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Sexually Transmitted Infections Mar 2021To provide an in-depth systematic assessment of the global epidemiology of gonorrhoea infection in infertile populations. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To provide an in-depth systematic assessment of the global epidemiology of gonorrhoea infection in infertile populations.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted up to 29 April 2019 on international databases and WHO regional databases, and reported following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. All prevalence measures of gonorrhoea infection among infertile populations, based on primary data, qualified for inclusion. Infertile populations were broadly defined to encompass women/men undergoing infertility evaluation or treatment (infertility clinic attendees and partners). Pooled mean prevalence by relevant strata was estimated using random-effects meta-analysis. Associations with prevalence and sources of heterogeneity were explored using metaregression. Risk of bias was assessed using four quality domains.
FINDINGS
A total of 147 gonorrhoea prevalence studies were identified from 56 countries. The pooled mean prevalence of current gonorrhoea infection was estimated globally at 2.2% (95% CI 1.3% to 3.2%), with the highest prevalence in Africa at 5.0% (95% CI 1.9% to 9.3%). The mean prevalence was higher for populations with tubal factor infertility (3.6%, 95% CI 0.9%-7.7%) and mixed cause and unexplained infertility (3.6%, 95% CI 0.0% to 11.6%) compared with other diagnoses, such as ovarian and non-tubal infertility (0.1%, 95% CI 0.0% to 0.8%), and for secondary (2.5%, 95% CI 0.2% to 6.5%) compared with primary (0.5%, 95% CI 0.0% to 1.7%) infertility. Metaregression identified evidence of variations in prevalence by region and by infertility diagnosis, higher prevalence in women than men and a small-study effect. There was a trend of declining prevalence by about 3% per year over the last four decades (OR=0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.99).
CONCLUSIONS
Gonorrhoea prevalence in infertile populations is several folds higher than that in the general population, with even higher prevalence in women with tubal factor infertility and in individuals with secondary infertility. These findings support the potential role of gonorrhoea in infertility and suggest that some infertility is possibly preventable by controlling gonorrhoea transmission.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42018102934.
Topics: Female; Global Health; Gonorrhea; Humans; Infertility; Male; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; Prevalence
PubMed: 32423944
DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054515 -
BMC Cancer May 2020Tuberculosis is associated with increased risk of cancer. However, the impact of tuberculosis on global cancer burden is unknown. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Tuberculosis is associated with increased risk of cancer. However, the impact of tuberculosis on global cancer burden is unknown.
METHODS
We performed random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions of studies reporting the association between tuberculosis and cancer risks by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane library, and CINAHL from inception to 1 June 2019. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) of cancer incidence attributable to tuberculosis were calculated using relative risks from our meta-analyses and tuberculosis prevalence data from Global Health Data Exchange by age, sex, and country. The study has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42016050691).
RESULTS
Fourty nine studies with 52,480 cancer cases met pre-specified inclusion criteria. Tuberculosis was associated with head and neck cancer (RR 2.64[95% CI 2.00-3.48]), hepatobiliary cancer (2.43[1.82-3.25]), Hodgkin's lymphoma (2.19[1.62-2.97]), lung cancer (1.69[1.46-1.95]), gastrointestinal cancer (1.62[1.26-2.08]), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (1.61[1.34-1.94]), pancreatic cancer (1.58[1.28-1.96]), leukaemia (1.55[1.25-1.93]), kidney and bladder cancer (1.54[1.21-1.97]), and ovarian cancer (1.43[1.04-1.97]). We estimated that 2.33%(1.14-3.81) or 381,035(187145-623,404) of global cancer incidences in 2015 were attributable to tuberculosis. The PAFs varied by Socio-demographic Index (SDI)-ranging from 1.28% (0.57-2.31%) in the high-SDI countries to 3.51% (1.84-5.42%) in the middle-SDI countries. Individually, China and India accounted for 47% of all tuberculosis-related cancer cases.
CONCLUSIONS
Tuberculosis is associated with increased risk of cancer at ten sites. The burden of tuberculosis attributable cancer skewed towards lower resource countries. Research priorities are to better understand regional disparities and underlying mechanism linking tuberculosis and cancer development.
