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IntroductionPyruvate kinase in an enzyme that catalyzes the production of pyruvate and ATP as the final step of the glycolysis. Potential role of Pyruvate kinase in tumorigenesis was previously suggested, due to its altered activity in several tumors.Material and methodsThis study looks at M2 isozyme of pyruvate kinase activity (M2-PK) measured in peripheral and uterine blood plasma in various stages of endometrial cancer (EC) as well as in precancerous state of atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH). Measurements were performed using spectrophotometric method in citrate plasma samples from peripheral and uterine blood. Study group included 84 patients with endometrial cancer, 28 patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia and 23 non-cancerous controls.ResultsPyruvate kinase activity in EC group was 3-fold higher than in control group both in peripheral and uterine blood samples. Pyruvate kinase activity was also 3-fold higher in uterine blood when compared to peripheral blood samples. We also found statistically significant correlation between FIGO staging and detected activity with the M2-PK activity being 2-fold higher for FIGO1 than for FIGO3. We also describe a paradox in which the M2-PK activity in patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia is lower than M2-PK activity in control group in peripheral blood samples, but higher in uterine blood samples.ConclusionsThe measurement of citrate plasma pyruvate kinase metabolic activity varies greatly between samples collected from different sites and samples collected from patients with varied tumor staging. Further studies are needed in order to elucidate molecular pathways that are responsible for observed differences.

The aim of this study was to assess the performance of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) group ultrasound Simple Rules method in differentiating between benign and malignant ovarian tumors in pregnant patients.A prospective observational study that involved pregnant patients referred to our center due to suspicions of ovarian masses between January 2015 and December 2017 was performed. The Simple Rules performance was evaluated against the histopathological results. Each of the 10 sonographic Simple Rules were computed by logistic regression to demonstrate their odds ratios in predicting malignancy.Ultrasound were conducted in 153 subjects, and 61 of those patients underwent surgery. By assigning masses presenting inconclusive picture as probably malignant, the Simple Rules method showed sensitivity of 91.67% and specificity of 69.39%. After exclusion of masses with inconclusive findings, the method showed sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 94.44%. The Simple Rules risk estimation method for the 1% risk cutoff showed sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 51.02%. For the 3% cutoff, sensitivity was 91.67% and specificity was 53.06%. And for 30 % cutoff, sensitivity was 91.67% and specificity 73.47 %. The logistic regression model showed that the M-rules increased the risk of malignancy while the B-rules decreased the risk.Most ovarian masses in pregnant patients may be correctly categorized as benign or malignant using Simple Rules. This protocol may facilitate the management of pregnant patients presenting with adnexal masses.

Tubal factor infertility occurs in 30–35% of infertile pairs and may be caused by impaired muscular contractility and ciliary beating as well as immunological imbalance and chronic inflammation. Newly discovered telocytes (TCs) have a wide palette of features, which play a role in oviduct physiology. We have observed tissue samples from human fallopian tubes in patients with and without uterine myoma by immunolabelling. According to the immunohistochemical co-expression of markers, it has been determined that TCs are engaged in a wide range of physiological processes, including local innervation, sensitivity to hypoxia, regulation of calcium, and sex steroid hormones balances. Due to the proximity of NOS- and ChAT-positive nerve fibers and the expression of ion channels markers, tubal TCs might be considered conductor cells. Additionally, their integration in contractions and cilia physiology in the context of fertility has been revealed. We have observed the difference in telocytes expression in the human oviduct between groups of patients and attempted to describe this population of cells specifically in the case of infertility development, a clinically relevant avenue for further studies.

Background: (1) Endometrial cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, with a growing incidence. To better understand the different behaviors associated with endometrial cancer, it is necessary to understand the changes that occur at a molecular level. CD133 is one of the factors that regulate tumor progression, which is primarily known as the transmembrane glycoprotein associated with tumor progression or cancer stem cells. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of subcellular CD133 expression on the clinical course of endometrial cancer. (2) Methods: CD133 expression in the plasma membrane, nucleus, and cytoplasm was assessed by immunohistochemical staining in a group of 64 patients with endometrial cancer representing FIGO I-IV stages, grades 1–3 and accounting for tumor angioinvasion. (3) Results: Nuclear localization of CD133 expression was increased in FIGO IB-IV stages compared to FIGO IA. Furthermore, CD133 expression in the nucleus and plasma membrane is positively and negatively associated with a higher grade of endometrial cancer and angioinvasion, respectively. (4) Conclusions: Our findings suggest that positive nuclear CD133 expression in the tumor may be related to a less favorable prognosis of endometrial carcinoma patients and has emerged as a useful biomarker of a high-risk group.

Systemic inflammatory reaction (SIR) is an unfavorable prognostic factor in many malignancies and has a role in all stages of the neoplastic process: initiation, promotion, and disease progression. Analysis of SIR can be performed by assessing indicators (eg, lymphocyte-to-neutrophil, platelet-to-lymphocyte, and monocyte-to-neutrophil ratios) and products of neutrophils and lymphocytes (ie, the systemic immune-inflammation index), or by examining the relationship between levels of C-reactive protein and albumin (based on the Glasgow Prognostic Score, modified Glasgow Prognostic Score, and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio). Risk stratification is essential in the clinical management of cancer; hence, the evaluation of these factors has potential applications in the clinical management of patients with cancer and in the development of new therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the current knowledge on SIR indicators and presents their clinical utility in malignancies of the female genital organs.

