators. They can be a valuable tool for diagnosing monthly cycle disorders and infertility, for example, among patients with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). Until now, it has been difficult for women with PCOS to use FABM, due to the difficulty of describing fertility bioindicators and their disorders due to the biology of the syndrome. The new InVivo sympto-thermal method with standardized cervical mucus assessment may provide a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool for observing the monthly cycle in this group of women. (2) Methods: The monthly cycle was evaluated in a group of 32 women of reproductive age. A total of 108 monthly cycle observation cards were analyzed: 35 monthly cycle cards were collected from 18 women with PCOS, and 73 monthly cycle cards collected from 14 healthy women. In addition, 32 pairs of macroscopic and microscopic images were evaluated: 17 pairs from the study group (four subjects) and 15 pairs from women in the control group (six subjects). (3) Results: We showed that in the group of patients with PCOS, menstruation was longer (p = 0.000814), the number of mucus peaks was statistically higher (p = 0.040747), and the interquartile range (IQR) of the duration of the follicular phase (calculated according to the BBT) was significantly higher (8 days) compared to women in the control group. We also observed that among all the women studied, the microscopic image of cervical mucus correlated with the cycle phase described in the observation card, as determined by reference to the BBT chart, provided that it showed the correct features. (4) Conclusions: Systematic maintenance of monthly cycle observation charts using the InVivo method can be an important supplement to the medical history, as it allows for a thorough assessment of, among others, the timing of monthly bleeding, cervical mucus symptoms, BBT changes, and the duration of the follicular and luteal phases among both healthy and PCOS women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Stachowska
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Aleksandra M. Kicińska
- Center for the Treatment of Infertility and Menstrual Cycle Disorders—InVivo Medical Clinic of Gdansk, 80-306 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Anna Kotulak-Chrząszcz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Anna Babińska
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland;
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Aaly-Gharibeh Z, Hosseinchi M, Shalizar-Jalali A. Effect of nanocurcumin on fertility in murine model of polycystic ovary syndrome. VETERINARY RESEARCH FORUM : AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL 2024; 15:113-117. [PMID: 38465321 PMCID: PMC10924291 DOI: 10.30466/vrf.2023.2006604.3935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The precise pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not well-founded. In an attempt to fill this gap, the current study was executed to probe the effect of nanocurcumin (NCC) on ovarian tissue, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and pre-implantation embryo development in a mouse model of PCOS. Fifty adult female mice were randomly categorized into five equal groups including non-treated control and PCOS (receiving 0.20 mg estradiol valerate (EV) intra-peritoneally once a day for 21 days) as well as NCC12.50 + PCOS, NCC25 + PCOS and NCC50 + PCOS (receiving respectively 12.50, 25.00 and 50.00 mg kg-1 NCC daily along with EV injection through oral gavages for 21 days) groups. Subsequently, ovarian histo-architecture and total anti-oxidant capacity, and malonaldehyde and catalase levels as well as in vitro fertilizing potential, early embryonic development and serum testosterone concentration were analyzed. Results showed that NCC in a dose-dependent manner improved ovarian cyto-architectural organization and oxidant/anti-oxidant balance along with IVF rate and pre-implantation embryo development in PCOS mice. These findings revealed that NCC at the doses of 25.00 and 50.00 mg kg-1 could alleviate PCOS-linked reproductive disruptions in female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Aaly-Gharibeh
- DVMGraduate, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran;
| | - Mohammadreza Hosseinchi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran;
| | - Ali Shalizar-Jalali
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