Topics: Global Health; Humans; Incidence; Japan; Neoplasms; Prognosis; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Risk Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Time Factors; Tuberculosis
PubMed: 32398031
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-06891-5 -
BMJ Open Feb 2020We aimed to evaluate the safety, efficiency and preferred indication for laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) compared with conventional laparoscopic (CL) surgery... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to evaluate the safety, efficiency and preferred indication for laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) compared with conventional laparoscopic (CL) surgery for benign ovarian masses.
DESIGN
A systemic review and cumulative meta-analysis were performed in line with the criteria of Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation: levels of evidence and grades of recommendation.
DATA SOURCES
We comprehensively searched the electronic databases including PubMed, Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library in November 2018.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective studies published in recent 10 years, which investigated the performance of LESS versus CL in patients at all ages with benign ovarian masses.
RESULTS
Four RCTs and nine retrospective studies published in recent decade including 1542 cases (744 cases for LESS and 798 cases for CL) were identified. Perioperative complication was consisted of intraoperative and postoperative complications, including ileus, wound infection or dehiscence and incisional hernia. Although LESS has less postoperative analgesic consumption (46.78% and 79.25%; OR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.74, p<0.001) and shorter hospital stay (weighted mean difference (WMD): -0.24 days; 95% CI: -0.35 to -0.14; p<0.001), CL has less perioperative complications (6.59% and 2.85%; OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.05 to 4.11, p=0.04) and shorter operative time (WMD: 3.43 min; 95% CI: -0.03 to 6.88; p=0.05). Body mass index, history of previous abdominal surgery, size of adnexal mass, estimated blood loss and postoperative pain scores did not differ significantly between two techniques.
CONCLUSIONS
The indications of LESS for benign ovarian masses are similar to CL and it has better postoperative recovery. However, with less perioperative complications, CL surgery is safer than LESS.
Topics: Endoscopy; Female; Humans; Laparoscopy; Operative Time; Ovarian Neoplasms; Ovary; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32066600
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032331 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2020Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition affecting 8% to 13% of reproductive-aged women. In the past clomiphene citrate (CC) used to be the first-line... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition affecting 8% to 13% of reproductive-aged women. In the past clomiphene citrate (CC) used to be the first-line treatment in women with PCOS. Ovulation induction with letrozole should be the first-line treatment according to new guidelines, but the use of letrozole is off-label. Consequently, CC is still commonly used. Approximately 20% of women on CC do not ovulate. Women who are CC-resistant can be treated with gonadotrophins or other medical ovulation-induction agents. These medications are not always successful, can be time-consuming and can cause adverse events like multiple pregnancies and cycle cancellation due to an excessive response. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) is a surgical alternative to medical treatment. There are risks associated with surgery, such as complications from anaesthesia, infection, and adhesions.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of LOD with or without medical ovulation induction compared with medical ovulation induction alone for women with anovulatory polycystic PCOS and CC-resistance.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group (CGFG) trials register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and two trials registers up to 8 October 2019, together with reference checking and contact with study authors and experts in the field to identify additional studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of women with anovulatory PCOS and CC resistance who underwent LOD with or without medical ovulation induction versus medical ovulation induction alone, LOD with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) versus ART, LOD with second-look laparoscopy versus expectant management, or different techniques of LOD.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently selected studies, assessed risks of bias, extracted data and evaluated the quality of the evidence using the GRADE method. The primary effectiveness outcome was live birth and the primary safety outcome was multiple pregnancy. Pregnancy, miscarriage, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), ovulation, costs, and quality of life were secondary outcomes.
