Search

Abnormal regulation of cytochrome P450c17alpha causes the exaggerated secretion of ovarian androgens in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This enzyme is active in both the ovaries and adrenal glands. We examined whether there is an abnormal regulation of cytochrome P450c17alpha in the adrenal gland by investigating the relationship of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OH progesterone) hyperresponsiveness to the gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, buserelin, testing with 17-OH progesterone response to adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) in PCOS. In all, 68 women with PCOS and 24 normal women were included in the study. Ultrasound, clinical and hormonal parameters were used to define PCOS. 17-OH progesterone response to ACTH was measured in all the women. In 52 of the 68 women with PCOS, 17-OH progesterone response to buserelin was measured. The mean basal 17-OH progesterone concentrations were similar in both PCOS and control groups. PCOS women had significantly higher net increment in 17-OH progesterone after ACTH administration (P

We investigated the possible effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme (A CE) inhibitor cilazapril and angiotensin II antagonist saralasin on ovulation, ovarian steroidogenesis and ascites formation in the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in the rabbit model. OHSS was induced in rabbits by human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) and intermittent human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). In the cilazapril group (n = 10), animals also received cilazapril 2 mg/kg intraperitoneally daily for 7 days. In the saralasin group (n = 8), animals received saralasin intraperitoneally 1 h before or 1 h after hCG administration. Control animals (n = 8) received intraperitoneal saline solution. Serial blood samples were drawn on days 1, 5, 7 and 9 to measure serum estradiol and progesterone levels. On day 9, all rabbits underwent surgical exploration. Peritoneal and pleural fluid formation, ovarian weights and number of ovulations were determined. The volume of the ascitic and pleural fluids after hyperstimulation were not statistically different between the control, cilazapril and saralasin groups. The weight gains and ovarian weights of animals were similar between treatment and control groups. Saralasin significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited ovulation, but cilazapril did not. Cilazapril and saralasin did not affect progesterone production. Only cilazapril significantly decreased estradiol production (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the ACE inhibitor cilazapril and angiotensin II antagonist saralasin did not prevent ascites formation in OHSS. The ovarian renin-angiotensin system may not be the only factor acting in ascites formation in the OHSS.

OBJECTIVE The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency in adult women with hirsutism in a Turkish population. DESIGN AND PATIENTS One hundred and twenty-four consecutive unselected hirsute patients were studied. An ACTH stimulation test was performed in the midfollicular phase of the cycle on the patients and 20 age-matched controls by administration of a single bolus of 0.25 mg ACTH (1-24) at 0900 h. MEASUREMENTS Serum 11-deoxycortisol levels were measured before, 30 and 60 minutes after ACTH injection. Basal free testosterone (fT), SHBG, cortisol and androstenedione (A) were also measured. The diagnosis of 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency has been presumed when the serum 11-deoxycortisol response to ACTH stimulation exceeded three times the 95th percentile of controls. RESULTS Basal hormone levels including fT and A were significantly higher in the hirsute women than in the healthy women. SHBG was significantly lower in the hirsute patients. Basal and ACTH stimulated 11-deoxycortisol levels were found to be significantly increased in the patients compared with the controls. Eight patients (6.5%) had an 11-deoxycortisol response higher than three times the upper normal limit. CONCLUSIONS Using stringent diagnostic criteria, we have found that 6.5% of the hirsute women in a Turkish population could be presumed to have 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency.

ContextPrevalence of Cushing's syndrome (CS) in patients presenting with hirsutism is not well known.ObjectiveScreening of CS in patients with hirsutism.SettingReferral hospital.Patients and other participantsThis study was carried out on 105 patients who were admitted to the Endocrinology Department with the complaint of hirsutism.InterventionAll the patients were evaluated with low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) for CS.Main outcome measureResponse to LDDST in patients presenting with hirsutism.ResultsAll the patients had suppressed cortisol levels following low-dose dexamethasone administration excluding CS. The etiology of hirsutism was polycystic ovary syndrome in 79%, idiopathic hirsutism in 13%, idiopathic hyperandrogenemia in 6%, and nonclassical congenital hyperplasia in 2% of the patients.ConclusionRoutine screening for CS in patients with a referral diagnosis of hirsutism is not required. For the time being, diagnostic tests for CS in hirsute patients should be limited to patients who have accompanying clinical stigmata of hypercortisolism.