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Kowalcze K, Krysiak R, Obuchowicz A. Minipuberty in Sons of Women with Low Vitamin D Status during Pregnancy. Nutrients 2023; 15:4729. [PMID: 38004122 PMCID: PMC10674928 DOI: 10.3390/nu15224729] [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] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Minipuberty is a transient phase of reproductive axis activation during the first several months of life, playing an important role in the development of reproductive organs in boys. Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of neonatal complications. An inadequate gestational vitamin D status is hypothesized to affect the postnatal activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The purpose of our study was to assess whether a low vitamin D status during pregnancy determines the course of minipuberty in boys. The study included three groups of male infants born to women with different vitamin D statuses: sons of women with vitamin D deficiency (group 1), sons of women with vitamin D insufficiency (group 2), and male offspring of females with normal 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (group 3 (the reference group)). Concentrations of testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, estradiol, progesterone, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone in saliva, as well as concentrations of gonadotropins in urine, were assayed monthly from postnatal months 1 to 6, and once every 2 months in the second half of the first year of life. Additionally, at each visit, penile length and testicular volume were assessed. Concentrations of testosterone, FSH, and LH, as well as penile length and testicular volume, were greater in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3. In turn, group 2 was characterized by higher FSH levels and a greater testicular volume than group 3. Peak concentrations of LH and testosterone were observed earlier in group 1 than in the remaining groups. The obtained results suggest that a low vitamin D status during pregnancy may have a stimulatory impact on reproductive axis activity and on the early postnatal development of male genital organs, correlating with the severity of hypovitaminosis D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kowalcze
- Department of Pediatrics in Bytom, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Stefana Batorego 15, 41-902 Bytom, Poland;
| | - Robert Krysiak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Anna Obuchowicz
- Department of Pediatrics in Bytom, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Stefana Batorego 15, 41-902 Bytom, Poland;
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Kicińska AM, Maksym RB, Zabielska-Kaczorowska MA, Stachowska A, Babińska A. Immunological and Metabolic Causes of Infertility in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1567. [PMID: 37371662 PMCID: PMC10295970 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility has been recognized as a civilizational disease. One of the most common causes of infertility is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Closely interrelated immunometabolic mechanisms underlie the development of this complex syndrome and lead to infertility. The direct cause of infertility in PCOS is ovulation and implantation disorders caused by low-grade inflammation of ovarian tissue and endometrium which, in turn, result from immune and metabolic system disorders. The systemic immune response, in particular the inflammatory response, in conjunction with metabolic disorders, insulin resistance (IR), hyperadrenalism, insufficient secretion of progesterone, and oxidative stress lead not only to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, autoimmunity, and lipid metabolism disorders but also to infertility. Depending on the genetic and environmental conditions as well as certain cultural factors, some diseases may occur immediately, while others may become apparent years after an infertility diagnosis. Each of them alone can be a significant factor contributing to the development of PCOS and infertility. Further research will allow clinical management protocols to be established for PCOS patients experiencing infertility so that a targeted therapy approach can be applied to the factor underlying and driving the "vicious circle" alongside symptomatic treatment and ovulation stimulation. Hence, therapy of fertility for PCOS should be conducted by interdisciplinary teams of specialists as an in-depth understanding of the molecular relationships and clinical implications between the immunological and metabolic factors that trigger reproductive system disorders is necessary to restore the physiology and homeostasis of the body and, thus, fertility, among PCOS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Maria Kicińska
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, ul. Debinki 1, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (A.M.K.); (M.A.Z.-K.)
| | - Radoslaw B. Maksym
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education, ul. Żelazna 90, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Magdalena A. Zabielska-Kaczorowska
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, ul. Debinki 1, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (A.M.K.); (M.A.Z.-K.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, ul. Debinki 1, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Aneta Stachowska
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, ul. Debinki 1, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (A.M.K.); (M.A.Z.-K.)
