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Climacteric : the Journal of the... Dec 2020The severe acute respiratory syndrome due to coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has affected millions of individuals worldwide, causing high mortality rates and severe...
The severe acute respiratory syndrome due to coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has affected millions of individuals worldwide, causing high mortality rates and severe physical sequelae, with a negative impact on society, economy, health care, lifestyle and personal relationships. Studies have confirmed this infection has sex and age differences in terms of disease severity and immune response, with a particular relationship with the anti-Müllerian hormone, a marker of aging, and estradiol, a marker of ovarian function. Postmenopausal women seem to present a more severe infection as compared to premenopausal ones. Estradiol protects the vascular system, mediating with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, whereas testosterone enhances the levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme and the transmembrane protease serine-type 2, thus delaying viral clearance in men as compared to women. This new infection will stay among us, transforming our social, economic and daily lifestyle, and hence medical and health care as well as the use of menopause hormone therapy will need redefining, considering both preventive and curative perspectives.
Topics: COVID-19; Female; Health Status; Humans; Middle Aged; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Postmenopause; SARS-CoV-2; Women's Health
PubMed: 33252294
DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2020.1837547 -
Pathogens and Disease Jan 2023Chlamydia trachomatis, C. pneumoniae, and C. psittaci, the three Chlamydia species known to cause human disease, have been collectively linked to several pathologies,...
Chlamydia trachomatis, C. pneumoniae, and C. psittaci, the three Chlamydia species known to cause human disease, have been collectively linked to several pathologies, including conjunctivitis, trachoma, respiratory disease, acute and chronic urogenital infections and their complications, and psittacosis. In vitro, animal, and human studies also established additional correlations, such as between C. pneumoniae and atherosclerosis and between C. trachomatis and ovarian cancer. As part of their survival and pathogenesis strategies as obligate intracellular bacteria, Chlamydia spp. modulate all three major types of epigenetic changes, which include deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and microRNA-mediated gene silencing. Some of these epigenetic changes may be implicated in key aspects of pathogenesis, such as the ability of the Chlamydia spp. to induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, interfere with DNA damage repair, suppress cholesterol efflux from infected macrophages, act as a co-factor in human papillomavirus (HPV)-mediated cervical cancer, prevent apoptosis, and preserve the integrity of mitochondrial networks in infected host cells. A better understanding of the individual and collective contribution of epigenetic changes to pathogenesis will enhance our knowledge about the biology of Chlamydia spp. and facilitate the development of novel therapies and biomarkers. Pathogenic Chlamydia spp. contribute to epigenetically-mediated gene expression changes in host cells by multiple mechanisms.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Chlamydia Infections; Chlamydia; Chlamydia trachomatis; Psittacosis; Trachoma; Apoptosis; Epigenesis, Genetic
PubMed: 38031337
DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftad034 -
Ginekologia Polska 2023In this study, our aim is to investigate the effect of CoronaVac vaccine on ovarian reserve in female patients followed up for infertility.
OBJECTIVES
In this study, our aim is to investigate the effect of CoronaVac vaccine on ovarian reserve in female patients followed up for infertility.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Our study is a retrospective study. Forty-six infertile patients who received two doses of CoronaVac vaccine one month apart and had not had a previous Covid 19 infection were included in the study. Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and folliculometry of 46 patients one month before CoronaVac vaccine and one month after the second dose of vaccine were compared.
RESULTS
There was no statistically significant difference in the change of AMH level and follicle number before and after vaccination (respectively p = 0.366; 0.610).
CONCLUSIONS
Considering that having a COVID-19 infection has a negative effect on female fertility and causing ovarian damage in recent studies, vaccination is a rational and cost-effective approach to protect ovarian reserve. Knowing that the vaccine does not have a negative effect on fertility may increase the application of the vaccine in women of reproductive age.
Topics: Female; Humans; Ovarian Reserve; Retrospective Studies; Infertility, Female; COVID-19; Anti-Mullerian Hormone; Vaccines
PubMed: 36929802
DOI: 10.5603/GP.a2023.0025 -
Biology Feb 2020One of the potential biomarkers for ovarian cancer patients is high serum level of prolactin (PRL), which is a growth factor that may promote tumor cell growth. The...
