Publications by authors named "Zikopoulos A"

Background: Endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS) are rare uterine mesenchymal tumors that histologically resemble endometrial stroma of functioning endometrium. The key characteristic of those tumors is the difficulty to diagnose preoperatively that leads to high rate of misdiagnosis. The aim of this case report is to present an extremely rare mutation of these already rare tumors and urge for more personalized therapies in the future.

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Male reproductive health is governed by an intricate interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Epigenetic mechanisms-encompassing DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA activity-are crucial both for spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. However, oxidative stress, driven by excessive reactive oxygen species, disrupts these processes, leading to impaired sperm function and male infertility.

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Poor ovarian response (POR) remains a significant challenge in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART), as the quantity and quality of oocytes retrieved directly influence embryo implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates. Metabolomics has become a valuable tool for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and POR. This review aims to synthesize findings from metabolomic studies examining metabolite expression patterns in serum and follicular fluid samples from women with POR.

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Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in female reproductive health; influencing natural conception and the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). An essential component of innate immunity, the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is one of the major mediators of inflammatory responses, and its activation is closely linked to oxidative stress. This interaction contributes to a decline in oocyte quality, reduced fertilization potential, and impaired embryo development.

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: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects numerous couples worldwide and has traditionally been attributed mainly to maternal factors. However, recent evidence highlights significant paternal influences on pregnancy viability and outcomes. This review aims to comprehensively examine male contributions to pregnancy loss, focusing on underlying mechanisms, novel biomarkers, and integrated strategies for improved reproductive success.

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Bisphenols, particularly bisphenol A (BPA), are among the most thoroughly investigated endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). BPA was the first synthetic estrogen to be identified, exerting its estrogenic effects through interaction with human estrogen receptors (ERs). The aim of the present narrative review is to summarize the most recent literature regarding the adverse effects of bisphenols on female fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

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: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a severe form of male infertility characterized by the absence of sperm in the ejaculate due to impaired spermatogenesis. Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection is the primary treatment, but success rates are unpredictable, causing significant emotional and financial burdens. Traditional clinical and hormonal predictors have shown inconsistent reliability.

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Combat sports encompass a wide range of disciplines, each associated with distinct injury patterns and mechanisms. From karate to wrestling, athletes face varying degrees of injury risks, with common clinical presentations including head injuries, strains, sprains, fractures, and concussions. These injuries often result from dynamic movements, physical contact, and high-impact collisions inherent to combat sports.

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Article Synopsis
  • Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder causing anemia due to impaired production of hemoglobin chains, leading to the breakdown of red blood cells.
  • Regular blood transfusions, the standard treatment, can result in iron overload that adversely affects major organs, particularly in women, increasing risks of hormonal issues and reproductive challenges.
  • The review discusses the disease's impact on female reproductive health and the potential of metabolomics to guide better treatment approaches for managing thalassemia-related complications.
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A curvature of a finger that bends inwards relative to the other fingers is a common observation during prenatal screening. When the angulation exceeds 10 degrees, it is known as "clinodactyly" and could suggest a variety of underlying issues. Even though it usually remains unnoticed during pregnancy, it may be a sign of serious fetal disease.

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Varicoceles are a common contributor to male infertility, significantly impacting male-factor infertility cases. Traditional diagnostic methods often lack the sensitivity to detect the molecular and cellular disruptions caused by varicoceles, limiting the development of effective, personalized treatments. This narrative review aims to explore the advancements in proteomics and metabolomics as innovative, non-invasive diagnostic tools for varicocele-associated male infertility and their potential in guiding personalized therapeutic strategies.

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Retrotransposable elements are implicated in genome rearrangements and gene expression alterations that result in various human disorders. In the current study, we sought to investigate the potential effects of long interspersed elements-1 (LINE-1) overexpression on the integrity and methylation of DNA and on the expression of three major pluripotency factors (OCT4, SOX2, NANOG) during the preimplantation stages of human embryo development. Human MI oocytes were matured in vitro to MII and transfected through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) either with an EGFP vector carrying a cloned active human LINE-1 retroelement or with the same EGFP vector without insert as control.

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: Caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy in which the early pregnancy implants at the site of the uterine scar. Methotrexate (MTX) in lower doses can be used to treat CSPs. However, MTX administration is associated with a spectrum of side effects that include hematological toxicities.