MAIN RESULTS
This updated review includes 38 trials (3326 women). The evidence was very low- to moderate-quality; the main limitations were due to poor reporting of study methods, with downgrading for risks of bias (randomisation and allocation concealment) and lack of blinding. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling with or without medical ovulation induction versus medical ovulation induction alone Pooled results suggest LOD may decrease live birth slightly when compared with medical ovulation induction alone (odds ratio (OR) 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54 to 0.92; 9 studies, 1015 women; I = 0%; low-quality evidence). The evidence suggest that if the chance of live birth following medical ovulation induction alone is 42%, the chance following LOD would be between 28% and 40%. The sensitivity analysis restricted to only RCTs with low risk of selection bias suggested there is uncertainty whether there is a difference between the treatments (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.36; 4 studies, 415 women; I = 0%, low-quality evidence). LOD probably reduces multiple pregnancy rates (Peto OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.66; 14 studies, 1161 women; I = 2%; moderate-quality evidence). This suggests that if we assume the risk of multiple pregnancy following medical ovulation induction is 5.0%, the risk following LOD would be between 0.9% and 3.4%. Restricting to RCTs that followed women for six months after LOD and six cycles of ovulation induction only, the results for live birth were consistent with the main analysis. There may be little or no difference between the treatments for the likelihood of a clinical pregnancy (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.03; 21 studies, 2016 women; I = 19%; low-quality evidence). There is uncertainty about the effect of LOD compared with ovulation induction alone on miscarriage (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.59; 19 studies, 1909 women; I = 0%; low-quality evidence). OHSS was a very rare event. LOD may reduce OHSS (Peto OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.91; 8 studies, 722 women; I = 0%; low-quality evidence). Unilateral LOD versus bilateral LOD Due to the small sample size, the quality of evidence is insufficient to justify a conclusion on live birth (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.24 to 2.78; 1 study, 44 women; very low-quality evidence). There were no data available on multiple pregnancy. The likelihood of a clinical pregnancy is uncertain between the treatments, due to the quality of the evidence and the large heterogeneity between the studies (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.84; 7 studies, 470 women; I = 60%, very low-quality evidence). Due to the small sample size, the quality of evidence is not sufficient to justify a conclusion on miscarriage (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.31 to 3.33; 2 studies, 131 women; I = 0%; very low-quality evidence). Other comparisons Due to lack of evidence and very low-quality data there is uncertainty whether there is a difference for any of the following comparisons: LOD with IVF versus IVF, LOD with second-look laparoscopy versus expectant management, monopolar versus bipolar LOD, and adjusted thermal dose versus fixed thermal dose.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic ovarian drilling with and without medical ovulation induction may decrease the live birth rate in women with anovulatory PCOS and CC resistance compared with medical ovulation induction alone. But the sensitivity analysis restricted to only RCTs at low risk of selection bias suggests there is uncertainty whether there is a difference between the treatments, due to uncertainty around the estimate. Moderate-quality evidence shows that LOD probably reduces the number of multiple pregnancy. Low-quality evidence suggests that there may be little or no difference between the treatments for the likelihood of a clinical pregnancy, and there is uncertainty about the effect of LOD compared with ovulation induction alone on miscarriage. LOD may result in less OHSS. The quality of evidence is insufficient to justify a conclusion on live birth, clinical pregnancy or miscarriage rate for the analysis of unilateral LOD versus bilateral LOD. There were no data available on multiple pregnancy.
Topics: Anovulation; Birth Rate; Female; Fertility Agents, Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Laparoscopy; Ovulation Induction; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 32048270
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001122.pub5 -
Romanian Journal of Morphology and... 2019Primary ovarian hydatid disease (HD) is a rare entity, produced by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. HD commonly involves liver, lung, abdomen cavity, spleen...
Primary ovarian hydatid disease (HD) is a rare entity, produced by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. HD commonly involves liver, lung, abdomen cavity, spleen and is unusually identified in pelvic organs. Based on our knowledge, the paper reviews 27 literature reports of ovarian HD, diagnosed during the last 20 years, providing a valuable database. Patients' ages ranged between 12-76 years, the gross appearance was that of 40-330 mm diameter hydatid cysts (HCs), 66.66% of them being primary. According to these reports, ovarian HD has non-specific clinical manifestations, such as abdominal or pelvic pain, nausea, dysmenorrhea or amenorrhea. The diagnosis may be achieved by abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), serological exams, such as eosinophilia (in 10-30% of patients) or indirect hemagglutination and immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies detection. Ovarian HC microscopic pattern is characterized by three layers: pericyst or adventitia (host origin), germinal layer (endocyst), and laminated membrane (ectocyst). The immunoreaction triggered by parasites is initially rich in macrophages and neutrophils, followed by eosinophils and lymphocytes, with numerous cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8)-positive T-cells in active lesions and progressive forms. Concomitant ovarian diseases are relatively rare, being represented by borderline tumors (n=2 cases), mucinous cystadenoma (n=1 case), hemorrhagic cyst (n=1 case), and serous adenocarcinoma (n=1 case). In conclusion, the ovarian location of HD should be considered in any differential diagnosis of a cystic lesion, while it does not exclude synchronous ovarian tumors. These cases reinforce the necessity of better measures of prophylaxis and screening of HD in endemic areas.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Echinococcosis; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Middle Aged; Ovarian Cysts; Young Adult
PubMed: 31912083
DOI: No ID Found -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2019Epithelial ovarian cancer presents at an advanced stage in the majority of women. These women require surgery and chemotherapy for optimal treatment. Conventional... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Epithelial ovarian cancer presents at an advanced stage in the majority of women. These women require surgery and chemotherapy for optimal treatment. Conventional treatment has been to perform surgery first and then give chemotherapy. However, there may be advantages to using chemotherapy before surgery.