Endometrial cancer (EC) is treated according to the stage and prognostic risk factors. Most EC patients are in the early stages and they are treated surgically. However, some of them, including those with high grade (grade 3) are in the intermediate and high intermediate prognostic risk groups and may require adjuvant therapy. The goal of the study was to find differences between grades based on an miRNA gene expression profile. Tumor samples from 24 patients with grade 1 (n = 10), 2 (n = 7), and 3 (n = 7) EC were subjected to miRNA profiling using next generation sequencing. The results obtained were validated using the miRNA profile of 407 EC tumors from the external Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. We obtained sets of differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs with the largest amount between G2 to G1 (50 transcripts) and G3 to G1 (40 transcripts) patients. Validation of our results with external data (TCGA) gave us a reasonable gene overlap of which we selected two miRNAs (miR-375 and miR190b) that distinguish the high grade best from the low grade EC. Unsupervised clustering showed a high degree of heterogeneity within grade 2 samples. MiR-375 as well as 190b might be useful to create grading verification test for high grade EC. One of the possible mechanisms that is responsible for the high grade is modulation by virus of host morphology or physiology.

Introduction and objective Lymph node involvement is a strong predictor of disease recurrence and patient survival in vulvar cancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of sentinel lymph node (SLN) screening, the incidence of skip metastases, and lymph node lymphangiogenesis. Material and methods Fifty-five patients participated in this prospective, single centre study. A double SLN screening method was employed using radiocolloid (technetium-99 sulfur colloid) and 1.0% Isosulfan Blue. Immunohistochemistry, using a mouse monoclonal antibody against D2–40, was used to evaluate lymphatic vessel density (LVD). All calculations were performed using STATISTICA software v. 10 (StatSoft, USA, 2011); p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results Using both methods of SLN detection, 100% accuracy was achieved, and skip metastases were diagnosed in only one woman (1.82%). Peri-tumour median LVD was significantly increased compared with matched intra-tumour samples (p < 0.001), while median LVD was significantly lower in negative, compared with positive SLN, regardless of whether matched non-SLN were negative (p < 0.001) or positive (p = 0.005). Metastatic SLN exhibited significantly higher median LVD compared with matched negative non-SLN (p = 0.015), while no significant difference in median LVD was detected between positive SLN and matched positive non-SLN. However, negative SLN had a significantly higher median LVD compared with matched negative non-SLN (p = 0.012). Conclusions SLN detection is a safe and feasible procedure in vulvar cancer. In patients without nodular involvement, SLN, compared with non-SLN, exhibited significantly higher median LVD, which may be an indication of its preparation to host metastases, and thus requires further investigation.

DNA fragmentation factor 40 (DFF40) is a key executor of apoptosis. It localizes to the nucleus together with DNA fragmentation factor 45 (DFF45), which acts as a DFF40 inhibitor and chaperone. B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2) protein is a proven antiapoptotic factor present in the cytoplasm. In this study, we aimed to investigate DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 immunoexpression in endometrial polyps (EPs) and benign endometrial hyperplasia (BEH) tissue compared with that in normal proliferative endometrium (NPE) and normal secretory endometrium (NSE) as well as normal post menopausal endometrium (NAE). This study used archived samples from 65 and 62 cases of EPs and BEH, respectively. The control group consisted of 52 NPE, 54 NSE, and 54 NAE specimens. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2. DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 were more highly expressed in the glandular layer of EPs and BEH compared with the stroma, and this was not influenced by menopausal status. Both glandular and stromal expression of DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 were significantly higher in EPs compared with NPE, NSE, and NAE. Glandular BEH tissue showed significantly higher DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 expression than in NPE, NSE, and NAE. No differences in the glandular expression of DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 were observed between EP and BEH tissues, while Bcl-2 stromal expression in BEH was significantly lower than in EPs. Glandular, menopause-independent DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 overexpression may play an important role in the pathogenesis of EPs and BEH.

Introduction DNA fragmentation factors 40 and 45 (DFF40 and DFF45) are final executors of apoptosis, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) is a well-recognized apoptosis inhibitor. We aimed to evaluate DFF40, DFF45 and Bcl-2 immunoexpression in the normal human endometrium with respect to the glandular and stromal layer and in uterine myometrium. Material and methods DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 expression was assessed via immunohistochemistry in the endometrium and myometrium collected postmenopausally and premenopausally during the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle. Results Compared to the myometrium and stroma, endometrial glands showed the highest DFF40 and DFF45 expression in pre- and postmenopausal specimens. DFF45, but not DFF40, glandular expression dependent on menstrual cycle phase and DFF40 and DFF45 scoring was significantly lower in postmenopausal specimens. Significantly higher Bcl-2 expression was observed in proliferative glandular endometrium compared to secretory and postmenopausal specimens. No cycle- or menopause-dependent changes were reported for stromal or myometrial DFF40, DFF45 or Bcl-2 expression. DFF40, DFF45 and Bcl-2 expression was independent of age, age at menarche and menopause, BMI, menstrual cycle and menses lengths, parity and gravidity. Conclusions The study provides important evidence regarding menstrual cycle-dependent changes in the expression of DFF40, DFF45 and Bcl-2 in the normal human endometrium, especially in the glandular layer, and shows that their levels are stable in the normal uterine myometrium.