One of the potential biomarkers for ovarian cancer patients is high serum level of prolactin (PRL), which is a growth factor that may promote tumor cell growth. The prolactin receptor (PRLR) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) proteins are frequently detected in ovarian tumor tissue specimens, but the potential impact of HCMV infection on the PRL system have so far not been investigated. In this study, HCMV's effects on PRL and PRLR expression were assessed in infected ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3) by PCR and Western blot techniques. The levels of both PRL and PRLR transcripts as well as the corresponding proteins were highly increased in HCMV-infected SKOV3 cells. Tissue specimens obtained from 10 patients with ovarian cancer demonstrated high expression of PRLR, HCMV-IE, and pp65 proteins. Extensive expression of PRLR was detected in all examined ovarian tumor tissue specimens except for one from a patient who had focal expression of PRLR and this patient was HCMV-negative in her tumor. In conclusion, PRL and PRLR were induced to high levels in HCMV-infected ovarian cancer cells and PRLR expression was extensively detected in HCMV-infected ovarian tissue specimens. Highly induced PRL and PRLR by HCMV infection may be of relevance for the oncomodulatory role of this virus in ovarian cancer.
PubMed: 32121009
DOI: 10.3390/biology9030044 -
Clinical Science (London, England :... Feb 2024The impact of COVID-19 on menstruation has received a high level of public and media interest. Despite this, uncertainty exists about the advice that women and people... (Review)
Review
The impact of COVID-19 on menstruation has received a high level of public and media interest. Despite this, uncertainty exists about the advice that women and people who menstruate should receive in relation to the expected impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection, long COVID or COVID-19 vaccination on menstruation. Furthermore, the mechanisms leading to these reported menstrual changes are poorly understood. This review evaluates the published literature on COVID-19 and its impact on menstrual bleeding, discussing the strengths and limitations of these studies. We present evidence consistent with SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID having an association with changes in menstrual bleeding parameters and that the impact of COVID vaccination on menstruation appears less significant. An overview of menstrual physiology and known causes of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is provided before discussing potential mechanisms which may underpin the menstrual disturbance reported with COVID-19, highlighting areas for future scientific study. Finally, consideration is given to the effect that menstruation may have on COVID-19, including the impact of the ovarian sex hormones on acute COVID-19 severity and susceptibility and reported variation in long COVID symptoms across the menstrual cycle. Understanding the current evidence and addressing gaps in our knowledge in this area are essential to inform public health policy, direct the treatment of menstrual disturbance and facilitate development of new therapies, which may reduce the severity of COVID-19 and improve quality of life for those experiencing long COVID.
Topics: Female; Humans; Endometrium; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Quality of Life; COVID-19 Vaccines; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Menstruation; Uterine Hemorrhage; Menstruation Disturbances
PubMed: 38372528
DOI: 10.1042/CS20220280 -
BMJ Case Reports Dec 2022Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary immunodeficiency disorder that causes decreased immunity and increased susceptibility to infections. It affects B...
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary immunodeficiency disorder that causes decreased immunity and increased susceptibility to infections. It affects B lymphocyte differentiation, resulting in predominantly bacterial and less frequently viral, fungal, and protozoal infections. The respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts where antibody defences are essential are usually affected. Individuals with CVID are also predisposed to developing lymphoid and gastrointestinal malignancies. We present two cases with rare infectious and oncological complications of CVID, including a patient with comple infection and ovarian cancer, and another patient with group B empyema of the lung with acute myeloid leukaemia. The main objective of this study is to highlight how CVID-induced hypogammaglobulinaemia can lead to rare infections and malignancies. The management of these complications can vary according to severity, but an awareness of their existence is crucial to diagnose them promptly in an already immunocompromised CVID patient.