OBJECTIVES
To assess whether there is an advantage to treating women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer with chemotherapy before debulking surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT)) compared with conventional treatment where chemotherapy follows debulking surgery (primary debulking surgery (PDS)).
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the following databases on 11 February 2019: CENTRAL, Embase via Ovid, MEDLINE (Silver Platter/Ovid), PDQ and MetaRegister. We also checked the reference lists of relevant papers that were identified to search for further studies. The main investigators of relevant trials were contacted for further information.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (Federation of International Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO) stage III/IV) who were randomly allocated to treatment groups that compared platinum-based chemotherapy before cytoreductive surgery with platinum-based chemotherapy following cytoreductive surgery.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias in each included trial.
MAIN RESULTS
We found 1952 potential titles, with a most recent search date of February 2019, of which five RCTs of varying quality and size met the inclusion criteria. These studies assessed a total of 1713 women with stage IIIc/IV ovarian cancer randomised to NACT followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS) or PDS followed by chemotherapy. We pooled results of the three studies where data were available and found little or no difference with regard to overall survival (OS) (1521 women; hazard ratio (HR) 1.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94 to 1.19, I = 0%; moderate-certainty evidence) or progression-free survival in four trials where we were able to pool data (1631 women; HR 1.02; 95% CI 0.92 to 1.13, I = 0%; moderate-certainty evidence). Adverse events, surgical morbidity and quality of life (QoL) outcomes were poorly and incompletely reported across studies. There may be clinically meaningful differences in favour of NACT compared to PDS with regard to serious adverse effects (SAE grade 3+). These data suggest that NACT may reduce the risk of need for blood transfusion (risk ratio (RR) 0.80; 95% CI 0.64 to 0.99; four studies,1085 women; low-certainty evidence), venous thromboembolism (RR 0.28; 95% CI 0.09 to 0.90; four studies, 1490 women; low-certainty evidence), infection (RR 0.30; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.56; four studies, 1490 women; moderate-certainty evidence), compared to PDS. NACT probably reduces the need for stoma formation (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.72; two studies, 581 women; moderate-certainty evidence) and bowel resection (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.92; three studies, 1213 women; moderate-certainty evidence), as well as reducing postoperative mortality (RR 0.18; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.54:five studies, 1571 women; moderate-certainty evidence). QoL on the EORTC QLQ-C30 scale produced inconsistent and imprecise results in two studies (MD -1.34, 95% CI -2.36 to -0.32; participants = 307; very low-certainty evidence) and use of the QLQC-30 and QLQC-Ov28 in another study (MD 7.60, 95% CI 1.89 to 13.31; participants = 217; very low-certainty evidence) meant that little could be inferred.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The available moderate-certainty evidence suggests there is little or no difference in primary survival outcomes between PDS and NACT. NACT may reduce the risk of serious adverse events, especially those around the time of surgery, and the need for bowel resection and stoma formation. These data will inform women and clinicians and allow treatment to be tailored to the person, taking into account surgical resectability, age, histology, stage and performance status. Data from an unpublished study and ongoing studies are awaited.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Cytoreduction Surgical Procedures; Female; Humans; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Ovarian Neoplasms; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31684686
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005343.pub4 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2019Ovulatory disturbance is a key diagnostic feature of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), leading to infertility and correspondingly heavy disease burden. Many... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Ovulatory disturbance is a key diagnostic feature of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), leading to infertility and correspondingly heavy disease burden. Many therapeutic strategies have been used to induce ovulation for women with PCOS who are infertile. Ultrasound-guided transvaginal ovarian needle drilling (UTND) is a novel surgical method used to induce ovulation for women with clomiphene-resistant PCOS at the outpatients clinic. Nevertheless, the quality in most of the studies seemed low, and the safety and efficacy of UTND is still uncertain.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of UTND for subfertile women with clomiphene-resistant PCOS.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group (CGFG) Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and six other databases to November 2018. We checked conference abstracts from the 2018 ESHRE, reference lists, and clinical trials registries. We contacted experts and specialists in the field.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing UTND to laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD), and UTND combined with gonadotropins to gonadotropins alone for women of reproductive age with clomiphene-resistant PCOS and infertility.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened appropriate trials for inclusion, assessed methodological quality and risk of bias, and extracted data. The primary outcomes were live birth rate and incidence of surgical complications (bleeding and infection). We included ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) as a secondary outcome. Meta-analyses could only be conducted for the secondary outcomes pregnancy rate and ovulation rate in the comparison of UTND versus LOD using a random-effect model. We calculated odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous data. We assessed the overall quality of the evidence by applying GRADE criteria.
