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Journal of Medical Case Reports Jun 2024Abnormal uterine bleeding, formerly known as menometrorrhagia, is estimated to occur in up to one-third of women, commonly at menarche or perimenopause. Among many other...
BACKGROUND
Abnormal uterine bleeding, formerly known as menometrorrhagia, is estimated to occur in up to one-third of women, commonly at menarche or perimenopause. Among many other causes, abnormal uterine bleeding is known to be caused by leiomyomas, and is itself a leading cause of severe iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in women. Rarely, abnormal uterine bleeding can lead to critically low hemoglobin values of less than 2 g/dL. We report here a case of a woman with abnormal uterine bleeding caused by leiomyomas presenting with severely low hemoglobin.
CASE PRESENTATION
We report the case of a 42-year-old Asian American woman who presented to the emergency department with chronic abnormal uterine bleeding and symptoms of anemia, including multiple syncopal episodes and abnormally pale skin but otherwise alert and oriented. Laboratory tests found a record-low hemoglobin of 1.6 g/dL and hematocrit of 6%. Transabdominal pelvic ultrasound revealed a lower uterine segment/cervical fibroid measuring 7.5 × 5 × 7.8 cm (length × depth × width). Patient was diagnosed with abnormal uterine bleeding-leiomyoma and received five units of packed red blood cells, one unit of fresh frozen plasma, Venofer infusions, tranexamic acid, and medroxyprogesterone. She was discharged from the hospital after 4 days.
CONCLUSION
To date, only a handful of cases have been reported of female patient survival following severely low hemoglobin caused by abnormal uterine bleeding. This case adds to this literature, highlighting the remarkable degree of compensation that can lead to an alert, ambulatory, and oriented patient with abnormal uterine bleeding caused by leiomyoma.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Uterine Neoplasms; Leiomyoma; Hemoglobins; Uterine Hemorrhage; Treatment Outcome; Metrorrhagia
PubMed: 38898492
DOI: 10.1186/s13256-024-04593-1 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Breast cancer is influenced by factors such as diet, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and postmenopausal status, which are all linked to prolonged hormonal and...
Breast cancer is influenced by factors such as diet, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and postmenopausal status, which are all linked to prolonged hormonal and inflammatory exposure. Physical activity offers protection against breast cancer by modulating hormones, immune responses, and oxidative defenses. This study aimed to assess how a prolonged high-fat diet (HFD) affects the effectiveness of physical activity in preventing and managing mammary tumorigenesis. Ovariectomised C57BL/6 mice were provided with an enriched environment to induce spontaneous physical activity while being fed HFD. After 44 days (short-term, ST HFD) or 88 days (long-term, LT HFD), syngenic EO771 cells were implanted into mammary glands, and tumour growth was monitored until sacrifice. Despite similar physical activity and food intake, the LT HFD group exhibited higher visceral adipose tissue mass and reduced skeletal muscle mass. In the tumour microenvironment, the LT HFD group showed decreased NK cells and TCD8+ cells, with a trend toward increased T regulatory cells, leading to a collapse of the T8/Treg ratio. Additionally, the LT HFD group displayed decreased tumour triglyceride content and altered enzyme activities indicative of oxidative stress. Prolonged exposure to HFD was associated with tumour growth despite elevated physical activity, promoting a tolerogenic tumour microenvironment. Future studies should explore inter-organ exchanges between tumour and tissues.
Topics: Animals; Diet, High-Fat; Female; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Tumor Microenvironment; Oxidative Stress; Carcinogenesis; Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental; Cell Line, Tumor; Mammary Neoplasms, Animal; Intra-Abdominal Fat; Killer Cells, Natural
PubMed: 38892407
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116221 -
BMC Women's Health Jun 2024Observational data indicates a connection between emotional discomfort, such as anxiety and depression, and uterine fibroids (UFs). However, additional investigation is...
BACKGROUND
Observational data indicates a connection between emotional discomfort, such as anxiety and depression, and uterine fibroids (UFs). However, additional investigation is required to establish the causal relationship between them. Hence, we assessed the reciprocal causality between four psychological disorders and UFs utilizing two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR).
METHODS
To evaluate the causal relationship between four types of psychological distress (depressive symptoms, severe depression, anxiety or panic attacks, mood swings) and UFs, bidirectional two-sample MR was employed, utilizing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with these conditions. Both univariate MR (UVMR) and multivariate MR (MVMR) primarily applied inverse variance weighted (IVW) as the method for estimating potential causal effects. Complementary approaches such as MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode were utilized to validate the findings. To assess the robustness of our MR results, we conducted sensitivity analyses using Cochran's Q-test and the MR Egger intercept test.
