Metformin effects on ovarian ultrasound appearance and steroidogenic function in normal-weight normoinsulinemic women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Objective: To investigate metformin effects on the endocrine-metabolic parameters and ovarian morphology in normoinsulinemic women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design: Randomized double-blind study.

Setting: Operative Division of Endocrinological Gynecology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.

Metformin improves endothelial function in normoinsulinemic PCOS patients: a new prospective.

Background: Metformin was reported to improve the alterations of endothelial reactivity in normal-weight subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms of action of this drug on the vascular function of this population.

Methods: Thirteen normal-weight, normoinsulinemic and normolipemic PCOS women were studied before and after 6 months of metformin treatment (1000 mg/day).

Vascular endothelial growth factor level changes during human embryo development in culture medium.

Objective: Implantation is a complex phenomenon consisting of the first strong contact between embryo and endometrium. Recent studies have demonstrated that this process is dependent not only on the 'readiness' of the endometrium, but also on complex interactions between endometrial and embryonic tissues that cross-talk by means of different molecules (growth factors, cytokines, vasoactive factors). Investigations performed on human blastocysts indicate a role for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in these processes.

Vascular endothelial growth factor and its soluble receptor in benign and malignant ovarian tumors.

An imbalance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors is hypothesized in the pathogenesis of ovarian cystic disease. The aim of the following study was to explore the possible role of free vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (sVEGFR-1), a soluble regulator of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) action, in ovarian cystoadenoma, endometriomata and cystoadenocarcinoma. Forty-eight women, of whom fourteen had ovarian serous cysts, twenty-eight had stage III-IV ovarian endometriomata, and six had stage IIIB-IIIC ovarian carcinoma, were included.

Pioglitazone reduces the adrenal androgen response to corticotropin-releasing factor without changes in ACTH release in hyperinsulinemic women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Objective: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis seems to hyperfunction at both central and peripheral levels in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Hyperinsulinemia is involved in the adrenal hyper-responsiveness to ACTH. The present study was performed to investigate the role of insulin in the derangement of the hypothalamic-pituitary compartment of the HPA axis in PCOS.

Vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor in polycystic ovary syndrome during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that causes anovulation and consequent subfertility. It is well established that increased ovarian mass, supported by new blood vessel proliferation in stroma and theca, is a key feature of PCOS. Recent studies suggest a role for angiogenetic factors in this phenomenon.

Therapeutic strategies for ovulation induction in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by hirsutism, obesity, hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. The syndrome is often accompanied by infertility because of anovulation. Many approaches have been proposed to solve this problem, with the most commonly used therapies being ovarian drilling and pharmacological ovulation induction.

Vascular endothelial growth factor and its soluble receptor in ovarian pathology.

Objective: The soluble form of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor, s-VEGFR-1, may negatively regulate the action of VEGF. Our purpose was to better understand the regulation of angiogenetic processes in ovarian cysts.

Methods: Seventy-three women, 36 with serous cystoadenoma, 30 with ovarian endometriosis and seven with cystoadenocarcinoma, were enrolled.

A randomized control comparison study of culture media (HTF versus P1) for human in vitro fertilization.

Objective: It is now widely accepted that increasing the number of replacement embryos (>3 embryos per embryo transfer [ET]) is associated with an increased risk of multiple pregnancies. While embryo reduction is often proposed when there is a high risk of multiple pregnancies, it is a difficult decision for the couple. For this reason, different studies have focused on single embryo transfer, more precisely blastocyst transfer.