Topics: Humans; Female; Common Variable Immunodeficiency; Agammaglobulinemia; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial; Mycobacterium avium Complex; Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection; Ovarian Neoplasms
PubMed: 36460310
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-250570 -
Hinyokika Kiyo. Acta Urologica Japonica Jul 2022We retrospectively reviewed the surgical outcome of ureteral reconstruction that was performed in Asahikawa Medical University Hospital between 2005 and 2021. A total of...
We retrospectively reviewed the surgical outcome of ureteral reconstruction that was performed in Asahikawa Medical University Hospital between 2005 and 2021. A total of 14 patients (3 males, 11 females; 15 ureters) were included in this analysis. The median age was 57 years old. The reason for ureteral reconstruction was ureteral injury or stenosis due to pelvic surgery in 9 patients, transurethral lithotripsy for ureteral stone in 3, ureteral invasion of sigmoid colon cancer in one and ovarian cancer in one. The site of ureteral reconstruction was proximal ureter in 2, middle in 3 and distal in 10. The surgical procedure was ureteroneocystostomy with Boari flap in 8 patients (57%), ureteroureterostomy in 4 (21%), transureteroureterostomy in one (7%), and transureteroureterostomy combined with Boari flap for bilateral ureteral stenosis in the remaining patient (7%). Postoperatively, vesicoureteral reflux, ileus and surgical site infection were observed in 3, 2 and 1 patient, respectively. No patient required nephrostomy or ureteral catheter, or any additional procedure after the surgery. There was no episode of febrile urinary tract infection after the surgery. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was, respectivery 75.8 and 78.5 ml/min/1.73 m2 before surgery and at 1-101 months (median of 18) after the surgery. In conclusion, satisfactory outcome was achieved after ureteral reconstruction surgery. We emphasize the importance of selecting the most appropriate procedure for ureteral reconstruction in each patient to prevent renal function deterioration and urinary tract infection.
Topics: Constriction, Pathologic; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Ureter; Urinary Tract Infections
PubMed: 35924705
DOI: 10.14989/ActaUrolJap_68_7_227 -
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences :... Nov 2023During macroautophagy, the Atg8 protein is conjugated to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in autophagic membranes. In Apicomplexan parasites, two cysteine proteases, Atg4...
During macroautophagy, the Atg8 protein is conjugated to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in autophagic membranes. In Apicomplexan parasites, two cysteine proteases, Atg4 and ovarian tumor unit (Otu), have been identified to delipidate Atg8 to release this protein from membranes. Here, we investigated the role of cysteine proteases in Atg8 conjugation and deconjugation and found that the Plasmodium parasite consists of both activities. We successfully disrupted the genes individually; however, simultaneously, they were refractory to deletion and essential for parasite survival. Mutants lacking Atg4 and Otu showed normal blood and mosquito stage development. All mice infected with Otu KO sporozoites became patent; however, Atg4 KO sporozoites either failed to establish blood infection or showed delayed patency. Through in vitro and in vivo analysis, we found that Atg4 KO sporozoites invade and normally develop into early liver stages. However, nuclear and organelle differentiation was severely hampered during late stages and failed to mature into hepatic merozoites. We found a higher level of Atg8 in Atg4 KO parasites, and the deconjugation of Atg8 was hampered. We confirmed Otu localization on the apicoplast; however, parasites lacking Otu showed no visible developmental defects. Our data suggest that Atg4 is the primary deconjugating enzyme and that Otu cannot replace its function completely because it cleaves the peptide bond at the N-terminal side of glycine, thereby irreversibly inactivating Atg8 during its recycling. These findings highlight a role for the Atg8 deconjugation pathway in organelle biogenesis and maintenance of the homeostatic cellular balance.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Cysteine Proteases; Parasites; Plasmodium berghei; Autophagy-Related Protein 8 Family; Autophagy; Malaria; Protozoan Proteins
PubMed: 37910326
DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05004-2 -
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England) Mar 2022Does the administration of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccine have an association with ovarian reserve as expressed by...
STUDY QUESTION
Does the administration of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccine have an association with ovarian reserve as expressed by circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels?
SUMMARY ANSWER
Ovarian reserve as assessed by serum AMH levels is not altered at 3 months following mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
A possible impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination through an interaction between the oocyte and the somatic cells could not be ruled out, however, data are limited.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
This is a prospective study conducted at a university affiliated tertiary medical center between February and March 2021.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
Study population included reproductive aged women (18-42 years) that were vaccinated by two Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines (21 days apart). Women with ovarian failure, under fertility treatments, during pregnancy, previous Covid-19 infection or vaccinated were excluded from the study. Blood samples were collected for AMH levels before the first mRNA vaccine administration. Additional blood samples after 3 months were collected for AMH and anti-Covid-19 antibody levels. Primary outcome was defined as the absolute and percentage change in AMH levels.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
The study group consisted of 129 women who received two mRNA vaccinations. Mean AMH levels were 5.3 (±SD 4.29) µg/l and 5.3 (±SD 4.50) µg/l at baseline and after 3 months, respectively (P = 0.11). To account for possible age-specific changes of AMH, sub-analyses were performed for three age groups: <30, 30-35 and >35 years. AMH levels were significantly lower for women older than 35 years at all times (P = 0.001 for pre and post vaccination AMH levels versus younger women). However, no significant differences for the changes in AMH levels before and after vaccinations (Delta AMH) were observed for the three age groups (P = 0.46). Additionally, after controlling for age, no association was found between the degree of immunity response and AMH levels.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
Although it was prospectively designed, for ethical reasons we could not assign a priori a randomized unvaccinated control group. This study examined plasma AMH levels at 3 months after the first vaccination. It could be argued that possible deleterious ovarian and AMH changes caused by the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccinations might take effect only at a later time. Only longer-term studies will be able to examine this issue.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
The results of the study provide reassurance for women hesitant to complete vaccination against Covid 19 due to concerns regarding its effect on future fertility. This information could be of significant value to physicians and patients alike.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
The study was supported by Sheba Medical Center institutional sources. All authors have nothing to disclose.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
The study protocol was approved by the 'Sheba Medical Center' Ethical Committee Review Board (ID 8121-21-SMC) on 8 February 2021 and was registered at the National Institutes of Health (NCT04748172).
Topics: Adult; Anti-Mullerian Hormone; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccines, Synthetic; mRNA Vaccines
PubMed: 34935913
DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab282 -
Infection and Immunity Feb 2023Centrosome duplication and cell cycle progression are essential cellular processes that must be tightly controlled to ensure cellular integrity. Despite their complex... (Review)
Review
Centrosome duplication and cell cycle progression are essential cellular processes that must be tightly controlled to ensure cellular integrity. Despite their complex regulatory mechanisms, microbial pathogens have evolved sophisticated strategies to co-opt these processes to promote infection. While misregulation of these processes can greatly benefit the pathogen, the consequences to the host cell can be devastating. During infection, the obligate intracellular pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis induces gross cellular abnormalities, including supernumerary centrosomes, multipolar spindles, and defects in cytokinesis. While these observations were made over 15 years ago, identification of the bacterial factors responsible has been elusive due to the genetic intractability of Chlamydia. Recent advances in techniques of genetic manipulation now allows for the direct linking of bacterial virulence factors to manipulation of centrosome duplication and cell cycle progression. In this review, we discuss the impact, both immediate and downstream, of C. trachomatis infection on the host cell cycle regulatory apparatus and centrosome replication. We highlight links between C. trachomatis infection and cervical and ovarian cancers and speculate whether perturbations of the cell cycle and centrosome are sufficient to initiate cellular transformation. We also explore the biological mechanisms employed by Inc proteins and other secreted effector proteins implicated in the perturbation of these host cell pathways. Future work is needed to better understand the nuances of each effector's mechanism and their collective impact on Chlamydia's ability to induce host cellular abnormalities.
Topics: Humans; Female; Chlamydia trachomatis; Centrosome; Chlamydia Infections; HeLa Cells; Carcinogenesis
PubMed: 36695575
DOI: 10.1128/iai.00443-22