Role of thyroid stimulating hormone in the maintenance and functioning of the human corpus luteum.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of high thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels on human granulosa-luteal (hGL) cells.

Methods: hGL cells were isolated from follicular aspirates derived from patients undergoing IVF treatment without any thyroid disorder (serum TSH 0.5-2 mU/L).

Circulating irisin levels in functional hypothalamic amenorrhea: a new bone damage index? A pilot study.

Purpose: Patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) could commonly have bone damage, often preceded by metabolic alterations due to a relative energy deficit state. To date, there are no markers capable of predicting osteopenia before it is manifested on DXA. Irisin is a myokine that promotes the differentiation of osteoblastic cells and appears to be inversely correlated with the incidence of bone fragility and fractures in postmenopausal women.

Insulin-sensitizing effect and antioxidant action of alpha lipoic acid in oligomenorrheic women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a low-grade inflammatory disease characterized by anovulation and hyperandrogenism, associated with insulin-resistance. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of a treatment with alpha-lipoic acid on clinical, endocrine, and metabolic features of women affected by PCOS.

Methods: In this pilot cohort study, 60 women (30 hyperinsulinemic and 30 normoinsulinemic patients; age 15-34 years) were enrolled and clinical, hormonal, and metabolic parameters were evaluated before and after a six-months treatment with alpha-lipoic acid 800 mg/daily.

Patient Satisfaction and Clinical Efficacy of an Advanced Practice Provider Stone Prevention Clinic.

Introduction: The benefits of a multidisciplinary stone prevention clinic are well established. However, the outcomes of advanced practice provider integration into this model have not been reported. Our goal was to assess the feasibility of an advanced practice provider managed stone prevention clinic.

"Hormone of darkness" and human reproductive process: direct regulatory role of melatonin in human corpus luteum.

Purpose: To investigate the possible role of melatonin on human luteal cell function.

Methods: Corpora lutea were obtained from normally menstruating women (25-38 years old) in the midluteal phase (days 5-6 from ovulation) at the time of surgery for non-endocrine gynecologic diseases. The protocol was approved by the institutional review board of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome and all patients provided written informed consent.