Objectives DNA fragmentation factors 40 and 45 (DFF40 and DFF45) are responsible for final DNA-laddering during apoptosis, whereas Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) is an apoptosis inhibitor. Our aim was to investigate the expression of DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 in uterine leiomyosarcomas (uLMS), leiomyomas (uLM), and the normal myometrium. Furthermore, the correlation between DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 expression and clinicopathological parameters in leiomyosarcomas was assessed. Their prognostic value in disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was also calculated. Materials and methods This study included 53 cases of uLMS from patients matched for age and menopausal status with 53 cases of uLM and 53 controls of normal myometrium (uM). Case samples of uterine myometrium from leiomyosarcomas (uLMS-M) and leiomyomas (uLM-M) were also studied. Immunohistochemical scoring was undertaken for DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2. Results DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 were significantly underexpressed in uLMS compared with uLMS-M and uM. In uLMS samples, no correlation between the analyzed proteins was observed. Negative DFF40 and Bcl-2, but not DFF45, staining was a predictor of poorer DFS and OS in women with uLMS. uLM showed DFF40 and Bcl-2 overexpression compared with uM and uLM-M, with a significant positive correlation between DFF40 and DFF45. No differences in DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 expression were observed between the uLMS-M, uLM-M, and uM samples, with a significant positive correlation between DFF40 and DFF45 expression. Conclusion DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 are significantly underexpressed in uLMS, but only a lack of DFF40 and Bcl-2 negatively influences DFS and OS. Disruption of DFF40 and DFF45 expression was observed in uLMS, but not in uLM or control and case myometrium; this may play a role in tumor pathogenesis.

More and more evidence from research confirms the significance of vitamin D (VD) in the development of endometrial pathologies. Apart from the well known role of VD in regulation of calcium levels, VD acts as modulator to many genes involved in cell growth, immunological functions and protein synthesis. The newest research shows that VD acts multidirectionally and its common deficiency has a causal link to the pathogenesis of many gynecological and cancerous conditions. It is postulated that VD affects the endometrium via various mechanisms. The discovery that most tissues have VD receptors was ground-breaking in understanding its role in various medical conditions, including the neoplasmal development mechanism, but the degree, to which the VD metabolism in the eutopic endometrium during pathological conditions is impaired, has not yet been explained.

IntroductionTelocytes (TCs), also called interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLC), CD34+ cells or PDGFRa+ cells (platelet-derived growth factor receptor α positive cells), a new type of cell of mesenchymal origin, were described over one decade ago. The unique nature of these cells still deserves attention from the scientific community. Telocytes make homo- and heterocellular contact with myocytes, immunocytes and nerves, have their own immunohistochemical and secretome profiles and thus might regulate local regenerative processes including angiogenesis and fibrosis. The aim of our study was to observe the missing link between angiogenesis and telocytes in leiomyoma, the most common benign tumors affecting women of reproductive age.Material and methodsWe observed uterine tissue samples from leiomyoma, adjacent myometrium and unchanged tissue from patients with leiomyoma and control subjects using routine histology, histochemistry, immunofluorescence (CD117, CD31, CD34, PDGFRα, tryptase, sFlt-1) and image analysis methods.ResultsThe decline of the telocyte density in the foci of fibroids correlated with poor vascularization inside the leiomyoma. Moreover, the expression of sFlt-1 (anti-angiogenic-related factor) significantly increased inside a fibroid. In leiomyoma the decrease of telocyte and blood micro-vessel density was accompanied by prevalence of collagen deposits, unlike the unchanged myometrium.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate TCs in human uterine fibroids and highlight their possible involvement in the pathogenesis of myometrial pathology in the context of angiogenesis.

Objectives: Dental agenesis — a congenital lack of teeth — is one of the most frequently diagnosed developmental defects of dentition. Genetics is a crucial factor in the etiology of this disorder. Missing teeth can be caused by mutation in genes including MSX1, PAX9, AXIN2, and EDARADD. As is also true for ovarian cancer, over 20% of cases are associated with hereditary factors. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are said to be the most frequent of these. The aim of this study was to provide a systematic review of the literature on the coexistence of ovarian cancer and tooth agenesis. Material and methods: Publications were searched for in the online databases PubMed, SCOPUS, and Wiley Online Library. Current and archival issues of the Journal of Stomatology and Dental and Medical Problems were also searched. The key words used to find relevant publications were: ovarian cancer, hypodontia, and tooth agenesis, in various combinations. Results: Three publications were qualified to this review. Two of these compared the incidence of hypodontia in women with ovarian cancer and in healthy women, and the other was aimed at locating the gene responsible for the coexistence of ovarian cancer and tooth agenesis. As shown by these studies, women with ovarian cancer are (depending on the study) 3.3 or 8.1 times more likely to have hypodontia than healthy women. However, no specific gene was found that might be responsible for the coexistence of ovarian cancer and tooth agenesis.

The Polish Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathophysiology and the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians provide comprehensive guidelines for colposcopy practice in secondary cervical cancer prevention in Poland. This part of the guidelines, developed by the clinical experts of the Working Group No. 1 (WG1), concerns the colposcopy protocols with the main aim of algorithmizing the procedure, together with all procedure-related processes. The detailed analysis of strong scientific evidence and an extensive literature review of current international colposcopic recommendations were carried out, with also a broad investigation of recently ongoing dynamic changes in national health systems. The attention to colposcopic limitations also occurring in Polish conditions was kept. The overriding goal was the recommended obligatory minimal colposcopy approach introduction. To enhance the standard of colposcopy, adjustment of a precolposcopic assessment, a performance technique, types of used biopsies, as well as the procedure documentation was made. Elements of the risk-based stratification for the increased risk of developing cervical cancer was also included if it was applicable for that part of the guidelines. Comprehensive colposcopy guidelines are a step towards the ongoing era of a precision medicine in cervical cancer prevention in Poland.