To investigate the effect of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) and the combination of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) with SCMC in the prevention of intraperitoneal adhesion.Thirty-eight rats underwent bilateral surgical injury to the uterine horn and the parietal peritoneum. In 13 rats, a solution of SCMC was instilled at laparotomy. In 11 rats, LMWH was delivered on to serosal and peritoneal defects, and SCMC was instilled. As a control group 14 rats were included in the study.Surgical Research Laboratory, Erciyes University.Female Wistar-Albino rats, weighing 200 to 250 g each.Adhesions between the uterine horn and the abdominal sidewall were scored for extent and severity two weeks after the initial surgery.Although the mean adhesion score both in the SCMC group (2.8, s.d. 1.15) and in the SCMC with LMWH group (1.6, s.d 1.18) was found to be significantly lower than in the control group (3.4, s.d. 0.89) (p0.05 and p0.001, respectively), more favorable adhesion prophylaxis was achieved in the SCMC with LMWH group in comparison with the SCMC treatment group without any hemorrhagic complications (p0.001).We conclude that SCMC with LMWH are highly effective in reducing postoperative adhesions in this animal model. SCMC with LMWH appears promising in adhesion prophylaxis.

The objective of the study was to compare intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome and gonadotropin doses between obese women with PCOS and non-obese patients with PCOS. This follow-up study represents ICSI outcomes in obese women with PCOS (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2)) compared with non-obese women with PCOS (BMI 30 kg/m(2)). Obese (n = 18) and non-obese (n = 26) women with PCOS underwent long protocol pituitary suppression, ovarian stimulation and ICSI with fresh embryo transfer. Obese patients with PCOS required higher doses of gonadotropin (2994 IU vs 1719 IU; p 0.001). Miscarriage rate was significantly higher in obese women compared with the non-obese women with PCOS (60% vs 6.7%, p = 0.002). Our results are valuable for counselling couples before initiation of assisted reproduction techniques (ART).

We describe a woman with acromegaly who had acanthosis nigricans and hirsutism. Serum growth hormone (GH) and testosterone levels were markedly elevated. Standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) showed a diabetic curve and no suppressed GH levels. Fasting insulin levels were very high while plasma glucose levels were not hypoglycemic. Insulin tolerance test revealed blunted hypoglycemic response. Acanthosis nigricans was present in the right axilla and face. Ultrasonogram demonstrated bilateral polycystic changes in the ovaries. From the above findings this patient's condition is characteristic of a very rare syndrome consisting of acromegaly, polycystic ovaries (PCO), hyperandrogenism, hirsutism, insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans.

We retrospectively evaluated patients with intraosseous lipoma.The study included eight patients (5 males, 3 females; mean age 39 years; range 23 to 60 years) who were treated between 1997 and 2005 for intraosseous lipoma. Localizations of the lipomas were the calcaneus in six patients, proximal humerus in one patient, and proximal femur in one patient. The presenting complaints were heel pain in patients with calcaneal involvement, and shoulder pain associated with proximal humeral involvement. In one patient, detection of intraosseous lipoma in the left proximal femur was incidental during examination for right hip pain. According to the Milgram classification, five of the intraosseous lipomas were stage 1, while two calcaneal lesions and one femoral lesion were stage 2. Treatment consisted of excisional biopsy, curettage, and allografting under regional or general anesthesia. The diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically in all cases. The mean follow-up period was 28 months (range 9 to 110 months).Complaints of heel pain and shoulder pain resolved within four and five months, respectively. No infection or skin necrosis occurred at the wound site. No neurovascular complications developed during or after surgery. Radiological consolidation of the implanted bone allografts were complete by a mean of three months (range 2 to 4 months). No pathological fractures or recurrences were encountered.Treatment of intraosseous lipomas with curettage and grafting is effective in relieving pain and preventing possible pathological fractures.