RESULTS
The results of our UVMR analysis suggest that genetic predispositions to depressive symptoms (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.563, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.209-2.021, P = 0.001) and major depressive disorder (MDD) (OR = 1.176, 95% CI = 1.044-1.324, P = 0.007) are associated with an increased risk of UFs. Moreover, the IVW model showed a nominally significant positive correlation between mood swings (OR: 1.578; 95% CI: 1.062-2.345; P = 0.024) and UFs risk. However, our analysis did not establish a causal relationship between UFs and the four types of psychological distress. Even after adjusting for confounders like body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol consumption, and number of live births in the MVMR, the causal link between MDD and UFs remained significant (OR = 1.217, 95% CI = 1.039-1.425, P = 0.015).
CONCLUSIONS
Our study presents evidence supporting the causal relationship between genetic susceptibility to MDD and the incidence of UFs. These findings highlight the significance of addressing psychological health issues, particularly depression, in both the prevention and treatment of UFs.
Topics: Humans; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Female; Leiomyoma; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Depression; Psychological Distress; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Anxiety; Uterine Neoplasms; Causality; Panic Disorder
PubMed: 38890689
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03196-8 -
Microsurgery Jul 2024Soft-tissue sarcomas represent a cohort of rare and heterogeneous malignant tumors that could affect various body parts, with a higher incidence in the lower extremity....
Pedicled SCIP-based vascularized lymphnode and lymphatic vessels transfer (VLNT and VLVT) for deep lymphatic system reconstruction and dead space obliteration after medial thigh sarcoma resection: A case report.
Soft-tissue sarcomas represent a cohort of rare and heterogeneous malignant tumors that could affect various body parts, with a higher incidence in the lower extremity. When these tumors are surgically removed, both the superficial and deep lymphatic pathways could also be damaged and might require immediate reconstruction to prevent lymphatic complications. In the present report, we describe a case of a patient affected by a high-grade (G3) spindle cell pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma of the upper medial thigh. A 22 × 20 cm mass was removed with exposure of the deep femoral vessels and the great saphenous vein. After intraoperative indocyanine green lymphography, it was determined that the superficial lymphatic vessels were intact, but the deep lymphatic system was unavoidably damaged. As a reconstructive procedure, we performed a pedicled SCIP-based vascularized lymphatic vessel transfer and vascularized lymph node transfer to restore the deep lymphatic system and dead space obliteration. The procedure was successful, and no signs of lymphatic impairment were observed during the two-year follow-up period. We believe that this novel approach might be helpful in cases of large and profound defects that involve the deep lymphatic system. The combination of these two techniques could help restore deep lymph drainage, minimizing the risk of superficial system overload and lymphatic dysfunction. No other cases have been described so far employing the same approach. Considering the obtained results, this procedure might be worth further investigation.
Topics: Humans; Lymphatic Vessels; Thigh; Male; Soft Tissue Neoplasms; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Surgical Flaps; Middle Aged; Rhabdomyosarcoma
PubMed: 38886978
DOI: 10.1002/micr.31205 -
Journal of Experimental & Clinical... Jun 2024Recent intravesical administration of adenoviral vectors, either as a single injection or in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors, exemplified by cretostimogene...
BACKGROUND
Recent intravesical administration of adenoviral vectors, either as a single injection or in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors, exemplified by cretostimogene grenadenorepvec and nadofaragene firadenovec, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in clinical trials for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Despite their ability to induce an enhanced immune reaction within the lesion, the intracellular survival signaling of cancer cells has not been thoroughly addressed.
METHODS
An analysis of the prognostic data revealed a high probability of therapeutic efficacy with simultaneous inhibition of mTOR and STAT3. Considering the challenges of limited pharmaco-accessibility to the bladder due to its pathophysiological structure and the partially undruggable nature of target molecules, we designed a dual siRNA system targeting both mRNAs. Subsequently, this dual siRNA system was encoded into the adenovirus 5/3 (Ad 5/3) to enhance in vivo delivery efficiency.
RESULTS
Gene-targeting efficacy was assessed using cells isolated from xenografted tumors using a single-cell analysis system. Our strategy demonstrated a balanced downregulation of mTOR and STAT3 at the single-cell resolution, both in vitro and in vivo. This approach reduced tumor growth in bladder cancer xenograft and orthotopic animal experiments. In addition, increased infiltration of CD8 T cells was observed in a humanized mouse model. We provided helpful and safe tissue distribution data for intravesical therapy of siRNAs coding adenoviruses.
CONCLUSIONS
The bi-specific siRNA strategy, encapsulated in an adenovirus, could be a promising tool to augment cancer treatment efficacy and overcome conventional therapy limitations associated with "undruggability." Hence, we propose that dual targeting of mTOR and STAT3 is an advantageous strategy for intravesical therapy using adenoviruses.