Background The expression of DNA fragmentation factor 45 (DFF45) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) in glands of the normal human endometrium is related to phases of the menstrual cycle and decreases after menopause, whereas the expression of DNA fragmentation factor 40 (DFF40) is stable. Moreover, DF45, BCL2 and DFF40 underexpression has been reported in numerous malignancies, including uterine leiomyosarcomas. In this study, we aimed to investigate DFF45, BCL2 and DFF40 expression in endometrioid and non-endometrioid types of endometrial cancers (ECs). We also evaluated the correlations between DFF45, BCL2 and DFF40 expression levels and clinicopathological parameters and determined the value of these three proteins as prognostic markers of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Methods Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate DFF45, BCL2 and DFF40 expression in 342 cases of ECs. Student’s t-test, the Mann-Whitney U-test, and the chi-squared test were used for the statistical analyses as appropriate. The Cox-Mantel test, Cox’s proportional hazard model, and relative risk analyses were used to evaluate associations between DFF40, DFF45, and BCL2 expression and clinicopathological characteristics. Results DFF40 and BCL2, but not DFF45, were significantly underexpressed in non-endometrioid and high-grade endometrioid ECs compared with low- and moderate-grade endometrioid ECs. Women with DFF40- and BCL2-negative tumors had higher risks of disease recurrence, lymph node involvement, lympho-vascular space infiltration, and deep myometrial invasion compared with women with DFF40- and BCL2-positive tumors. Additionally, women with DFF40- and BCL2-negative tumors had significantly lower OS and DFS than women with DFF40- and BCL2-positive tumors. A multivariable analysis of the model, including the clinicopathological characteristics and immunohistochemical results, showed that negative BCL2 expression, lymph node involvement, and high-stage and high-grade disease were independent predictors of OS, whereas negative BCL2 expression, lymph node involvement, and high-stage disease were independent predictors of DFS. Conclusions Compared with low- and moderate-grade endometrioid ECs, non-endometrioid and high-grade endometrioid ECs showed significant DFF40 and BCL2 underexpression. The absence of DFF40 and BCL2 expression negatively affects DFS and OS. Further prospective studies are warranted to assess the potential utility of DFF40 and BCL2 as targets in the diagnosis or treatment of ECs.

Objectives: Exosomes — microvesicles which are secreted by living cells — can be produced from different cell types and detected in various body fluids. They are the carriers of intercellular information which regulate tumor microenvironment and are considered to be involved in tumor progression and metastasis. Cancer cells can secrete more exosomes than healthy cells, and are expected to be potential tools for tumor diagnosis and treatment. Material and methods: In this report, we present the results of microparticle analysis in peripheral and uterine blood of patients with endometrial cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this study has been the first to report microvesicle status in peripheral and uterine blood samples. The aim of the study was to determine the amount of total (TF+), endothelial (CD144+) and monocytic (CD14+) microparticles. The counting of the selected microparticles in citrate plasma was performed using flow cytometry on the BD Canto II cytometer. Results: We found that the total amount of microparticles in cancer patients was much higher than in healthy controls. Moreover, microparticle count in uterine blood was higher than in peripheral blood of patients with endometrial cancer. We also demonstrated that the amount of microparticles correlates with the histologic grade and clinical stage of the tumor. Conclusions: The most interesting finding in this work was the high level of TF, CD144 and CD14 MPs in uterine blood samples. Thus we can consider the monocyte-macrophage-derived MPs as a candidate marker of endometrial cancer and maybe very critical part of the endometrial carcinogenesis.

Objectives: To estimate (i) the incidence of occult uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) in patients operated on for presumedmyomas, and (ii) the proportion of occult LMS to preoperatively diagnosed LMS in a tertiary center. Material and methods: An Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective cohort study was performed. The electronicdatabase of 30,476 patients was searched for women who had undergone surgery due to presumed myomas (N = 2675) as well as those with uterine LMS recognized via histology (N = 10) between January 2010 and December 2016. Results: Six of the 2675 treated women had occult LMS (incidence 1:446; 0.002; CI 0.0–0.013), and one underwent power morcellation (incidence 1:951; 0.001; CI 0.0–0.006). Parallel searching revealed that 6 of the 10 cases (60%) with uterine LMS recognized via histology were diagnosed postoperatively, whereas 4 of the 10 (40%) were diagnosed preoperatively. The incidence of LMS morcellation during laparoscopy was 1:951 and, when all MIS cases were included, 1:1178. The patient who underwent LMS morcellation was operated in the general surgery ward 5 years after laparoscopy (omental recurrence). Conclusions: These results are similar to the first and recent conservative FDA estimations, but two-times lower for procedures with laparoscopic morcellation and all MIS procedures than for abdominal. Because above half of LMS may be recognized after surgery, the risk of occult LMS and the delay of targeted surgical treatment should be included in all informed consent forms for conservative management of presumed myomas without histology.