Summary Objective There are conflicting data regarding the effects of metformin in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Thus, our aim was to evaluate the effects of 6 months of metformin therapy on various metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in lean women with PCOS. Design This was a prospective clinical study performed in a University hospital. Patients Twenty nonobese PCOS women and 20 age- and BMI-matched healthy women were included in the study. Metformin (2550 mg/day) was administered for 6 months in women with PCOS. The hormonal and metabolic parameters were evaluated before and after metformin treatment. Measurements The main outcome measures were serum androgens, FSH, LH, oestradiol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, glucose, insulin, lipid profile, lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and homocysteine levels. In addition 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) were taken. Results After 6 months of metformin therapy, women with PCOS had decreased LH, total testosterone, free androgen index and slightly increased SHBG levels. Metformin treatment resulted in resumption of regular menses in 12 (60%) patients, and in 8 (40%) of them serum progesterone level was compatible with ovulation. Glucose and insulin responses to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) did not improve after the metformin therapy. There were no significant changes in terms of cardiovascular risk factors such as lipids and homocysteine, IMT and ABPM. Conclusion Metformin may have beneficial effects in lean PCOS women in terms of resumption of menses without any remarkable effect on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors.

The aim of the study was to develop a suture technique that would be simple and easy to perform, but also strong enough to resist the strength formed during early active exercise protocols.Thirty flexor digitorum profundus muscle tendons were obtained from lambs aged 12 to 16 months. The tendons were assigned to three in situ repair groups, including the modified Kessler technique, six-strand Savage technique, and a strengthened modified Kessler technique, all combined with an epitendinous suture. Each group was subjected to biomechanical tests and the maximum strength of the tendons to rupture and the power exerted to yield a 3-mm separation were recorded.The mean strengths of the tendons repaired with the modified Kessler technique for 3-mm separation and rupture were 29.9+/-2.9 N and 37.0+/-4.0 N, respectively. The corresponding forces were 39.1+/-6.7 N and 51.3+/-6.1 N with the six-strand Savage technique, and 59.9+/-8.3 N and 69.0+/-8.7 N with the strengthened modified Kessler technique, respectively. Forces to produce a 3-mm separation and rupture were significantly higher with the strengthened modified Kessler repair, whereas the lowest forces were seen with the modified Kessler technique (p0.001).Tendon repair with the strengthened modified Kessler technique provides the highest resistance to both 3-mm separation and rupture. These biomechanical properties may allow safe and active motion without any gap formation in the repair area.

Objective To compare the effectiveness of oral and vaginal misoprostol for preoperative cervical ripening in premenopausal women before hysteroscopic surgery. Design Placebo-controlled, double blind, randomized trial. Setting University hospital. Patient(s) Eighty-six premenopausal women eligible for operative hysteroscopy were recruited. Nine women were excluded from the study. Intervention(s) Patients were randomly assigned to receive 400 μg of misoprostol orally (n = 39) or vaginally (n = 38), 10–12 hours before operative hysteroscopy. Main Outcome Measure(s) Extent of initial cervical width, percentage of patients requiring cervical dilatation, duration of cervical dilatation and surgical procedure, complications during procedure, and associated side effects. Result(s) Mean cervical widths in the vaginal and oral misoprostol groups after treatment were 7.3 ± 1.6 mm and 6.0 ± 1.5 mm, respectively, which was a statistically significant difference. Time required for cervical dilatation (98.6 ± 88.7 s vs. 49.1 ± 34.9 s) and duration of surgery (14.5 ± 6 vs. 7.7 ± 4.0 min) was statistically significantly shorter in the vaginal misoprostol group. The percentage of women with an initial cervical width of 9 mm was statistically significantly higher in the vaginal misoprostol group (36.8% vs. 5.1%). Uterine perforation occurred in two patients in the oral misoprostol group and in none in the vaginal misoprostol group. Side effects were comparable between the two treatment groups. Conclusion(s) Vaginal administration of misoprostol is more effective than the oral route for preoperative cervical ripening in premenopausal women.

