The effect of vitamin D receptor BsmI genotype on the response to osteoporosis treatment in postmenopausal women: a pilot study.

Aim: The purpose of our study was to investigate the possible effect of BsmI vitamin D receptor (VDR's) polymorphism on changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women receiving different treatments.

Material And Methods: This pilot study included 42 postmenopausal women with elevated fracture risk, randomized into 1-year treatment with weekly oral alendronate or daily subcutaneous teriparatide. Both groups received daily supplements of 1000 mg calcium and 800 IU vitamin D.

The frequency of early, spontaneous miscarriage associated with the leu33pro polymorphism of Glycoprotein IIIa: a pilot study.

Background: Inherited thrombophilia is associated with both poor obstetrical outcomes and increased cardiovascular risk later in life. In fact, a personal history of spontaneous miscarriage is reported to increase the risk of subsequent ischaemic heart disease.

Aims: This pilot study aims to evaluate the association between genetic polymorphism-related increased risk of arterial thrombosis and the history of spontaneous miscarriage early in pregnancy, among healthy postmenopausal women.

Estrogen plus progestin treatment: effect of different progestin components on serum markers of apoptosis in healthy postmenopausal women.

One hundred healthy postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to receive 17β-E2 1 mg/drospirenone 2 mg or 17β-E2 1 mg/norethisterone acetate 0.5 mg for 6 months, and circulating soluble Fas, soluble Fas ligand, and cytochrome c were measured at baseline and at 6 months in 87 women who completed the study. Although cytochrome c levels were undetectable, circulating soluble Fas/soluble Fas ligand ratio decreased in both groups, suggesting a decrease in ligand-mediated apoptosis.

Endometriosis and other benign and malignant müllerian lesions in pelvic and extrapelvic organs.

Objective: To conduct a retrospective study on case reports found in literature across the world on benign müllerian lesions of the urogenital tract and on cases of malignant transformation from müllerian duct remnants in order to better understand these rare anatomopathologic entities and to avoid overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Study Design: We reviewed a number of case reports on benign and malignant müllerian lesions and compared the developments associated with endometriosis, endosalpingiosis and endocervicosis.

Results: Our sampling of case reports confirm the suggestion that both malignant neoplasms and benign müllerian lesions can arise in foci of endometriosis in both pelvic and extrapelvic sites.

Prolactin and preclinical atherosclerosis in menopausal women with cardiovascular risk factors.

Hyperprolactinemia has been associated with endothelial dysfunction and an adverse cardiovascular risk profile, possibly as a result of the vasoconstrictive properties of prolactin. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the hypothesis that prolactin contributes to the increased cardiovascular risk occurring in early menopause by studying apparently healthy women without hyperprolactinemia. Prolactin serum levels were measured by immunoassay in 76 women aged 54.

The role of the oxidative-stress in the endometriosis-related infertility.

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder of the reproductive age characterised by pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea and infertility. Classic theories have failed to propose a precise pathogenetic mechanism. Recent studies have investigated the role of the immune system and oxidative stress in the development of endometriosis as well as the identification of biomarkers for a non-invasive diagnosis of the disease.

Apolipoprotein E and paraoxonase 1 polymorphisms are associated with lower serum thyroid hormones in postmenopausal women.

Objective: Autoimmune thyroiditis and overt or subclinical hypothyroidism have been associated with increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Design: Cross-sectional investigation of the association between gene polymorphisms related to CVD with thyroid function and autoimmunity.

Patients: In total 84 healthy postmenopausal women aged 49-69 years.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism is associated with central adiposity and increased androgenicity in healthy postmenopausal women.

Objective: To assess the association of genetic polymorphisms related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk with anthropometric parameters and indices of androgenicity in healthy postmenopausal women.

Design: Cross-sectional study in a University Menopause Clinic.

Methods: The following polymorphisms were assessed in 84 healthy postmenopausal women: glycoprotein IIIa Leu33Pro, apolipoprotein E2/E3/E4, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) Ala222Val, apolipoprotein B Arg3500Gln, paraoxonase 1 Gln192Arg, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 4G/5G, cholesterol-7 alpha-hydroxylase A-204C, and cholesterol ester transfer protein (TaqIB) B1/B2.

Apoptosis in atherosclerosis: a mini-review.

Apoptosis in atherosclerotic lesions is triggered by inflammatory processes, both via cell-cell contact and by cytokines and oxidized lipids. The role of apoptosis in atherogenesis is dual, depending on the stage of the plaque: In early stages, apoptotic death of smooth muscle--and inflammatory cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages--may delay atherosclerotic process. However, once the plaque is formed, apoptosis may lead to plaque rupture and thrombosis.

CYP A-204C polymorphism is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women.

Objective: To assess the association of common polymorphisms involved in lipoprotein oxidation, platelet activation, and cholesterol and homocysteine metabolism with subclinical atherosclerosis and indices of endothelial function and arterial elasticity in healthy postmenopausal women.

Design: The study investigated 84 healthy postmenopausal women recruited from the Menopause Clinic of the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Aretaieion Hospital. The following polymorphisms were genotyped: apolipoprotein B 3500, apolipoprotein E (E2/E3/E4), cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase A-204C (CYP A-204C), cholesterol ester transfer protein B1/B2, glycoprotein IIIa leu33pro, integrin beta 3 PLA1/PLA2, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 4G/5G, paraoxonase 1 gln192 arg, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ala222val.

Measurable serum markers of oxidative stress response in women with endometriosis.

Objective: To evaluate the hypothesis of increased systemic oxidative stress in patients with endometriosis.

Setting: Tertiary care university hospital.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Circulating leptin and ghrelin are differentially influenced by estrogen/progestin therapy and raloxifene.