DNA fragmentation factors 40 and 45 (DFF40 and DFF45) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression were evaluated in the normal human endometrium and myometrium. DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 expression was assessed via immunohistochemistry in the proliferative, secretory, and atrophic endometrium and myometrium collected postmenopausally and premenopausally during the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle. The endometrium showed significantly higher DFF40 and DFF45 expression than that in the uterine myometrium; compared to the stroma, endometrial glands showed the highest expression in pre- and postmenopausal specimens. Glandular expression of DFF45 was dependent on the menstrual cycle, reaching its highest level in the secretory endometrium. The glandular expression of DFF40 and DFF45 was significantly lower in postmenopausal specimens than that in premenopausal tissue. No cycle-dependent changes were reported for stromal or myometrial DFF40 or DFF45 expression. Compared to the endometrial stroma and myometrium, Bcl-2 showed the highest expression in the glandular proliferative endometrium and the lowest expression in the stromal secretory endometrium and myometrium during the secretory phase of the cycle. DFF45 and Bcl-2 showed menstrual cycle-dependent expression, which was limited to the glandular layer of the endometrium.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that may involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Acute manifestations in female internal reproductive organs are rare and have been described in only a few cases. A 27-year-old nulligravida woman diagnosed with CD presented with pelvic pain, fever, and a palpable mass (confirmed by ultrasound) in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. She underwent diagnostic laparoscopy because of worsening symptoms suggestive of a tubo-ovarian abscess. The right adnexa were excised after adhesiolysis. Pathologic examination revealed an ovarian granuloma consistent with CD. This case shows that a laparoscopic approach is possible for active CD, with all the benefits of a minimally invasive approach. Although the involved ovary was removed, similar to previous reports using laparotomy, conservative therapy should be considered if preoperative diagnosis can be made. Improvements in preoperative diagnosis and development of management guidelines is critical for ovarian preservation and conservative treatment options.

Tomasz Banas,1 Grzegorz Juszczyk,2 Kazimierz Pitynski,1 Dorota Nieweglowska,1 Artur Ludwin,1 Aleksandra Czerw2 1Department of Gynecology and Oncology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, 2Faculty of Health Science, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland Objectives: This study aimed to analyze incidence and mortality trends in breast cancer (BC), corpus uteri cancer (CUC), and ovarian cancer (OC) in Poland in the context of sociodemographic changes.Materials and methods: Incidence and mortality data (1980–2013) were retrieved from the Polish National Cancer Registry, while socioeconomic data (1960–2013) were obtained from the World Bank. Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates were calculated by direct standardization, and join-point regression was performed to describe trends using the average annual percentage change (AAPC).Results: A significant decrease in birth and fertility rates and a large increase in gross domestic product were observed together with a decrease in the total mortality rate among women, as well as an increase in life expectancy for women. A large, significant increase in BC incidence was observed (AAPC1980–1990 2.14, AAPC1990–1996 4.71, AAPC1996–2013 2.21), with a small but significant decrease in mortality after a slight increase (AAPC1980–1994 0.52, AAPC1994–2013 −0.66). During the period 1980–2013, a significant increase in CUC incidence (AAPC1980–1994 3.7, AAPC1994–2013 1.93) was observed, with an initial mortality-rate reduction followed by a significant increase (AAPC1980–2006 −1.12, AAPC2006–2013 3.74). After the initial increase of both OC incidence and mortality from 1994, the incidence rate decreased significantly (AAPC1980–1994 2.98, AAPC1994–2013 −0.49), as did the mortality rate (AAPC1980–1994 0.52, AAPC1994–2013 −0.66).Conclusion: After 1994, a decrease in OC incidence was found, while the incidence of BC and CUC continued to increase. A reduction in mortality rate was observed for BC and OC predominantly at the end of the study period, while for CUC, after a long decreasing mortality trend, a significant increase was observed. Keywords: average annual percentage change, breast cancer, corpus uteri cancer, epidemiology, incidence, mortality, ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to compare the natural menopause ages of healthy women with those of women with methotrexate (MTX)-treated rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to specifically assess the effect of disease onset and activity and the use of MTX on the age of the last menstruation. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of medical records to identify the ages at which menopause occurred in women with premenopausal RA treated with MTX and in women with postmenopausal onset, irrespective of therapy. Natural menopause ages were also compared between participants with and without RA. RESULTS Women with premenopausal onset of RA underwent menopause at a significantly younger age than did healthy women (P

Pregnancy in the uterine scare after previous caesarean section is the rarest type of ectopic pregnancy Due to the possibility of life-threatening complications, cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) needs rapid and proper diagnosis and management. Hereby we present 3 cases of women with CSP, diagnosed and treated at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Jagiellonian University Medical College, in Krakow, in 2013, as well as literature review.

Problem The coexistence of immune and decidual cells is related to the development of a resistance to immune-mediated apoptosis in both ectopic and eutopic decidua. This unique feature of endometrial cells seems to be linked with the expression of metallothionein (MT), an inhibitor of apoptosis. Method of study The MT immunoreactivity level was assessed in 82 eutopic (CC) and ectopic (cesarean scar deciduosis – CSD) decidual tissue samples obtained from patients during cesarean sections at term and from patients on whom cesarean sections were performed on account of placental abruption (PA). Result Statistically, significantly higher levels of MT immunoreactivity were found in eutopic and ectopic decidua sampled during cesarean sections performed on patients with advanced labor when compared to the levels found in tissues sampled during cesarean sections on patients without labor. No differences were observed in the MT immunoreactivity levels in decidual tissue samples derived from patients who had undergone cesarean sections on account of PA with respect to the progression of labor at the time of the surgical procedure. Statistically, the decidual MT immunoreactivity levels were significantly higher in the PA than the CC subgroups and in the PA than the CSD subgroups correlating with the stage of labor. Conclusion MT in decidual cells seems to be responsible for the proper coexistence between decidual cells and activated immune cells that infiltrate both eutopic and ectopic decidua during cesarean section and PA.