Hirsutism, which is a common clinical problem in women of reproductive age, is characterized by excessive growth of terminal hair in the androgen-sensitive skin regions. It is the result of either androgen excess or increased sensitivity of the hair follicles to normal levels of androgens. The management, which includes cosmetic measures and medical treatment, is far from satisfactory. Anti-androgen drugs play a key role in the treatment of hirsutism, but they have some side-effects which may result in cessation of the drug. On the other hand, anti-androgen treatment often needs to be continued for a long time. So, safe, inexpensive, and effective anti-androgen drugs are needed. Recently low-dose anti-androgen drugs have been shown to be effective in the maintenance of treatment. On the other hand, cyproterone acetate plus ethyniloestradiol and spironolactone, cyproterone acetate plus ethyniloestradiol and finasteride, and spironolactone and finasteride combinations have been used successfully in decreasing the hirsutism score. There are also some promising data regarding the effects of insulin sensitizers in the treatment of hirsutism, particularly in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. In the present review, the main features of anti-androgen drugs, new combined treatments, and insulin sensitizers in the treatment of hirsutism are discussed.

Objective(s): To evaluate the effects of metformin on insulin resistance, ovarian androgen production, and clomiphene-induced ovulation and pregnancy rates in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Study design: Twenty-one infertile women with PCOS were selected in this prospective randomized clinical study. Basal steroid and gonadotropin levels were measured, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. The patients were divided randomly into group 1 (n = 11) and group 2 (n = 10). Group 1 patients were treated with 1700 mg per day of metformin for 3 months. The basal tests and OGTT were repeated after metformin therapy. Group 2 patients did not receive metformin. The patients in both groups received 100 mg of clomiphene citrate (CC) daily for 5 days until either a pregnancy occurred, or six CC cycles were reached. Metformin administration continued during CC therapy until the day of hCG in group 1. Serum progesterone (P) level greater than or equal to5 ng/ml was considered as confirmatory of ovulation. Ovulation and pregnancy rates after six cycles were determined. Results: Serum androgens and insulin response to OGTT decreased significantly after metformin therapy. Midluteal serum P level was significantly higher in cycles treated with metformin plus CC (P < 0.05). The ovulation (38 of 51 cycles, 74.4% versus 34 of 55 cycles, 61.8%) and pregnancy rates (5 of 11 women, 45.5% versus 3 of 10 women, 30%) were higher, but not significantly, in the metformin plus CC group than in the CC alone group. All the patients who conceived had insulin resistance in group 1 whereas non-insulin resistance in group 2. Conclusion(s): Metformin improves insulin resistance and reduces androgen levels. Metformin did not increase significantly the ovulation and pregnancy rates. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of the combination of Diane 35 (2 mg of cyproterone acetate, and 35 μg of ethinyl estradiol) plus finasteride (5 mg), and Diane 35 alone in the treatment of hirsutism. Design: Prospective randomized clinical study. Setting: Outpatients in Erciyes University Medical School. Patient(s): Forty women with hirsutism were selected. Intervention(s): For 1 year, group 1 patients (n = 20) were treated with Diane 35 alone (2 mg of cyproterone acetate and 35 μg of ethinyl estradiol) daily on days 5 to 25 of the menstrual cycle and group 2 patients (n = 20) with Diane 35 plus finasteride (5 mg daily). Main Outcome Measure(s): Hirsutism was graded at 6-month intervals using the Ferriman-Gallwey method. The basal hormone levels of total and free testosterone (T), androstenedione, DHEAS, and sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured by radioimmunoassay before the study. Total T, free T, SHBG, and DHEAS were also measured at 6-month intervals for 1 year. Multiscreen blood chemistry and side effects were evaluated during the treatment. Result(s): Thirty-four patients completed the 12-month study period. A significant decrease in the hirsutism score as compared to baseline was observed after 12 months with both Diane 35 treatment (mean ± SD, 15.62 ± 4.89 vs. 9.75 ± 3.97) and Diane 35 plus finasteride treatment (16.27 ± 6.90 vs. 8.38 ± 4.44). The percentage decreases in the hirsutism score (mean percent ± SD) were 30.26 ± 14.56 vs. 34.70 ± 11.60 at 6 months, 38.09 ± 11.46 vs. 48.14 ± 14.27 at 12 months in the Diane 35 and the Diane 35 plus finasteride groups, respectively. The percentage reduction in the hirsutism score in the Diane 35 plus finasteride group at 12 months was greater than in the Diane 35 group ( P Conclusion(s): The percentage decrease in the hirsutism score at 12 months was higher in the Diane 35 plus finasteride group than in the Diane 35 group. We believe that Diane 35 plus finasteride is an effective and safe combination for the treatment of hirsutism.