MAIN RESULTS
We included five trials involving 639 clomiphene-resistant women with PCOS. Three studies compared UTND with LOD, and two compared UTND combined with gonadotropins with gonadotropins alone. The evidence was of low to very low quality. The main limitations were serious risk of bias due to poor reporting of methods, inconsistency resulting from heterogeneity, imprecision induced by limited sample size, and lack of reporting of clinically relevant outcomes such as live birth and surgical complications.UTND versus LODNo studies reported on the main outcome live birth. One study reported on surgical complications; however, the evidence for this outcome was of very low quality because it was based on one study with small sample size and there were no events in either arm. Thus, we are uncertain whether there is any difference in surgical complications between UTND and LOD.We are also uncertain whether there is any difference in pregnancy rate when comparing UTND with LOD (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.28 to 1.03; I = 56%; 3 RCTs, n = 473; very-low quality evidence). UTND may lead to a slight decrease in ovulation rate when compared to LOD (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.97; I = 0%; 3 RCTs, n = 473; low-quality evidence). This suggests that among clomiphene-resistant women with PCOS using LOD with an expected ovulation rate of 69.5%, the ovulation rate among women using UTND may be between 50.6% and 68.8%No studies reported on the outcomes OHSS and multiple pregnancy. There was also insufficient evidence to reach a conclusion regarding miscarriage as there was only one study of very low quality.UTND combined with gonadotropins versus gonadotropins aloneNo studies reported on the main outcomes live birth and incidence of surgical complications. The evidence for the outcomes OHSS, pregnancy, ovulation, miscarriage, and multiple pregnancy in this comparison was of very low quality. Thus, we are uncertain whether there is any difference in these outcomes for women with clomiphene-resistant PCOS using UTND combined with gonadotropins as compared with gonadotropins.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Based on very low-quality evidence, It is uncertain whether there is any difference in pregnancy rate, incidence of surgical complications, and miscarriage rate between UTND and LOD in women with clomiphene-resistant PCOS. UTND may lead to a slight decrease in ovulation rate when compared to LOD. No studies reported on the outcomes live birth rate, incidence of OHSS, and multiple pregnancy rate. No studies reported on the main outcomes live birth and surgical complications for the comparison UTND combined with gonadotrophins versus gonadotrophins alone. The evidence for the outcomes OHSS, pregnancy, ovulation, miscarriage, and multiple pregnancy in this comparison was of very low quality. Thus, it is unclear if there is a difference in any of the outcomes between UTND combined with gonadotrophins versus gonadotrophins alone.
PubMed: 31425630
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008583.pub2 -
International Journal of Fertility &... Oct 2019Several causes for primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) have been described, including iatrogenic and environmental factor, viral infections, chronic disease as well as...
Several causes for primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) have been described, including iatrogenic and environmental factor, viral infections, chronic disease as well as genetic alterations. The aim of this review was to collect all the genetic mutations associated with non-syndromic POI. All studies, including gene screening, genome-wide study and assessing genetic mutations associated with POI, were included and analyzed in this systematic review. Syndromic POI and chromosomal abnormalities were not evaluated. Single gene perturbations, including genes on the X chromosome (such as ) and genes on autosomal chromosomes (such as ) have a positive correlation with non-syndromic POI. Future strategies include linkage analysis of families with multiple affected members, array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) for analysis of copy number variations, next generation sequencing technology and genome-wide data analysis. This review showed variability of the genetic factors associated with POI. These findings may help future genetic screening studies on large cohort of women.