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The purpose of this prospective case-control study is to investigate the correlation of the miR-143 gene rs353292 polymorphism in Caucasian women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) compared to a matched control group with at least one live birth and without pregnancy losses. In total, 110 women with recurrent pregnancy losses and 95 control women were recruited. Peripheral blood was collected from all women, and the isolation of DNA was performed with Monarch Genomic DNA Purification.

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Background/objectives: Embryo implantation is a highly complex process that requires the precise regulation of numerous molecules to be orchestrated successfully. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and play a crucial role in the regulation of embryo implantation. This article aims to summarize the key findings of the literature regarding the role of miRNAs in human embryo implantation, emphasizing their involvement in critical stages such as decidualization, endometrial receptivity and trophoblast adhesion.

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Antioxidants have a well-established effect on general health and are essential in preventing oxidative damage to cells by scavenging free radicals. Free radicals are thought to be neutralized by these substances, which include polyphenols, β-carotene, and vitamins C and E, reducing cellular damage. On the other hand, recent data indicates that consuming excessive amounts of antioxidants may have side effects.

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We present a 39-centimeter thecoma with ascites and elevated Ca-125 values which is compatible with an atypical/incomplete Meigs' syndrome. Giant ovarian masses with elevated Ca-125 values and ascites are an alarming combination, although Gynecologists should be aware that there are also benign entities that mimic advanced stage ovarian cancer.

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Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a dimeric glycoprotein that belongs to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily and plays essential roles in sexual differentiation and folliculogenesis. In the male embryo, AMH is produced by the Sertoli cells and induces the involution of the Müllerian ducts. In females, AMH is predominately produced by the granulosa cells of growing preantral and small antral follicles and regulates follicular maturation.

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Multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently results in both urinary and sexual dysfunction, which significantly impairs quality of life. Conventional treatments for bladder dysfunction often prove insufficient, leading to the exploration of alternative therapies such as percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS). This study aimed to assess the impact of PTNS on sexual function and bladder symptoms in female MS patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD).

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Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) is a crucial process for selecting embryos created through assisted reproductive technology (ART). Couples with chromosomal rearrangements, infertility, recurrent miscarriages, advanced maternal age, known single-gene disorders, a family history of genetic conditions, previously affected pregnancies, poor embryo quality, or congenital anomalies may be candidates for PGT. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) enables the selection and transfer of euploid embryos, significantly enhancing implantation rates in assisted reproduction.

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Male factors may be present in up to 50-70% of infertile couples and the prevalence of male infertility accounts for 20-30% of infertility cases. Understanding the mechanisms and causes behind male infertility remains a challenge, but new diagnostic tools such as DNA fragmentation might aid in cases where the routine semen analysis is insufficient. DNA fragmentation, which refers to damages or breaks of the genetic material of the spermatozoa, is considered one of the main causes of male infertility due to impaired functional capability of sperm.

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Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are significantly associated with multiple adverse reproductive outcomes such as miscarriages. Pregnant women are more susceptible to an HPV infection and its prevalence increases as pregnancy progresses. In this present review, we summarize the existing evidence indicating the potential impact of an HPV infection on the occurrence of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).

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Article Synopsis
  • A rare case of night blindness, or nyctalopia, was diagnosed in a pregnant woman due to vitamin A deficiency resulting from a prior bariatric gastrectomy.
  • The diagnosis was confirmed through low serum vitamin A levels, and the patient was treated with oral vitamin A supplements, emphasizing the need for careful dosage to avoid teratogenic effects.
  • This case underscores the importance of monitoring vitamin levels in pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery to prevent complications for both mother and baby.
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Uveal melanomas represent approximately 5% of all human melanomas. Omental metastases are often diagnosed as secondary metastatic sites and only a few cases have been described as the first single manifestation of distant metastasis. In this case image, we illustrate the interesting appearance of the metastatic localization of metastatic uveal melanoma.

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Galectin-3 belongs to a family of soluble glycan-binding proteins, which are increasingly recognized as modulators of pregnancy-associated processes, including proper placental development. Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia are significant complications of pregnancy, affecting millions of women annually. Despite their prevalence, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain poorly understood.

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