Objective: To assess the activity of the enzyme cytochrome P450c17α in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design: Prospective clinical study. Setting: Outpatients at Erciyes University Medical School, Kayseri, Turkey. Patient(s): Twenty-eight women with PCOS aged 25.44 ± 4.37 years (mean ± SD) and 18 normal women aged 26.94 ± 3.17 years. Main Outcome Measure(s): Serum levels of 11-deoxycortisol, androstenedione (A), and 17α-hydroxy progesterone were measured before and 30 and 60 minutes after ACTH (0.25 mg IV) injection. Result(s): There was a statistically significant correlation between basal levels of 11-deoxycortisol (4.05 ± 1.16 ng/mL) and A (3.36 ± 0.97 ng/mL) (r = 0.539). The peak level of 11-deoxycortisol (7.82 ± 2.36 ng/mL) was also significantly correlated with the peak level of A (6.66 ± 1.32 ng/mL) (r = 0.570) in women with PCOS. There was no statistically significant correlation between basal A (2.33 ± 0.50 ng/mL) and basal 11-deoxycortisol (2.71 ± 0.59 ng/mL) or between peak A (3.38 ± 0.50 ng/mL) and peak 11-deoxycortisol (3.68 ± 0.48 ng/mL) levels in control subjects. Conclusion(s): We believe that PCOS is characterized by enhanced activity of 17,20-lyase enzyme in an alternate pathway between 11-deoxycortisol and A in the adrenal glands.