PubMed: 31310068
DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2019.5599 -
The Journal of Surgical Research Aug 2019Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are genetic elements in the human genome, which resulted from ancient retroviral germline infections. HERVs have strong...
BACKGROUND
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are genetic elements in the human genome, which resulted from ancient retroviral germline infections. HERVs have strong transcriptional promoters and enhancers that affect a cell's transcriptome. They also encode proteins that can exert effects in human cells. This review examines how our increased understanding of HERVs have led to their potential use as biomarkers and immunologic targets.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were used in a systematic search to identify all articles studying the potential impact of HERVs on surgical diseases. The search included studies that involved clinical patient samples in diseases including cancer, inflammatory conditions, and autoimmune disease. Articles focused on conditions not routinely managed by surgeons were excluded.
RESULTS
Eighty six articles met inclusion and quality criteria for this review and were included. Breast cancer and melanoma have robust evidence regarding the use of HERVs as potential tumor markers and immunologic targets. Reported evidence of the activity of HERVs in colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular cancer, prostate and ovarian cancer, germ cell tumors as well as idiopathic pulmonary hypertension, and the inflammatory response in burns was also reviewed.
CONCLUSIONS
Increasingly convincing evidence indicates that HERVs may play a role in solid organ malignancy and present important biomarkers or immunologic targets in multiple cancers. Innovative investigation of HERVs is a valuable focus of translational research and can deepen our understanding of cellular physiology and the effects of endogenous retroviruses on human biology. As strategies for treatment continue to focus on genome-based interventions, understanding the impact of endogenous retroviruses on human disease will be critical.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; Biomarkers, Tumor; Endogenous Retroviruses; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Genome, Human; Humans; Neoplasms; Transcriptome; Translational Research, Biomedical
PubMed: 30933828
DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2019.02.009 -
Human Reproduction Update Nov 2018Estrogens are known to orchestrate reproductive events and to regulate the immune system during infections and following tissue damage. Recent findings suggest that, in...
BACKGROUND
Estrogens are known to orchestrate reproductive events and to regulate the immune system during infections and following tissue damage. Recent findings suggest that, in the absence of any danger signal, estrogens trigger the physiological expansion and functional specialization of macrophages, which are immune cells that populate the female reproductive tract (FRT) and are increasingly being recognized to participate in tissue homeostasis beyond their immune activity against infections. Although estrogens are the only female gonadal hormones that directly target macrophages, a comprehensive view of this endocrine-immune communication and its involvement in the FRT is still missing.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
Recent accomplishments encourage a revision of the literature on the ability of macrophages to respond to estrogens and induce tissue-specific functions required for reproductive events, with the aim to envision macrophages as key players in FRT homeostasis and mediators of the regenerative and trophic actions of estrogens.
SEARCH METHODS
We conducted a systematic search using PubMed and Ovid for human, animal (rodents) and cellular studies published until 2018 on estrogen action in macrophages and the activity of these cells in the FRT.
OUTCOMES
Our search identified the remarkable ability of macrophages to activate biochemical processes in response to estrogens in cell culture experiments. The distribution at specific locations, interaction with selected cells and acquisition of distinct phenotypes of macrophages in the FRT, as well as the cyclic renewal of these properties at each ovarian cycle, demonstrate the involvement of these cells in the homeostasis of reproductive events. Moreover, current evidence suggests an association between estrogen-macrophage signaling and the generation of a tolerant and regenerative environment in the FRT, although a causative link is still missing.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
Dysregulation of the functions and estrogen responsiveness of FRT macrophages may be involved in infertility and estrogen- and macrophage-dependent gynecological diseases, such as ovarian cancer and endometriosis. Thus, more research is needed on the physiology and pharmacological control of this endocrine-immune interplay.
Topics: Animals; Endometriosis; Estrogens; Female; Genitalia, Female; Homeostasis; Humans; Infertility; Macrophages; Menstrual Cycle; Ovarian Neoplasms; Reproduction; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 30256960
DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy026