Publications by authors named "Sophia N Kalantaridou"

This article investigates the transformative impact of 3D and bio 3D printing technologies in assisted reproductive technology (ART), offering a comprehensive review of their applications in improving reproductive outcomes. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a thorough literature search focusing on the intersection of ART and additive manufacturing, resulting in the inclusion of 48 research papers. The study highlights bio 3D printing's potential in revolutionizing female infertility treatments, especially in follicle complex culture and ovary printing.

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Article Synopsis
  • Chronic stress during pregnancy can negatively impact both mothers and infants, leading to health risks and hormonal disruptions.
  • A meta-analysis of 107 studies found a significant association between maternal chronic stress and low birth weight babies, with a notable risk factor identified (OR = 1.50).
  • The study suggests that using stress questionnaires for mothers could help predict and assess the risk of having a low-birth-weight infant.
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Breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent significant global health challenges, with CVD being the leading cause of mortality and breast cancer, showing a complex pattern of incidence and mortality. We explore the intricate interplay between these two seemingly distinct medical conditions, shedding light on their shared risk factors and potential pathophysiological connections. A specific connection between hypertension (HTN), atrial fibrillation (AF), myocardial infarction (MI), and breast cancer was evaluated.

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Introduction: Breast cancer affects almost 1.5 million women worldwide below the age of 45 years each year. Many of these women will be advised to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy to minimize the risk of death or recurrence of the tumor.

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Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is a multi-factorial disorder that affects women of reproductive age. The condition is characterized by the loss of ovarian function before the age of 40 years and several factors have been identified to be implicated in its pathogenesis. Remarkably though, at least 50% of women have remaining follicles in their ovaries after the development of ovarian insufficiency.

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Article Synopsis
  • Advances in treatments for childhood hematological malignancies have led to over 85% survival rates, but concerns about long-term fertility remain significant.
  • A review of literature revealed that survivors treated with cranial radiotherapy and chemotherapy show notable fertility deficits, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
  • Two studies linked reduced ovarian reserve in female survivors to lower anti-Müllerian hormone levels, suggesting this hormone could serve as a useful indicator for fertility issues.
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Background/aim: Utilizing an experimental animal model, we investigated the correlation between aromatase inhibitors (AIs) (anastrozole and letrozole) and Calprotectin levels. AIs have demonstrated superior efficacy when used as adjuvant endocrine therapy or monotherapy for postmenopausal patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive early-stage breast cancer, although various side effects have been recorded.

Materials And Methods: Fifty-five adult female Wistar rats were randomized and assigned into four groups.

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Background/aim: Soy contains genistein and daidzein isoflavones. Isoflavones are phytoestrogens, with a similarity in structure to human 17-β estradiol hormone. They imitate the action of estrogen on organs by binding and activating estrogen receptors.

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Background: Galectin-3 is part of a protein group called lectins and acts as a multifunctional glycoprotein due to its expression location. Galectin-3 is expressed by different human tissues. It plays a significant role in carcinogenesis and the selection of tumor-related physiological and pathological activities.

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The aim of the study was to compare demographic, hormonal and clinical parameters in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and women with early menopause in Greece. One hundred thirty-nine women of Greek origin, aged 14-45 years, referring for oligomenorrhea and having elevated FSH concentrations were divided into three groups regarding the age of menstrual disturbances onset [POI: View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The intrauterine administration of activated autologous peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC) prior to embryo transfer seems to improve reproductive outcomes in women with repeated implantation failure (RIF). We have previously shown that the intrauterine administration of PBMC treated with corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) prior to blastocyst transfer (day 5) improves significantly the clinical pregnancy rate of women with RIF. In the present crossover pilot study, we have investigated whether CRH-PBMC treatment could be of benefit in case of fresh early cleavage stage embryo transfer (day 3) in women with RIF.

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Endometrial corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) has been described as a mediator of decidualisation and as a contributor of maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Deregulation of the CRH expression pattern has been associated with unfavourable reproductive outcomes as well as chronic endometrium-derived inflammatory disorders, such as endometriosis and adenomyosis. The current review summarises the evidence produced regarding the role of CRH in endometrial physiology and pathophysiology and highlights recent clinical data regarding the role of CRH in improving clinical pregnancy rates in women with repeated implantation failures following in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer.

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Embryo implantation is a complex process involving continuous molecular cross-talk between the embryo and the decidua. One of the key molecules during this process is human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). HCG effectively modulates several metabolic pathways within the decidua contributing to endometrial receptivity.

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Background: Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), the main peptide-mediator of stress, has been found in the female reproductive system.

Objective: Herein, the role of CRH receptors in the female reproductive system is presented.

Results: It is clear that CRH receptors are involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitaryovarian axis, while locally are associated with decidualization, embryonic implantation, early fetal development and triggering of parturition.

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Background: Previous studies have shown that the intrauterine administration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) may improve pregnancy outcome of women with repeated implantation failure (RIF). We have demonstrated that, during implantation, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) plays a key role in facilitating endometrial decidualization and maternal-foetal immunotolerance. In the present preliminary study, we investigated whether the intrauterine administration of autologous CRH-treated PBMC can improve clinical pregnancy rates of women with RIF.

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Context: Women with primary ovarian insufficiency have significantly lower serum estradiol and T levels compared with regularly menstruating women. They also have significantly reduced bone mineral density (BMD).

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of hormone replacement in maintaining BMD in these young women.

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Objective: Women with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) display low androgen levels, which could contribute to mood and behavioral symptoms observed in this condition. We examined the effects of physiologic testosterone therapy added to standard estrogen/progestin therapy on quality of life, self-esteem, and mood in women with POI.

Methods: One hundred twenty-eight women with 46,XX spontaneous POI participated in a 12-month randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-design investigation of the efficacy of testosterone augmentation of estrogen/progestin therapy.

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Objective: To investigate the effect of metformin administration on the expression of endometrial corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and urocortin (UCN) in the midluteal phase of the cycle.

Design: Experimental study, performed in 2010-2011.

Setting: University hospital.

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Context: Menopause has been related to an increased atherosclerotic risk. Presence and severity of hot flushes in menopausal women have been associated with impaired endothelial function and advanced subclinical atherosclerosis.

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of menopausal transition on vascular inflammation indices and investigate the association of hot flush severity with these indices in early menopausal women.

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Objective: Hormone therapy (HT) has been suggested to improve vascular function and inflammation in menopausal women, although not consistently. We aimed to investigate the effects of HT on endothelial function and inflammation, especially sCD40L, in early menopausal women, and the effect of common estrogen receptor (ER) polymorphisms on vascular responses to HT.

Study Design: Eighty-four early menopausal women (<3 years in menopause) with menopausal complaints eligible for HT.

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Purpose: Sperm flow cytometry (SFC) was used to evaluate the association of sperm chromatin condensation and ploidy with fertilization, embryo development, pregnancy and abortion rates following IVF.

Methods: Conventional semen analysis was performed in one hundred fifty men, as well as SFC analysis, after acridine orange and propidium iodide staining, for the evaluation of sperm maturity and ploidy respectively. Conventional IVF was performed in all couples.

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Background: Combined oral contraceptives are used in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women for the treatment of hyperandrogenism and menstrual cycle disturbances.

Aim: To assess the effect of ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate (EE/CA) on endothelial function in young, non-obese PCOS women in a pilot study.

Methods: Thirteen young, non-obese PCOS women (20.

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