| | - Anna Babińska
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
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Chen P, Jia R, Liu Y, Cao M, Zhou L, Zhao Z. Progress of Adipokines in the Female Reproductive System: A Focus on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:881684. [PMID: 35692386 PMCID: PMC9178087 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.881684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissue, one type of loose connective tissue in the human body, maintains the primary task of energy storage. Adipose tissue is not only an energy reservoir but also plays a vital role as the largest endocrine organ of the whole body via releasing a variety of adipokines, which participate in many pathophysiological processes, such as energy metabolism regulation, glucose and lipid metabolism, and inflammation. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder that mainly involves the female reproductive system, affecting women of childbearing age particularly. Insulin resistance (IR) and hyperandrogenemia (HA) have been implicated as a critical link involving the etiology and outcome of PCOS. A great deal of studies has bridged the gap between adipokines (such as Adiponectin, Chemerin, Metrnl, Apelin, Resistin, Visfatin, Leptin, Vaspin, Lipocalin 2, and Omentin) and reproductive fitness. In this review, we will focus on the adipokines' functions on PCOS and come up with some points of view on the basis of current research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zhiming Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Nutrition Strategy and Life Style in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-Narrative Review. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13072452. [PMID: 34371961 PMCID: PMC8308732 DOI: 10.3390/nu13072452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Here we present an extensive narrative review of the broadly understood modifications to the lifestyles of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The PubMed database was analyzed, combining PCOS entries with causes, diseases, diet supplementation, lifestyle, physical activity, and use of herbs. The metabolic pathways leading to disturbances in lipid, carbohydrate, and hormonal metabolism in targeted patients are described. The article refers to sleep disorders, changes in mental health parameters, and causes of oxidative stress and inflammation. These conditions consistently lead to the occurrence of severe diseases in patients suffering from diabetes, the fatty degeneration of internal organs, infertility, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, dysbiosis, and cancer. The modification of lifestyles, diet patterns and proper selection of nutrients, pharmacological and natural supplementation in the form of herbs, and physical activity have been proposed. The progress and consequences of PCOS are largely modifiable and depend on the patient’s approach, although we have to take into account also the genetic determinants.
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Wawrzkiewicz-Jałowiecka A, Lalik A, Soveral G. Recent Update on the Molecular Mechanisms of Gonadal Steroids Action in Adipose Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5226. [PMID: 34069293 PMCID: PMC8157194 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The gonadal steroids, including androgens, estrogens and progestogens, are involved in the control of body fat distribution in humans. Nevertheless, not only the size and localization of the fat depots depend on the sex steroids levels, but they can also highly affect the functioning of adipose tissue. Namely, the gonadocorticoids can directly influence insulin signaling, lipid metabolism, fatty acid uptake and adipokine production. They may also alter energy balance and glucose homeostasis in adipocytes in an indirect way, e.g., by changing the expression level of aquaglyceroporins. This work presents the recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanism of how the gonadal steroids influence the functioning of adipose tissue leading to a set of detrimental metabolic consequences. Special attention is given here to highlighting the sexual dimorphism of adipocyte functioning in terms of health and disease. Particularly, we discuss the molecular background of metabolic disturbances occurring in consequence of hormonal imbalance which is characteristic of some common endocrinopathies such as the polycystic ovary syndrome. From this perspective, we highlight the potential drug targets and the active substances which can be used in personalized sex-specific management of metabolic diseases, in accord with the patient's hormonal status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Wawrzkiewicz-Jałowiecka
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Anna Lalik
- Department of Systems Biology and Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 16, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland;
- Biotechnology Center, Silesian University of Technology, B. Krzywoustego 8, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Graça Soveral
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
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Pheiffer C, Dias S, Jack B, Malaza N, Adam S. Adiponectin as a Potential Biomarker for Pregnancy Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1326. [PMID: 33572712 PMCID: PMC7866110 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived hormone that plays a critical role in energy homeostasis, mainly attributed to its insulin-sensitizing properties. Accumulating studies have reported that adiponectin concentrations are decreased during metabolic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, with an emerging body of evidence providing support for its use as a biomarker for pregnancy complications. The identification of maternal factors that could predict the outcome of compromised pregnancies could act as valuable tools that allow the early recognition of high-risk pregnancies, facilitating close follow-up and prevention of pregnancy complications in mother and child. In this review we consider the role of adiponectin as a potential biomarker of disorders associated with pregnancy. We discuss common disorders associated with pregnancy (gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, preterm birth and abnormal intrauterine growth) and highlight studies that have investigated the potential of adiponectin to serve as biomarkers for these disorders. We conclude the review by recommending strategies to consider for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Pheiffer
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (S.D.); (B.J.); (N.M.)
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 19063, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Stephanie Dias
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (S.D.); (B.J.); (N.M.)
| | - Babalwa Jack
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (S.D.); (B.J.); (N.M.)
| | - Nompumelelo Malaza
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (S.D.); (B.J.); (N.M.)
- Department of Reproductive Biology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X169, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Sumaiya Adam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X169, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
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