Estrogen depletion modulates aortic prothrombotic signaling in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive female rats.

Aim: In this study, we investigated how platelets and aorta contribute to the creation and maintenance of a prothrombotic state in an experimental model of postmenopausal hypertension in ovariectomized rats.

Methods: Bilateral ovariectomy was performed in both 14-week-old female spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. The animals were kept in phytoestrogen free diet.

The Correlation between Chlamydia Trachomatis and Female Infertility: A Systematic Review.

The impact of (CT) infection on female's fertility is not completely established yet, since the level of evidence associating these factors is still weak. Hence, the goal of the present review is to contribute to a better elucidation of this matter. The electronic database chosen was the Medline/PubMed, with the last survey on May 11, 2021.

Urine proteomic analysis reveals alterations in heme/hemoglobin and aminopeptidase metabolism during Lonomia obliqua venom-induced acute kidney injury.

Aims: Accidental contact with the Lonomia obliqua caterpillar is a common event in southern Brazil. Envenomed victims present consumption coagulopathy, which can evolve to acute kidney injury (AKI). In the present study, we searched for AKI biomarkers and changes in molecular pathway signatures through urine proteomic analysis.

Use of clomiphene citrate protocol for controlled ovarian stimulation impairs endometrial maturity.

Introduction: Despite recent advances in assisted reproduction techniques and recent knowledge regarding embryo and endometrium quality, implantation and birth rates remain low. The objective of this study was to investigate whether clomiphene citrate alters endometrial maturation in infertile patients.

Methods: In a prospective self-matched cohort study, we assessed the ovulation of women in spontaneous and stimulated cycles (with clomiphene citrate).

Kallikrein-kinin system and oxidative stress in cisplatin-induced ovarian toxicity.

Kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) is involved in vascular reactivity and inflammatory response to cytotoxic drugs. Since cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapy and its cytotoxic mechanism can trigger inflammation and oxidative damage, in this work we evaluated the role of KKS in an animal model of cisplatin-induced ovarian toxicity. Biomarkers of ovarian stem cells, activity of KKS, inflammation and oxidative damage were measured in ovarian tissue of C57BL/6 female mice treated with vehicle or cisplatin (2.

Ovarian tissue vitrification is more efficient than slow freezing to preserve ovarian stem cells in CF-1 mice.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of protocols for mice ovary cryopreservation to compare the differences in Mouse Vasa Homologue expression (a germline cell marker) and ovarian viability after vitrification or slow freezing.

Methods: Female CF1 mice aged 40-45 days were randomly divided into three groups: Control, vitrification or slow freezing. Their ovaries were surgically removed, rinsed in saline solution and cryopreserved.

Tissue-engineered solution containing cells and biomaterials-an in vitro study: A perspective as a novel therapeutic application.

Some biomaterial scaffolds can positively interfere with tissue regeneration and are being developed to successfully repair the tissue function. The possibility of using epithelial cells combined with biomaterials appears to be a new option as therapeutic application. This combination emerges as a possibility for patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome which requires vaginal repair and can be performed with tissue-engineered solution containing cells and biomaterials.

Renal and vascular effects of kallikrein inhibition in a model of Lonomia obliqua venom-induced acute kidney injury.

Background: Lonomia obliqua venom is nephrotoxic and acute kidney injury (AKI) is the main cause of death among envenomed victims. Mechanism underlying L. obliqua-induced AKI involves renal hypoperfusion, inflammation, tubular necrosis and loss of glomerular filtration and tubular reabsorption capacities.

Comparison of human mesenchymal stromal cells from four neonatal tissues: Amniotic membrane, chorionic membrane, placental decidua and umbilical cord.

Background: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are being investigated as a potential alternative for cellular therapy. This study was designed to compare the biological characteristics of MSCs isolated from amniotic membrane (A-MSCs), chorionic membrane (C-MSCs), placental decidua (D-MSCs) and umbilical cord (UC-MSCs) to ascertain whether any one of these sources is superior to the others for cellular therapy purposes.

Methods: MSCs were isolated from amniotic membrane, chorionic membrane, umbilical cord and placental decidua.

Efficacy, safety, and acceptability of thermocoagulation for treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in a hospital setting in Brazil.

Objective: To analyze the acceptability, safety, and effectiveness of thermocoagulation for the treatment of histologically proven cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2-3 (CIN2-3) lesions.

Methods: In a retrospective study, data were obtained for women treated for CIN2-3 lesions by thermocoagulation at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil, between March 6, 2012, and October 29, 2013, and followed up after 1 year. The proportions of women with no evidence of disease, adverse effects, or complications were determined.

Short-term effects of a hypocaloric diet with low glycemic index and low glycemic load on body adiposity, metabolic variables, ghrelin, leptin, and pregnancy rate in overweight and obese infertile women: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Obesity is related to hormonal disorders that affect the reproductive system. Low-glycemic index (LGI) diets seem to exert a positive effect on weight loss and on metabolic changes that result from obesity.

Objective: We investigated the effects of a hypocaloric diet with an LGI and low glycemic load on anthropometric and metabolic variables, ghrelin and leptin concentrations, and the pregnancy rate in overweight and obese infertile women who were undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Dexamethasone and azathioprine promote cytoskeletal changes and affect mesenchymal stem cell migratory behavior.

Glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive drugs are commonly used to treat inflammatory disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and despite a few improvements, the remission of IBD is still difficult to maintain. Due to their immunomodulatory properties, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as regulators of the immune response, and their viability and activation of their migratory properties are essential for successful cell therapy. However, little is known about the effects of immunosuppressant drugs used in IBD treatment on MSC behavior.

Intravenous vs intraperitoneal mesenchymal stem cells administration: what is the best route for treating experimental colitis?

Aim: To investigate the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplanted intraperitoneally and intravenously in a murine model of colitis.

Methods: MSCs were isolated from C57BL/6 mouse adipose tissue. MSC cultures were analyzed according to morphology, cellular differentiation potential, and surface molecular markers.

Ovarian stimulation with GnRH analogues.

Objective: Analysis and compare data between two induction protocols (long agonist and flexible antagonist) in patients submitted an assisted reproduction technique in Porto Alegre.

Methods: Cross-sectional study comparing the intermediate results with the use of two different ovarian stimulation protocols with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist versus antagonist to assisted reproductive techniques. The statistical analysis of the retrieved data (age, body mass index, number of oocytes recovered, number of fertilized oocytes, number of oocytes cleaved, total dose of FSH used and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) was performed by Student's t-test for parametric data and analysis of covariance for the dependent variables.

Comparative analysis of two cryopreservation systems of ovarian tissues in female Wistar rats.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the most efficient protocol for cryopreservation of ovarian tissue using the automatic Freeze Control® system and to test two different cooling curves combined with two different cryoprotectants: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethylene glycol (EG).

Methods: In this study, 20 female Wistar rats underwent bilateral oophorectomy. The ovaries were divided into two groups: one cryopreserved in 1.

Lack of association between thrombophilic gene variants and recurrent pregnancy loss.

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as the occurrence of two or more consecutive pregnancy losses. It is an important reproductive condition with a complex etiology. In approximately 50% of RPL cases an explanation for the cause is not found and they are therefore classified as idiopathic RPL.

Sexual function and chemotherapy in postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

Background: This cross-sectional, nested cohort study assessed Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores in postmenopausal women with breast cancer receiving primary chemotherapy.

Methods: The FSFI questionnaire was administered to 24 postmenopausal women one month after diagnosis of breast cancer (post-diagnosis group) and one month after completion of the first cycle of primary anthracyclin-based chemotherapy (post-chemotherapy group). Scores were compared to those of 24 healthy postmenopausal women seeking routine gynecological care (control group).

Dynamic culture improves MSC adhesion on freeze-dried bone as a scaffold for bone engineering.

Aim: To investigate the interaction between mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and bone grafts using two different cultivation methods: static and dynamic.

Methods: MSCs were isolated from rat bone marrow. MSC culture was analyzed according to the morphology, cell differentiation potential, and surface molecular markers.

Pyoderma gangrenosum postlaparoscopy: a rare complication.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, chronic, often destructive, inflammatory skin disease in which a painful nodule or pustule breaks down to form a progressively enlarging ulcer. There are only 4 reported cases of postlaparoscopic PG and the purpose of this case report is to describe a patient found to have the disease after elective laparoscopy. Although rare, the occurrence of PG after surgery, even where incisions are small such as in laparoscopic surgery, is a diagnosis that cannot be neglected, especially due to the high morbidity, which increases if the diagnosis is not made and the patient is subjected to debridement.

Assisted reproduction: what factors interfere in the professional's decisions? Are single women an issue?

Background: With the development of medical technology, many countries around the world have been implementing ethical guidelines and laws regarding Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR). A physician's reproductive decisions are not solely based on technical criteria but are also influenced by society values. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the factors prioritized by MAR professionals when deciding on whether to accept to perform assisted reproduction and to show any existing cultural differences.

Agreement on perceptions of quality of life in couples dealing with infertility.

Objective: To examine the extent to which men and women seeking treatment for infertility were able to accurately perceive their partners' ratings of their quality of life (QOL).

Design: Cross-sectional prospective study. Quality of life was measured as a multidimensional construct.

Betacellulin overexpression in mesenchymal stem cells induces insulin secretion in vitro and ameliorates streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia in rats.

Betacellulin (BTC), a ligand of the epidermal growth factor receptor, has been shown to promote growth and differentiation of pancreatic β-cells and to improve glucose metabolism in experimental diabetic rodent models. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been already proved to be multipotent. Recent work has attributed to rat and human MSCs the potential to differentiate into insulin-secreting cells.

Psychological distress as predictor of quality of life in men experiencing infertility: a cross-sectional survey.

Background: Infertility is associated with impairment in human life. The quality of life (QOL) construct allows measuring the impact of health conditions in a broader way. The study aimed to explore the impact of the psychological distress on QOL's dimensions in men experiencing infertility.

Investigating quality of life and health-related quality of life in infertility: a systematic review.

Objective: To review the findings on quality of life (QOL) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among infertile women, men and couples.

Design: Systematic review.

Methods: Publications between January 1980 and July 2009 in Medline, PsycInfo, Embase and Health and Psychosocial Instruments were compiled using the following inclusion criteria: papers published in peer-reviewed journals; written in English, French, Spanish or Portuguese; presented original findings; assessed quality of life or health-related quality of life as an outcome; included infertile subjects without other clinical conditions; used validated measures.