The prevalence of non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency in Russian women with hyperandrogenism.

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH) due to 21-hydroxylase (21-OH) deficiency among hyperandrogenic women in a Russian population and to evaluate diagnostic value of basal serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) level to diagnose this disease. A total of 800 consecutive Caucasian women presenting with elevation of at least one serum androgen and/or manifestation of one of the clinical androgenic symptoms were prospectively recruited and evaluated by basal 17-OHP. The diagnosis of NCAH due to 21-OH deficiency was considered in patients when basal level exceeded 5.

Homocysteine metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Homocysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid formed during the metabolism of methionine, exert cytotoxic effects on vascular endothelium. Molecular mechanisms of homocysteine-induced cellular dysfunction include increased inflammatory cytokine expression, altered nitric oxide bioavailability, induction of oxidative stress, activation of apoptosis and defective methylation. Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic and thromboembolic disorders, as well as hyperinsulinemia and may partially account for increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with insulin resistance.

Effect on carbohydrate metabolism and analysis of acceptability (menstrual cycle control) of extended regimens of the vaginally inserted hormone-releasing system 'NuvaRing' as compared with the standard 21/7 regime in reproductive-age women with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of the vaginally inserted hormone-releasing system 'NuvaRing' on carbohydrate metabolism and acceptability (menstrual cycle control) of extended regimens of using as compared with the standard regimen (21/7) in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) in reproductive period during 24 months.

Methods: The open randomised study included a total of 109 women with type 1 DM, using 'NuvaRing' in different regimens (21/7, 42/7, 84/7 and 357/7). Average daily insulin requirements, the levels of glycosylated haemoglobin were determined at baseline, after 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of contraception.

Use of the NuvaRing hormone-releasing system in late reproductive-age women with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of the vaginally inserted hormone-releasing system NuvaRing on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and the hemostasis system, over 6 months of use, in late reproductive-age women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods: The open randomized study included a total of 25 women with type 1 DM using NuvaRing. Average daily insulin requirements, levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the state of coagulation hemostatis and fibrinolytic activity were determined at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of contraception.

Contraception in perimenopausal women with diabetes mellitus.

Aim: To assess the effect of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and intrauterine devices (IUDs) on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and hemostasis in perimenopausal diabetic women.

Methods: The open randomized study included a total of 113 diabetic women using COCs with different estrogen/progestogen profiles - ethinylestradiol (EE) 20 microg/desogestrel 150 microg, EE 30 microg/desogestrel 150 microg and EE 30 microg/gestodene 75 microg - and levonorgestrel-releasing or copper IUDs. Average daily insulin requirements, levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the state of coagulation hemostatis and fibrinolytic activity were determined at baseline and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of contraception.