The morphology of the outer and inner membranes of traumatic chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) surgically removed from eight patients was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hematomas were divided into three groups based on time that had passed from the initiation of trauma to surgery. Structure of the CSDHs showed gradual morphological changes of the developing hematoma capsule. They initially included angiogenic and aseptic inflammatory reactions followed by progressive involvement of fibroblasts—proliferating and producing collagen fibrils. Numerous capillaries suggesting formation of new blood vessels were observed mainly in young hematomas removed between 15 and 21 days after trauma. In “older” hematomas (40 days after trauma), more numerous capillaries and thin-walled sinusoids were accompanied by patent, larger diameter blood vessels. Within the fibrotic outer membrane of the “oldest” hematoma capsules (60 or more days after trauma), especially in the area over the hematoma cavity, blood vessels were frequently occluded by clots. The results suggest dynamic changes in cellular and vascular organization of traumatic CSDH capsules paralleling the progression in hematoma age.

Objectives: Inherited thrombophilia might lead to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of V coagulation factor polymorphisms related with inherited thrombophilia among women in Malopolska region.Material and methods: Group of 136 women, who experienced at least 2 unexplained, idiopathic pregnancy loss. 106 healthy women having at least one uncomplicated pregnancy and delivered healthy children constituted a control group. Each patient were examined for factor V Leiden (FVL) and mutation 1328 T>C of factor V gene with use of real –time PCR and Taq-Man probes.Results: Among patients with RPL inhabiting region of Malopolska compared to control group occurred higher prevalence of FVL and mutation 1328 T>C. There is coincidence of polymorphism 1328 T>C of factor V gene and FVL in group of early and late RPL.Conclusions: TC genotype of 1328 T>C mutation carriers reveal tendency toward RPL below 7 weeks of pregnancy.Based on results of these findings inherited thrombophilia evaluation in patients after two or more RPL should be recommended.

Background: Endometriosis is a well-known cause of infertility, and the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is an accepted biomarker of ovarian reserve and response to artificial reproductive technology procedures. The present study was a prospective analysis of age-dependent AMH serum concentration in women with bilateral and unilateral ovarian endometriomas before therapy onset compared with healthy controls. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 384 women aged 18–48 years. AMH serum concentration was assessed between days 3 and 6 of the menstrual cycle in 78 patients with bilateral and 157 patients with unilateral ovarian endometriomas and compared with 149 healthy controls. Ovarian endometriosis was confirmed histopathologically, and data were presented as medians with interquartile range (IQR). Results: Stage III endometriosis was diagnosed in 53.2 %, stage IV in 18.3 %, stage V in 23.4 % and stage VI in 5.4 % of the patients. Patients with bilateral ovarian endometriomas showed the lowest median AMH levels compared with patients suffering from unilateral ovarian endometriosis (0.55; IQR: 0.59 vs. 2.00; IQR: 2.80; p < 0.001) and the control group (0.55; IQR: 0.59 vs. 2.84; IQR: 3.2; p < 0.001). Median AMH concentration values were not significantly different between patients with unilateral ovarian endometriosis and the healthy controls (2.00; IQR: 2.80 vs. 2.84; IQR: 3.2; p = 0.182). A strongly negative correlation between AMH levels and age was confirmed in healthy individuals (R = −0.834; p < 0.001) and women with unilateral ovarian endometriomas (R = −0.774; p < 0.001). Patients with bilateral ovarian endometriosis showed a significantly negative but only moderate correlation between AMH levels and age (R = −0.633; p < 0.001), which was significantly lower than in the healthy controls (R = −0.633 vs. R = −0.834; p = 0.006) but not in the patients with unilateral ovarian endometriosis (R = −0.663 vs. R-0.774; p = 0.093). Based on a multivariate regression analysis, only bilateral localization of ovarian endometrial cysts (p = 0.003) and patient age (p < 0.001), but not left/right localization of unilateral cyst or cyst volume, were negatively associated with AMH serum concentration. Conclusion: According to our data, unilateral ovarian endometriosis had a moderately negative and nonsignificant effect on AMH-based ovarian reserve evaluated prior to surgery, irrespective of age. In contrast, the ovarian reserve was significantly reduced in women with bilateral ovarian endometriomas.

Objective To evaluate the clinical significance of the combination of cancer antigen-125 (CA-125), human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), and progesterone for the identification of ovarian masses in patients with suspected early stage ovarian cancer (OC). Materials and methods This was a case–control, single-center study of 225 women with a pelvic mass of suspected ovarian origin, including 75 patients with Stage I/II OC and 150 controls. Diagnostic procedures included pelvic and rectal examinations, transvaginal ultrasound, evaluation of CA-125 and HE4 levels alone and in the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA), and a new algorithm combining ROMA and progesterone. Results Median CA-125 and HE4 levels were significantly higher in patients with OC compared with women with benign ovarian tumors, irrespective of menopausal status. The highest median progesterone levels occurred in premenopausal women with benign ovarian tumors, compared with premenopausal women with OC with or without benign ovarian disease. The combination of ROMA and progesterone was significantly more accurate at detecting OC compared with ROMA or CA-125 or HE4 alone, but only in premenopausal patients. Conclusion Different algorithms should be used for diagnosing OC, and the addition of progesterone might improve the performance of ROMA for the diagnosis of pelvic masses in premenopausal women.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease affecting mainly women of the reproductive age. Its most common manifestations include impaired fecundity, pelvic pain, and dyschezia. Laparoscopic removal of endometriotic foci remains to be the gold standard for the treatment of endometriosis. More effective techniques of endoscopic approach—among others, laser application—are continually being developed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic treatment with the use of CO2 laser ablation vs. electroablation with regard to pain complaints in the affected patients. The study included 48 women (aged 22–42) with varying degrees of endometriosis of the lesser pelvis. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) was used to evaluate pain intensity before the surgery in all patients, followed by either laser ablation or electroablation of the endometriotic foci. The results of the laparoscopic treatment were monitored after 3 and 6 months postoperatively. p value of 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Patients from both groups reported less intensive pain before/during menstruation (dysmenorrhea) 6 months postoperatively, with more distinct tendency in the electroablation group (p = 0.004) as compared to the laser ablation group (p = 0.025). Despite the initial improvement reported at the 3-month checkup (p = 0.008), 6 months postoperatively, a statistically significant increase in pain intensity was noted in both groups (p = 0.016 and p = 0.032 for CO2 laser ablation and electroablation, respectively). Both surgical methods seem to be effective only in the treatment of endometriosis-related dysmenorrhea, whereas the intensity of other pain complaints (dyspareunia, dysuria, dyschezia, pelvic pain syndrome (PPS)) has remained on the same level.