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of Diane 35 (cyproterone acetate [2] mg and ethinyl estradiol [35μg]) plus spironolactone [100mg]combination and Diane 35 alone in the treatment of hirsutism. Design: Prospective clinical study. Setting: Outpatients in Erciyes University Medical School. Patient(s): Fifty women with hirsutism. Intervention(s): Group I patients ( n = 22) were treated with Diane 35 alone and group II patients ( n = 28) with Diane 35 plus spironolactone [100mg]. Main Outcome Measure(s): The basal hormone levels total and free T, androstenedione, DHEAS, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and prolactin (PRL) were measured by RIA before the study. Free T, SHBG, and DHEAS were also measured at 6-month intervals for 12 months. Hirsutism was graded at 6-month intervals. Result(s): The basal hormone levels were similar between the groups. Hirsutism score significantly decreased at the end of the therapy in both groups. The reduction in hirsutism score in group 11 at 12 months was greater than in group I. But the scores before the treatment, at 6 and 12 months were similar between the groups. Conclusion(s): Although the actual hirsutism score and free T concentration are not significantly different between the two groups at 12 months, percentage change in the hirsutism score at 12 months was higher in the Diane 35 plus spironolactone group. Therefore, the addition of spironolactone to Diane 35 may have a synergistic effect on hirsutism score.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of late-onset adrenal hyperplasia (LOCAH) due to 21-hydroxylase (21-OH) and 11 beta-hydroxylase (11 beta-OH) deficiency in women with clinical and biochemical features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN: Eighty-three consecutively selected women with PCOS and eighteen normal women were included in the study. METHODS: Ultrasound, clinical and hormonal parameters were used to define PCOS. Basal FSH, LH, testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and cortisol levels were measured. Serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and 11-deoxycortisol (11-DOC) levels were also measured before, 30 and 60 min after a single bolus injection of 0.25 mg ACTH (1-24) at 0900 h during the mid-follicular phase of the cycle. ACTH-stimulated 17-OHP levels > 30 nmol/l were considered as the criteria of 21-OH deficiency. The diagnosis 11 beta-OH deficiency was made if the adrenal 11-DOC response to ACTH stimulation exceeded threefold the 95th percentile of controls. RESULTS: Basal serum testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA-S, cortisol and 11-DOC levels were significantly higher in PCOS than in control subjects. ACTH-stimulated 17-OHP (P < 0.05) and 11-DOC (P < 0.0005) levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with PCOS than in controls. Seven (8.4%) patients had an 11-DOC response to ACTH higher than threefold the 95th percentile of controls, while no patients showed evidence of 21-OH deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: We have found that 8.4% of the women with clinical and biochemical features of PCOS could be presumed to have 11 beta-OH deficiency. No patients among the women with PCOS showed evidence of 21-OH deficiency. 11 beta-OH deficiency is unexpectedly more common than 21-OH deficiency in women with PCOS.

To compare the effects of flutamide at 250 mg/d and 500 mg/d in the treatment of hirsutism.Randomized, prospective clinical study.Sixty-five patients with moderate to severe hirsutism.Group I (n = 35) patients were treated with flutamide, 250 mg/d, and group II (n = 30) patients were treated with flutamide, 500 mg/d, for 12 months. Baseline hormone levels, body mass index, and hirsutism scores were similar between the groups. Hirsutism score, hormone levels, and multiscreen blood chemistry were measured at 3-month intervals for 12 months.The modified Ferriman-Gallwey scores for hirsutism decreased significantly at months 6 and 12 from a mean +/- SEM of 17.8 +/- 0.9 to 6.0 +/- 0.6 (P0.001) and 17.8 +/- 0.9 to 4.8 +/- 0.7 (P0.001) in group I and from 17.0 +/- 0.9 to 6.6 +/- 0.7 and 17.0 +/- 0.9 to 5.2 +/- 0.7 (P0.001) in group II, respectively. The reductions in hirsutism scores (mean +/- SEM) were similar in group I at 6 months (64.6% +/- 2.5%) and at 12 months (71.2% +/- 2.2%) and in group II at 6 months (62.1% +/- 3.0%) and at 12 months (70.3% +/- 3.0%). The percent reductions in hirsutiam scores at 6 and at 12 months were similar within group I (64.6% +/- 2.5% and 71.2% +/- 2.2%) and group II (62.1% +/- 3.0% and 70.3% +/- 3.0%), respectively. The decreases in hirsutism scores in the first 6 months were more significant than in the last 6 months of treatment in both groups. There were no significant differences in any of the hormone levels during therapy in either group. One patient in group II was excluded from the study because of liver dysfunction.This study shows that two different doses of flutamide (250 mg/d and 500 mg/d) are similarly effective in reducing hair growth. Flutamide at a dose of either 250 mg/d or 500 mg/d has no further effect after 6 months. We conclude that if flutamide is administered at a dose of 250 mg/d it may represent an effective and well tolerated treatment with reduced cost for the patient.

