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Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and... 1999The expression of the 60-kD and 70-kD heat shock proteins (hsp60 and hsp70) in the vaginas of 43 asymptomatic women of reproductive age with or without a history of...
The expression of the 60-kD and 70-kD heat shock proteins (hsp60 and hsp70) in the vaginas of 43 asymptomatic women of reproductive age with or without a history of recurrent vulvovaginitis (RVV) were compared. Vaginal wash samples were obtained and assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for human hsp60 and hsp70. Heat shock protein 70 was not detected in any of the 19 women with no history of RVV, and hsp60 was present in only one woman in this group. In contrast, in the RVV group, 11 (45.8%) were hsp60-positive and eight (33.3%) were hsp70-positive. The presence of either heat shock protein in the vagina was associated with an elevated vaginal pH (>4.5). Bacterial vaginosis or Candida was identified in some of the asymptomatic subjects; their occurrence was significantly higher in women with vaginal hsp70 than in women with no heat shock proteins. Oral contraceptives were used by 35.7% of subjects who were negative for vaginal heat shock proteins, as opposed to only 12.5% of women who were positive for hsp70 and 8.3% who were positive for hsp60. Expression of heat shock proteins in the vagina may indicate an altered vaginal environment and a susceptibility to vulvovaginal symptoms.
Topics: Adult; Chaperonin 60; Contraception; Female; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Recurrence; Vagina; Vulvovaginitis
PubMed: 10231004
DOI: 10.1155/S1064744999000058 -
The Journal of Veterinary Medical... Dec 2012Female reproductive organs show organ-specific morphological changes during estrous cycles. Perinatal exposure to natural and synthetic estrogens including...
Female reproductive organs show organ-specific morphological changes during estrous cycles. Perinatal exposure to natural and synthetic estrogens including diethylstilbestrol (DES) or estrogenic chemicals induces estrogen-independent persistent proliferation of vaginal epithelium in mice. To understand the underlying mechanism of the estrogen-independent persistent vaginal changes induced by perinatal DES exposure, we examined global gene expressions in the vaginae of ovariectomized adult mice exposed neonatally to DES using a microarray. The cell cycle-related gene, p21, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, showed upregulation in the vagina, and p21 protein was localized in the basal layer of the vaginal epithelium in mice exposed neonatally to DES and an estrogen receptor α agonist, propyl pyrazole triol (PPT). The expressions of Notch receptors and Notch ligands were unchanged; however, the mRNAs of hairy-related basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor genes, Hes1, Hey1 and Heyl were persistently downregulated in the vagina, indicating estrogen-independent epithelial cell proliferation in mice exposed neonatally to DES and PPT.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors; Cell Proliferation; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21; Diethylstilbestrol; Epithelial Cells; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Immunohistochemistry; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Microarray Analysis; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Receptors, Notch; Signal Transduction; Vagina
PubMed: 22850433
DOI: 10.1292/jvms.12-0182 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Aug 2001The G-spot is an allegedly highly erogenous area on the anterior wall of the human vagina. Since the concept first appeared in a popular book on human sexuality in 1982,... (Review)
Review
The G-spot is an allegedly highly erogenous area on the anterior wall of the human vagina. Since the concept first appeared in a popular book on human sexuality in 1982, the existence of the spot has become widely accepted, especially by the general public. This article reviews the behavioral, biochemical, and anatomic evidence for the reality of the G-spot, which includes claims about the nature of female ejaculation. The evidence is far too weak to support the reality of the G-spot. Specifically, anecdotal observations and case studies made on the basis of a tiny number of subjects are not supported by subsequent anatomic and biochemical studies.
Topics: Ejaculation; Female; Humans; Orgasm; Sexual Behavior; Sexuality; Vagina
PubMed: 11518892
DOI: 10.1067/mob.2001.115995 -
The Journal of Infection Aug 2014Sexually transmitted infections are a significant cause of genital disease, infertility and hospital admissions. The economic impact is high. An accurate diagnosis is...
OBJECTIVES
Sexually transmitted infections are a significant cause of genital disease, infertility and hospital admissions. The economic impact is high. An accurate diagnosis is often difficult and time consuming. We report the development and validation of a novel bead-based multiplex sexually transmitted infection profiling (STIP) assay that detects 18 sexually transmitted infections using a multiplex PCR followed by Luminex bead-based hybridisation.
METHODS
STIP was validated using urogenital samples pretested by commercially available quantitative PCR, microscopy or by culturing methods.
RESULTS
STIP specifically detects Chlamydia trachomatis, Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, Treponema pallidum, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma (M.) genitalium, M. hominis, M. pneumonia, M. spermatophilum, Ureaplasma urealyticum and U. parvum, and quantifies bacterial vaginosis-associated Atopobium vaginae and Gardnerella vaginalis as well as three Candida species and normal genital flora-associated Lactobacillus species. STIP reached an overall concordance of 95-100% with commercially available quantitative PCR tests. Compared to Nugent score, STIP reached a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 86% for bacterial vaginosis detection. Candida specimens, pretested by direct culturing, were identified with a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 99%.