Vulvar melanoma represents between 3% and 10% of vulvar neoplasms. We present a case of a 34-year-old pregnant woman presenting with a pigmented lesion on the left labium majus; she reported no family history of melanoma. The histological diagnosis was malignant melanoma, superficial spreading type, with Breslow thickness of 0.9 mm; the excision was complete. Eight months before, an atypical genital nevus was completely excised from a nearby location. The pregnancy was finished by cesarean delivery at term, and 3 months later, another pigmented lesion was noticed near but not within the scars. Partial right vulvectomy was performed, and histological diagnosis was malignant melanoma of superficial spreading type, with Breslow thickness of 0.7 mm. The specimen obtained in the first operation was reviewed, and although histological examination was diagnostic for atypical genital nevus, Vysis Melanoma Fluorescence in situ hybridization Probe Kit revealed increased copy numbers of RREB1, which could be consistent with a diagnosis of malignant melanoma.

Introduction: Endometriosis is defined as the appearance of ectopic endometrial cells outside the uterine cavity. Ectopic cells demonstrate functional similarity to eutopic cells, but structural and molecular differences are significant and manifest themselves in gene expression of the metalloproteinase genes, integrin or the Bcl-2 gene. Pelvic pain remains to be the main symptom of the disease. Endometriosis may cause dysfunction of the reproductive system and lead to infertility. Pathogenesis of infertility in endometriosis is based on its influence on the hormonal, biochemical and immunological changes in the eutopic endometrium, as well as structural damages of the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the ovarian reserve in patients with endometriosis. Material and methods: A total of 39 patients (aged 22-34 years) with different stages of endometrial changes were recruited for the study. The number of antral follicles was rated by vaginal ultrasonography and the level of FSH was measured between days 1-3 of the menstrual cycle. The stage of the disease was established after laparoscopy with the rASRM scale. Results:No statistically significant correlation between the number of follicles(AFC), the level of FSH and the stage of endometriosis was found. Conclusions: Evaluation of the number of antral follicles and measurements of the FSH level do not allow to predict the ovarian reserve in women with endometriosis.

To predict the 1-step complete resection rate after transrectal ultrasound-guided hysteroscopic myomectomy and to determine the usefulness of intraoperative transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) in monitoring hysteroscopic electroresection of submucosal myomas.Prospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).University hospital.One hundred twenty women with symptomatic (abnormal uterine bleeding or reproductive disorder), single, submucosal myomas underwent hysteroscopic electroresection. Groups 1 and 2 were monitored, respectively, with or without TRUS. Anatomical inclusion criteria were myoma ≤5 cm and myometrial free margin ≥3 mm above the myoma.Myomas were evaluated preoperatively via sonohysterograpy and were graded according to the guidelines outlined by the European Society of Hysteroscopy (ESH), including size and myometrial free margin, and according to the STEPW (size, topography, extension, penetration, and lateral wall) classification. On the basis of sonographic findings, patients with myomas3 cm received gonadotropin-releasing hormone therapy for 1 to 3 months. Hysteroscopic myomectomy was performed with or without TRUS guidance. At 4 to 8 weeks after the initial procedure, postoperative transvaginal ultrasonography, sonohysterography, or second-look hysteroscopy was performed.In the TRUS group, a significantly higher percentage of 1-step complete resections was observed than in the group without TRUS (91% vs 73%) (p = .02). This was associated with a statistically significant difference in the subgroups of myomas that were deeply penetrating into the myometrium (89% vs 55%) (p.01). One-way logistic analysis of data for all treated patients indicated the use of TRUS, as well as the ESH and STEPW classifications, as significant factors influencing the 1-step complete resection. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, use of TRUS (odds ratio [OR], 2.74; p.001), myomas graded 0 or 1 according to ESH (OR, 3.55; p.001), and size3 cm (OR, 2.35; p.05) were significantly associated with 1-step complete resection (area under the curve, 0.80; p.001). In the TRUS group there were two significant predictors: size3 cm (OR = 5.21; p.05) and myometrial free margin5 mm (OR, 0.18; p.05).Intraoperative use of TRUS during hysteroscopic myomectomy increases the chance of complete 1-step removal of submucosal myomas that deeply penetrate the myometrium.