Topics: Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Humans; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Animals; Mice; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Administration, Intravesical; Female; Cell Line, Tumor; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
PubMed: 38886756
DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03088-7 -
International Journal of Hyperthermia :... 2024To investigate the long-term efficacy of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) for multiple uterine fibroids and the factors associated with...
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the long-term efficacy of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) for multiple uterine fibroids and the factors associated with recurrence.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Five hundred and forty-nine patients with multiple uterine fibroids treated with USgHIFU from June 2017 to June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBAC) was used to assess menstrual blood loss. The patients were asked to undergo pre- and post-USgHIFU magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and complete routine follow-up after USgHIFU. Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors associated with recurrence.
RESULTS
The median number of fibroids per patient was 3 (interquartile range: 3-4), and a total of 1371 fibroids were treated. Among them, 446 patients completed 3 years follow-up. Recurrence, defined as PBAC score above or equal to 100 and/or the residual fibroid volume increased by 10%, was detected in 90 patients within 3 years after USgHIFU, with a cumulative recurrence rate of 20.2% (90/446). The multi-factor Cox analysis showed that age was a protective factor for recurrence. Younger patients have a greater chance of recurrence than older patients. Mixed hyperintensity of fibroids on T2WI and treatment intensity were risk factors for recurrence. Patients with hyperintense uterine fibroids and treated with lower treatment intensity were more likely to experience recurrence than other patients after USgHIFU. No major adverse effects occurred.
CONCLUSIONS
USgHIFU can be used to treat multiple uterine fibroids safely and effectively. The age, T2WI signal intensity and treatment intensity are factors related to recurrence.
Topics: Humans; Female; Leiomyoma; Adult; Risk Factors; High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Uterine Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38880505
DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2024.2365388 -
International Journal of Hyperthermia :... 2024To investigate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of high intensity focused ultrasound ablation (HIFU) as a preoperative treatment for challenging hysteroscopic...
PURPOSE
To investigate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of high intensity focused ultrasound ablation (HIFU) as a preoperative treatment for challenging hysteroscopic myomectomies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 75 patients diagnosed with types 0-III of uterine fibroids were enrolled. Based on the Size, Topography, Extension of the base, Penetration and lateral Wall position (STEPW) classification scoring system, 25 cases with a score ≥ 5 points were treated with HIFU followed by hysteroscopic myomectomy (HIFU + HM group), whereas 50 cases with a score < 5 points were treated with hysteroscopic myomectomy (HM group).
RESULTS
The median preoperative STEPW score was 7 in the HIFU + HM group and 2 in the HM group. The average non-perfused volume (NPV) ratio achieved in fibroids after HIFU was 86.87%. Patients in the HIFU + HM group underwent hysteroscopic myomectomy one to four days after HIFU, and downgrading was observed in 81.81% of fibroids. The operation time for patients in the HIFU + HM group was 73 min and the success rate of myomectomy in a single attempt was 60%. The volume of distention medium used during the operation was greater in the HIFU + HM group than in the HM group (15,500 ml vs. 7500 ml). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss, the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications, menstrual volume score, or uterine fibroid quality of life score.
CONCLUSION
HIFU can be utilized as a preoperative treatment for large submucosal fibroids prior to hysteroscopic myomectomy. HIFU offers a novel approach in the management of this subset of patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation; Adult; Uterine Myomectomy; Hysteroscopy; Middle Aged; Leiomyoma; Feasibility Studies; Treatment Outcome; Uterine Neoplasms
PubMed: 38880503
DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2024.2365974 -
Oncology Reports Jul 20242',3',4'‑trihydroxyflavone (2‑D08), a SUMO E2 inhibitor, has several biological functions, including anticancer activity, but its effects on uterine leiomyosarcoma...