CONCLUSIONS
STIP is a powerful high-throughput tool in assessing a broad spectrum of urogenital infections.
Topics: Cervix Uteri; Cytological Techniques; DNA, Bacterial; DNA, Fungal; DNA, Viral; Female; Humans; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Specimen Handling; Vagina
PubMed: 24814157
DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2014.04.006 -
Oncogene Jan 2004Growth factors and estrogen receptor (ER) signaling cooperate to play essential roles in cell proliferation, differentiation and tumor progression in mouse reproductive...
Growth factors and estrogen receptor (ER) signaling cooperate to play essential roles in cell proliferation, differentiation and tumor progression in mouse reproductive organs. Treatment of neonatal mice with diethylstilbestrol (DES) induces an estrogen-independent persistent proliferation and cornification of the vaginal epithelium, which results in cancerous lesions later in life. However, the mechanisms of the estrogen-dependent and -independent pathways essentially remain unknown. We characterized the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factors (EGF, transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha), heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), betacellulin (BTC), amphiregulin (APR), epiregulin (EPR) and neuregulin (NRG) 1) and erbB receptors (EGF receptor (EGFR), erbB2/neu, erbB3 and erbB4) in the vaginae of mice treated either neonatally (0-4 day) or as adults (55-59 day) with estrogens. EGFR and erbB2 were activated in the vaginal epithelium of mice by estrogen treatment. This activation was also encountered in vaginae from neonatally DES-exposed mice, along with the expression of EGF, TGF-alpha, HB-EGF, BTC, APR, EPR and NRG1. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that erbB2 was primarily expressed in vaginal epithelium. Finally, we found that serine 118 and 167 located in the AF-1 domain of ERalpha were phosphorylated in these vaginae. AG825, AG1478 or ICI 182,780 administration blocked proliferation of vaginal epithelium induced by neonatal DES exposure. Thus, signal transduction via EGFR and erbB2 could be related to the estrogen-induced vaginal changes and persistent erbBs phosphorylation and sustained expression of EGF-like growth factors, leading to ERalpha activation that may result in cancerous lesions in vaginae from neonatally DES-exposed mice later in life.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Cell Division; Diethylstilbestrol; Epidermal Growth Factor; Epithelial Cells; ErbB Receptors; Estradiol; Estrogen Receptor alpha; Estrogens; Female; Fulvestrant; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Phosphorylation; Receptor, ErbB-2; Receptors, Estrogen; Signal Transduction; Vagina
PubMed: 14647453
DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1207207 -
Srpski Arhiv Za Celokupno Lekarstvo 2013Bacterial vaginosis is a common, complex clinical syndrome characterized by alterations in the normal vaginal flora. When symptomatic, it is associated with a malodorous...
Bacterial vaginosis is a common, complex clinical syndrome characterized by alterations in the normal vaginal flora. When symptomatic, it is associated with a malodorous vaginal discharge and on occasion vaginal burning or itching. Under normal conditions, lactobacilli constitute 95% of the bacteria in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is associated with severe reduction or absence of the normal H2O2-producing lactobacilli and overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Mycoplasma hominis and Mobiluncus species. Most types of infectious disease are diagnosed by culture, by isolating an antigen or RNA/DNA from the microbe, or by serodiagnosis to determine the presence of antibodies to the microbe. Therefore, demonstration of the presence of an infectious agent is often a necessary criterion for the diagnosis of the disease. This is not the case for bacterial vaginosis, since the ultimate cause of the disease is not yet known. There are a variety of methods for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis but no method can at present be regarded as the best. Diagnosing bacterial vaginosis has long been based on the clinical criteria of Amsel, whereby three of four defined criteria must be satisfied. Nugent's scoring system has been further developed and includes validation of the categories of observable bacteria structures. Up-to-date molecular tests are introduced, and better understanding of vaginal microbiome, a clear definition for bacterial vaginosis, and short-term and long-term fluctuations in vaginal microflora will help to better define molecular tests within the broader clinical context.
Topics: Bacterial Typing Techniques; Female; Gardnerella vaginalis; Humans; Lactobacillus; Vagina; Vaginosis, Bacterial
PubMed: 24073569
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Pediatric Urology Aug 2014The use of bowel for vaginal construction is a well-established procedure. In this paper, the lessons learned from 36 vaginoplasties over a 34-year period are discussed.
OBJECTIVES
The use of bowel for vaginal construction is a well-established procedure. In this paper, the lessons learned from 36 vaginoplasties over a 34-year period are discussed.
METHODS
Between 1980 and 2013, 36 patients between 1 and 21 years of age underwent vaginal construction. In 27 of the 36 patients, an inverted V-shaped perineal skin flap was incorporated into the posterior wall of the neovagina, and, when required, a detubularized pouch was used to avoid traction on the vascular pedicle. In nine patients, the sigmoid colon was anastomosed, in a circumferential manner, to the short blind-ending vaginal dimple.
RESULTS
Two of the nine sigmoid vaginas, where the perineal skin flap was omitted, developed introital stenosis. None of the sigmoid neovaginas that included the perineal flap developed stenosis. One patient with ileal segment vagina, at the onset of puberty, developed introital stenosis after 10 years; this was successfully corrected. Nineteen out of 28 patients available for long-term follow up were sexually active and reported no dyspareunia.
CONCLUSIONS
Detubularization and reconfiguration to form a pouch reduces the traction on the mesentery of the bowel segment, which ensures adequate blood supply to the distal entero-cutaneous junction. The inverted V-shaped perineal skin flap should be incorporated in the anastomosis to avoid circumferential suture line and introital stenosis.
Topics: Adolescent; Anastomosis, Surgical; Child; Child, Preschool; Colon, Sigmoid; Female; Humans; Ileum; Infant; Patient Satisfaction; Perineum; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Retrospective Studies; Sexual Behavior; Surgical Flaps; Treatment Outcome; Vagina; Young Adult
PubMed: 24909605
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2014.04.007 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... May 1992In order to suggest a valid experimental model for correlated studies regarding the complex phenomena of reproductive biology in humans, light (LM), transmission (TEM)...
In order to suggest a valid experimental model for correlated studies regarding the complex phenomena of reproductive biology in humans, light (LM), transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations were carried out on vaginae of sexually mature New-Zealand albino rabbits, both in estrus and at 5 h after mating. To avoid artifacts depending upon the operative times for specimen removal and, in particular, to well visualize the inner surface of this organ, vaginal irrigation with fixative was performed prior to the surgical removal. Our data demonstrate that the upper 2/3 of the vaginal duct form a kind of 'cervico-vaginal canal' which shares many histological features with the human endocervix. In fact, this portion is lined within by a monostratified epithelium provided with tall microvillous and ciliated cells and often invaginated in crypts. After mating, the microvillous cells showed evidence of secretory activity, exhibiting dome-like luminal surfaces. Secretory droplets often contacted cilia and spermatozoa present in the mucosal furrows and crypts. Because of these singular features and the morphofunctional interactions between vaginal epithelium and male gametes, we believe the rabbit to be a helpful model for comparative biology in humans, concerning sperm capacitation and the general reactivity of the female genital tract during the reproductive cycle.
Topics: Animals; Copulation; Epithelial Cells; Epithelium; Estrus; Female; Mucous Membrane; Rabbits; Vagina
PubMed: 1607062
DOI: 10.1016/0028-2243(92)90103-6 -
British Journal of Obstetrics and... Mar 1984The successful application of an amniotic membrane graft in the treatment of congenital absence of the vagina is described. Follow up with vaginal smears and vaginal...
The successful application of an amniotic membrane graft in the treatment of congenital absence of the vagina is described. Follow up with vaginal smears and vaginal biopsies revealed that amnion when used alone with mesenchyme applied to the host gives protection to the underlying granulation tissue and facilitates epithelialization.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Extraembryonic Membranes; Female; Humans; Methods; Postoperative Care; Vagina
PubMed: 6704352
DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1984.tb04768.x -
Dermatologic Surgery : Official... Sep 2016Aging, childbearing, and hormonal changes can lead to vulvovaginal laxity and mucosal atrophy that negatively affect a woman's quality of life. As more minimally and...
BACKGROUND
Aging, childbearing, and hormonal changes can lead to vulvovaginal laxity and mucosal atrophy that negatively affect a woman's quality of life. As more minimally and noninvasive options for genital rejuvenation become available in the outpatient setting, it becomes increasingly important for the dermatologic surgeon to be familiar with these popular procedures.
OBJECTIVE
To familiarize dermatologists with the nonsurgical options available for female genital rejuvenation, patient motivations for pursuing these procedures, relevant anatomy, and potential adverse events.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A MEDLINE search was performed on nonsurgical female genital rejuvenation from 1989 to 2015, and results are summarized.
RESULTS
Reports of nonsurgical female genital rejuvenation procedures using fractional carbon dioxide lasers, nonablative lasers, monopolar radiofrequency devices, hyaluronic acid fillers, and fat transfer are concisely summarized for the practicing dermatologist.
CONCLUSION
Review of the literature revealed expanding options for nonsurgical female genital rejuvenation.
Topics: Adipose Tissue; Administration, Topical; Dermal Fillers; Estrogens; Female; Humans; Laser Therapy; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Radiofrequency Therapy; Rejuvenation; Skin Cream; Vagina; Vulva
PubMed: 27153040
DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000697