Study Objective To estimate the diagnostic accuracy and to compare the diagnostic value of 3-dimensional sonohysterography (3D-SIS), 3-dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography (3D-TVS), 2-dimensional sonohysterography (2D-SIS), and 2-dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography (2D-TVS) (initial and expert diagnosis) in the differential diagnosis of septate, bicornuate, and arcuate uteri. Design Prospective clinical study (Canadian Task Force II-2). Setting University hospital and private hospital and clinic. Patients A total of 117 women with a history of recurrent abortions or infertility and a 2D-TVS initial diagnosis of a septate, bicornuate, or arcuate uterus. Interventions Expert 2D-TVS, 3D-TVS, 2D-SIS, and 3D-SIS performed by experienced examiners and hysteroscopy with laparoscopy to establish the final diagnosis. Measurements and Main Results Hysteroscopy performed in conjunction with laparoscopy (HL) detected 23 arcuate, 60 septate, 22 bicornuate, and 12 normal uteri. 3D-SIS showed perfect diagnostic accuracy (100.0%) in general detection of uterine abnormalities, compared with initial 2D-TVS (77.8%), expert 2D-TVS (90.6%), 2D-SIS (94.0%), and 3D-TVS (97.4%). In the overall diagnosis of uterine anomalies, all of the diagnostic methods had statistically significantly better diagnostic value than initial 2D-TVS (p Conclusions Although 3D-SIS was identical to HL, with the highest accuracy, there was no significant difference in diagnostic value between 3D-TVS with 2D-SIS and 3D-SIS or between expert 2D-TVS and 3D-TVS with 2D-SIS. The high diagnostic value of these ultrasonographic tools questions the need for endoscopy in the differential diagnosis of the most common congenital uterine anomalies.

The vascular systems of epicolic and paracolic lymph nodes located in the vicinity of colon tumors resected from three patients were investigated by corrosion casting and scanning electron microscopy. Large vessels entered the nodes either at one site, not always corresponding with the anatomical hilus, or at 2–4 sites located along their perimeters. In the cortical zone of most examined nodes, the location of lymphoid nodules was marked by rosette-like capillary arrays drained by peripheral arcuate venules. The paracortex and medulla showed a dense capillary network with areas of tortuous capillaries, sometimes forming glomerular arrays suggesting nonsprouting angiogenesis by capillary elongation. Venules were abundant, especially in the paracortex and medulla, but high endothelial venules showing characteristic imprints of bulging endothelial cells in the casts were very rarely observed. Focal angiogenesis, abundance of venules and scarcity of high endothelial venules could result from remodeling of blood vessels induced by the tumor.

Actinomycosis is a rare infectious inflammatory disease caused by the bacteria of the Actinomyces species. Infection occurs following damage to the skin or mucous membrane. This report presents a case of a 50-year-old female patient with subfebrile temperature, weight loss and pain, who used to have an intrauterine device. Masses suggestive of an advanced cancer were detected in her pelvis and abdominal cavity. A diagnosis of actinomycosis was made after histopathological examination of the tissue sample.

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of three-dimensional sonohysterography (3D-SIS) and office hysteroscopy in uterine cavity assessment after hysteroscopic metroplasty (HM) and determine the interrater/intrarater agreement for 3D-SIS.Prospective observational study.University hospital, private hospital, and clinic.One hundred forty-one women undergoing HM for septate uterus with a history of miscarriage and/or infertility.3D-SIS and office hysteroscopy at 6-8 weeks after HM.Shape of the uterine cavity, length of the fundal notch (≥1 or1 cm), and the presence of intrauterine adhesions were assessed, and the interrater/intrarater agreement of 3D-SIS was evaluated in 30 randomly selected patients.Uterine abnormalities were detected with the use of hysteroscopy in 18 (12.8%) of 141 women. 3D-SIS was highly accurate (97.2%), sensitive (97%), and specific (100%), with a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 85%. The diagnostic values of hysteroscopy and 3D-SIS were not significantly different (McNemar test). 3D-SIS showed substantial interrater/intrarater agreement regarding overall uterine cavity evaluation (κ = 0.79 and 0.78, respectively).3D-SIS demonstrated substantial interrater/intrarater agreement for the postoperative evaluation of the uterine cavity, being as diagnostically accurate as hysteroscopy. The use of second-look hysteroscopy may be limited to cases that require reoperation.

Summary Background The concept of sentinel node biopsy has been widely invastigated in various malignant tumoures and has become a standard method in such neoplastic diseases as penile cancer or melanoma. In tumours, where the lymphatic flow is more complicated and difficult to analyze, this concept still needs to be verified. Aim The aim of this paper is to present the validity of the above concept in sentinel node detection in vulvar, cervical and endometrial cancers. Materials/Methods Sentinel node detection was performed in 127 women with gynaecological malignances; 39 patients with vulvar cancer, 52 patients with cervical cancer and 36 patients with endometrial cancer. In sentinel node detection we used radioisotopes and a dye technique. After sentinel node dissection, in all cases, radical surgery with systemic lymphadenectomy was performed. The number and localization of the nodes classified as sentinel nodes were analyzed. Results The identification rate for sentinel node detection was 97.4% in vulvar cancer, 96.2% in cervical cancer and 88.9% in endometrial cancer. The sensitivity in this procedures was 100.0% in vulvar cancer, 94.0% in cervical cancer and 87.9% in endometrial cancer. Negative predictive value was 96.2% for vulvar cancer, 97.0% for cervical cancer and 100.0% for endometrial cancer. Conclusions The concept of sentinel node detection in gynaecological malignances requires more clinical date for its validation, but outcomes in vulvar cancer seem to be potentially most promising.