Objective: To determine whether hyperinsulinism affects cytochrome P450c 17α activity by investigating the correlation between 17–hydroxyprogesterone (17–OHP) hyper-responsiveness to the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, buserelin, and the insulin response to oral glucose in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design: Ultrasound, clinical and hormonal parameters were used to define PCOS in this prospective clinical study. We investigated the correlation between the 17–OHP response to buserelin testing and the insulin response to oral glucose in PCOS. Methods: Twenty-eight women with PCOS and eighteen normal women were included in the study. 17–OHP response to buserelin, and insulin and C–peptide responses to oral glucose were measured. Results: Twenty–live women with PCOS had an increased 17–OHP response. The PCOS patients showed significantly higher mean post–glucose load insulin and C–peptide levels than controls (PP >0·05). Conclusions: Lack of a relationship between the 17–OHP response to the GnRH agonist buserelin and hyperinsulinism suggests that hyperinsulinism may not play a role in the dysregulation of the cytochrome P450c17α enzyme seen in PCOS. European Journal of Endocrinology 136 410–415

Objective To investigate the effects of low dose flutamide (250mg/d) on hirsutism score and some hormone levels in women with hirsutism. Design Nonrandomized, prospective clinical trial. Patients Forty-one patients with moderate-severe hirsutism were included in the study. Intervention Hirsute patients received 250mg/d flutamide for a period of 6 months. Main Outcome Measures Hirsutism score, FSH, LH, E 2 , total T, free T, androstenedione, DHEAS, PRL, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin levels were detected in all the patients before treatment and every 3 months during treatment. Results Treatment with the antiandrogen flutamide resulted in a particularly rapid and marked decrease in the hirsutism score, which decreased from 17.48±5.35 to 5.07±2.89 after 6 months. No significant changes in the levels of hormone and no serious side effects were observed in the study. Conclusion The low-dose flutamide, 250mg/d, is a cost-effective drug in the treatment of hirsutism. Low-dose flutamide may be used in place of high-dose flutamide, 500 to 750mg/d.

Summary OBJECTIVE We determined the 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OH P) response to buserelin, a GnRH agonist, and its relation to ovarian volume in the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN We compared 17-OH P response to buserelin in a large group of patients with that In a control group of healthy women. We also investigated whether there is any relation between LH-induced 17-OH P production in response to buserelin and ovarian volume. PATIENTS Ten normal women and 31 women with PCOS were included in the study. MEASUREMENT Pelvic ultrasound examination by abdominal or vaginal transducer was performed. Serum basal levels of LH, FSH, free testosterone and 17-OH P were measured by radioimmunoassay. 17-OH P responses to both ACTH and buserelin were detected. Cortisol levels were measured before and after dexamethasone suppression. RESULTS The subcutaneous administration of 1 mg buserelin produced an increase in serum 17-OH P, which peaked within 24 hours in all groups. The mean ±SEM level of 17-OH P, 24 hours after buserelin stimulation in the women with PCOS (15.94 ±1.31 nmol/l) was significantly higher (P

Purpose: The boron and fluoride mainly accumulate in the bones and teeth of the human body. The purpose of this study is to determine boron or fluoride levels in the whole tooth, to evaluate the correlation between their levels and to compare these levels in primary/permanent, carious, and non-carious groups. Materials and Methods: The boron and fluoride levels of thirty-six teeth, separated such as primary carious (n=9) and non-carious (n=9), permanent carious (n=9) and non-carious (n=9), were determined by ICP-MS and ion-selective electrode, respectively. Results: While boron levels were between 0.001 and 5.88 ppm, the fluoride levels were between 21.24 and 449.22 ppm. The boron level of non-carious teeth was higher than those of carious teeth in primary and permanent tooth groups. However, this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The fluoride level of non-carious teeth was higher than those of carious teeth in primary (p=0.062) and permanent teeth groups (p=0.046). Negative correlation, found between boron and fluoride in all groups, was significant only in non-carious teeth group (r=-0.488, p=0.040). Conclusion: The results of our study proved the importance of fluoride as a protective factor for dental caries once more. The boron levels in non-carious teeth were also higher than carious teeth. However, it was not significant. Moreover, there was negative correlation between teeth boron and fluoride levels. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct more detailed studies on the tooth boron level and its relation with caries formation and with fluoride levels.