2',3',4'‑trihydroxyflavone (2‑D08), a SUMO E2 inhibitor, has several biological functions, including anticancer activity, but its effects on uterine leiomyosarcoma (Ut‑LMS) are unknown. The anticancer activity of 2‑D08 was explored in an model using SK‑LMS‑1 and SK‑UT‑1B cells (human Ut‑LMS cells). Treatment with 2‑D08 inhibited cell viability in a dose‑ and time‑dependent manner and significantly inhibited the colony‑forming ability of Ut‑LMS cells. In SK‑UT‑1B cells treated with 2‑D08, flow cytometric analysis revealed a slight increase in apoptotic rates, while cell cycle progression remained unaffected. Western blotting revealed elevated levels of RIP1, indicating induction of necrosis, but LC3B levels remained unchanged, suggesting no effect on autophagy. A lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay confirmed increased LDH release, further supporting the induction of apoptosis and necrosis by 2‑D08 in SK‑UT‑1B cells. 2‑D08‑induced production of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis progression were observed in SK‑LMS‑1 cells. Using Ki67 staining and bromodeoxyuridine assays, it was found that 2‑D08 suppressed proliferation in SK‑LMS‑1 cells, while treatment for 48 h led to cell‑cycle arrest. 2‑D08 upregulated p21 protein expression in SK‑LMS‑1 cells and promoted apoptosis through caspase‑3. Evaluation of α‑SM‑actin, calponin 1 and TAGLN expression indicated that 2‑D08 did not directly initiate smooth muscle phenotypic switching in SK‑LMS‑1 cells. Transcriptome analysis on 2‑D08‑treated SK‑LMS‑1 cells identified significant differences in gene expression and suggested that 2‑D08 modulates cell‑cycle‑ and apoptosis‑related pathways. The analysis identified several differentially expressed genes and significant enrichment for biological processes related to DNA replication and molecular functions associated with the apoptotic process. It was concluded that 2‑D08 exerts antitumor effects in Ut‑LMS cells by modulating multiple signaling pathways and that 2‑D08 may be a promising candidate for the treatment of human Ut‑LMS. The present study expanded and developed knowledge regarding Ut‑LMS management and indicated that 2‑D08 represents a notable finding in the exploration of fresh treatment options for such cancerous tumors.
Topics: Humans; Leiomyosarcoma; Female; Uterine Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Apoptosis; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Reactive Oxygen Species; Signal Transduction; Flavones; Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Cycle; Autophagy
PubMed: 38874019
DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8756 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024A 55-year-old male patient developed a mass in the left inguinal area with left lower limb swelling and first visited a local hospital 3 months earlier because of...
CASE REPORT
A 55-year-old male patient developed a mass in the left inguinal area with left lower limb swelling and first visited a local hospital 3 months earlier because of unrelieved pain. An MRI scan suggested left suprapubic branch and left acetabular bone destruction, abnormal soft tissue signals within the iliopsoas muscle of the anterior edge of the left iliac bone, and enlarged lymph nodes in the left iliac fossa and left inguinal region. The patient subsequently underwent left pelvic lesion open biopsy and inguinal lymph node resection biopsy. According to pathological reports, the left inguinal mass was considered to be a malignant tumor of cutaneous accessory origin (pilomatrix carcinoma) with extensive vitreous changes. The suprapupubis branch mass was considered to be a bone metastatic pilomatrix carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed a PDL1 combined positive score (CPS) of 8. DNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) showed L65Rfs*53 mutation. The patient received three cycles of gemcitabine and nedaplatin. However, the lesion progressed.
CONCLUSION
Chemotherapy is not effective for treating pilomatrix carcinoma. PDL1 antibodies and CDK4/6 inhibitors might be treatment options for pilomatrix carcinoma.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16; B7-H1 Antigen; Skin Neoplasms; Pilomatrixoma; Mutation; Hair Diseases
PubMed: 38873609
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1337400 -
BJUI Compass Jun 2024Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a cell surface glycoprotein that represents a promising therapeutic target. Serum measurement of shedded CEA can be utilized for...
OBJECTIVES
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a cell surface glycoprotein that represents a promising therapeutic target. Serum measurement of shedded CEA can be utilized for monitoring of cancer patients.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
To evaluate the potential clinical significance of CEA expression in urothelial bladder neoplasms, CEA was analysed by immunohistochemistry in more than 2500 urothelial bladder carcinomas in a tissue microarray format.
RESULTS
CEA staining was largely absent in normal urothelial cells but was observed in 30.4% of urothelial bladder carcinomas including 406 (16.7%) with weak, 140 (5.8%) with moderate, and 192 (7.9%) with strong staining. CEA positivity occurred in 10.9% of 411 pTaG2 low-grade, 32.0% of 178 pTaG2 high-grade, and 43.0% of 93 pTaG3 tumours ( < 0.0001). In 1335 pT2-4 carcinomas, CEA positivity (34.1%) was lower than in pTaG3 tumours. Within pT2-4 carcinomas, CEA staining was unrelated to pT, pN, grade, L-status, V-status, overall survival, recurrence free survival, and cancer specific survival ( > 0.25).
CONCLUSION
CEA increases markedly with grade progression in pTa tumours, and expression occurs in a significant fraction of pT2-4 urothelial bladder carcinomas. The high rate of CEA positivity in pT2-4 carcinomas offers the opportunity of using CEA serum measurement for monitoring the clinical course of these cancers. Moreover, CEA positive urothelial carcinomas are candidates for a treatment by targeted anti-CEA drugs.
PubMed: 38873357
DOI: 10.1002/bco2.354