Background: Leptin and ghrelin are increasingly being recognized as cardiotropic hormones, promoting or inhibiting the atherosclerotic process, respectively. Apoptosis may be one pathway through which the actions of these hormones are mediated. Sex hormones are reported to influence the secretion and action of ghrelin and leptin.

Pathogenesis of endometriosis: the role of defective 'immunosurveillance'.

Objective: To analyse the aetiopathogenesis and the role of defective 'immunosurveillance' in endometriosis.

Method: Review of studies on the pathogenesis of endometriosis, focusing particularly on novel molecules which express adhesive or proteolytic properties. Hypotheses addressing the role of oxidative stress in endometriosis were also reviewed.

E-cadherin expression in cervical epithelial cells of postmenopausal women: association with hormone therapy, tibolone, and raloxifene.

This study assesses the possible associations between postmenopausal therapy (hormone therapy, raloxifene, and tibolone) and E-cadherin expression in normal cervical Papanicolaou smears (squamous, glandular, and metaplastic cells). E-cadherin immunostaining was less intense in metaplastic cells of women on tibolone, whereas hormone therapy and raloxifene were not associated with altered E-cadherin expression.

Thoracic endometriosis syndrome.

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity and is usually confined to the pelvis. Thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES) is a rare disorder characterized by the presence of functioning endometrial tissue in the pleura, the lung parenchyma and the airways. TES may present with hemoptysis, due to the shedding of endometrial tissue in the bronchial tree, or spontaneous pneumothorax or hemothorax if the endometrial tissue is localized peripherally.

Ovarian endometriosis associated with ovarian cancer and endometrial-endocervical polyps.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of ovarian cancer and endometrial polyps in women with moderate and severe ovarian endometriosis.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 667 cases of moderate and severe endometriosis laparoscopically and histologically confirmed during the period 1997-2004.

Results: One hundred and ninety-three (29%) of cases were American Fertility Society (AFS) stage III (moderate endometriosis) and 473 (71%) were AFS stage IV (severe endometriosis).

Bisphosphonates.

Bisphosphonates belong to a class of compounds similar to pyrophosphate. In these compounds the oxygen atom of the pyrophosphate is replaced by a carbon atom resulting in a P-C-P bond. They exert a potent inhibitory effect on osteoclasts and are therefore potent antiresorptive agents.

Quality of life and psychological symptoms in Greek postmenopausal women: association with hormone therapy.

Quality of life (QoL) in menopause is influenced by many parameters, including vasomotor symptoms, psychological status and culture. The aim of the present study was to examine the association of hormone therapy (HT) with QoL and psychological symptoms in Greek postmenopausal women. The study assessed 216 postmenopausal women (mean age 54.

Continuous combined replacement therapy in postmenopausal women: effect on plasma lipoproteins, bone mass and the endometrium.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) on plasma lipoprotein levels, bone mass and the endometrium.

Methods: Thirty healthy women were enrolled in the study for climacteric symptoms and received a combination of 17beta-estradiol and norethisterone acetate continuously for 2 years. An untreated group, consisting of 25 healthy postmenopausal women presenting the same symptoms and not willing to receive HRT, were also studied and served as controls.

Association between serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha and corticotropin-releasing hormone levels in women with preterm labor.

Aim: To evaluate the association of serum corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in preterm labor.

Methods: Forty-nine primigravidas with a singleton viable pregnancy between 28 and 34 weeks of gestation were studied. They were divided into two groups.

Circulating chemoattractants RANTES, negatively related to endogenous androgens, and MCP-1 are differentially suppressed by hormone therapy and raloxifene.

Background: The cardinal role of chronic inflammation in the development of atherosclerosis is increasingly being recognized. Estrogens may prevent the evolution of atherosclerosis by suppressing immune response. Furthermore, the conflicting reports on the cardiovascular effects of hormone therapy between observational and clinical trials have triggered interest on the effect of alternative therapies on the cardiovascular system.

Endogenous sex hormones and risk factors for atherosclerosis in healthy Greek postmenopausal women.

Objective: To assess the association between endogenous sex hormones and risk factors for atherosclerosis in healthy postmenopausal women.

Design: Cross-sectional study in a university menopause clinic.

Methods: Serum sex hormones and lipid-lipoprotein profile, arterial pressure, homocysteine and insulin resistance, measured by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), were assessed in 598 healthy postmenopausal women not on hormone therapy.

Endogenous sex steroids and circulating homocysteine in healthy Greek postmenopausal women.

Objective: The determinants of serum homocysteine in healthy postmenopausal women remain uncertain. The aim of this study was the assessment of the association of endogenous sex steroids with serum homocysteine levels in healthy postmenopausal women not on hormone therapy.

Design: 484 postmenopausal women aged 43-69 years were studied in a cross-sectional design.

Differential effect of hormone therapy and tibolone on lipids, lipoproteins, and the atherogenic index of plasma.

The aim of our study was to assess the effect of various regimens and doses of hormone therapy and tibolone on the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP). A total of 519 postmenopausal women attending our menopause clinic were studied in a prospective design. Women with climacteric symptoms were randomly assigned to receive 1 of the following regimens: tibolone 2.

Endogenous sex steroids and bone mineral density in healthy Greek postmenopausal women.

The aim of this study was to assess the association of endogenous sex steroids with bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy postmenopausal women not on hormone therapy. A total of 884 postmenopausal women aged 42-71 years were studied in a cross-sectional design. Parameters assessed were follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, free estrogen index (FEI), free androgen index (FAI), Delta4-androstendione (Delta4A), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), bone alkaline posphatase, and bone mineral density at the lumbar spine (L-BMD) and femoral neck (N-BMD).