Simvastatin induces degradation of the extracellular matrix in human leiomyomata: novel in vitro, in vivo, and patient level evidence of matrix metalloproteinase involvement.

Objectives: To assess the effect of simvastatin on uterine leiomyoma growth and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition.

Design: Laboratory analysis of human leiomyoma cell culture, xenograft in a mouse model, and patient tissue from a clinical trial.

Setting: Academic research center.

Curcumin inhibits human leiomyoma xenograft tumor growth and induces dissolution of the extracellular matrix.

Objective: To determine whether a curcumin-supplemented diet would prevent and/or treat uterine leiomyoma growth in our mouse xenograft model.

Design: Animal study.

Setting: Laboratory study.

Evaluation of sexual violence among lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual Hispanic women living in Puerto Rico.

Objective: To investigate the association between sexual orientation and sexual violence in Hispanic women living in Puerto Rico.

Methods: Secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional study. An anonymous web-based questionnaire was distributed in Puerto Rico between February and April 2016.

HPV knowledge, vaccine knowledge, and vaccine acceptance in women with cervical cytology anomalies attending colposcopy clinics in Puerto Rico.

Objective: To assess HPV knowledge as well as knowledge and acceptance of HPV vaccines.

Methods: The present cross-sectional study surveyed women with cervical cytology anomalies referred to colposcopy clinics at the University of Puerto Rico and San Juan City Hospital between November 1, 2013, and November 30, 2015. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression models.