Health-Related quality of life by 31-item Cervantes scale in breast cancer survivors undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy

ABSTRACT Introduction Instruments to manage adverse effects of endocrine therapy with Aromatase inhibitors (AI) may improve adherence and persistence to treatment and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL). The 31-item Cervantes Scale (CS-31) is an HRQL questionnaire with particularities of the perimenopausal and postmenopausal period that could be an appropriate instrument to assess HRQL in Breast Cancer (BC) survivors. Objective This study aimed to perform additional validation of the CS-31 for BC survivors undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy. Methods This prospective study was performed at three time points named T0, T1, and T2: initial, intermediate, and final follow-up period, respectively, totaling 24 months of follow-up. At each time point, the participants completed the CS-31, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue (FACIT-F), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The internal consistency, construct validity, responsiveness analyses, and known-group validity of CS-31 were evaluated. Results This study included 89 postmenopausal women diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive early BC in adjuvant endocrine therapy with AI. The internal consistency was good (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89). Construct validity received a positive rating, with 100% of results consistent with prior hypotheses. A prospective improvement in HRQL was identified for the CS-31 Global Score and FACIT-F Total Score and for most of their domains. Furthermore, women with anxiety and depression by HADS presented worse HRQL by CS-31. Conclusion The authors identified that the CS-31 seems to be appropriate for use in oncology medical routine and may help to monitor adverse effects and HRQL of BC survivors during adjuvant endocrine therapy.

Effects of aromatase inhibitors on the ocular surface microenvironment / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To analyze the effects of aromatase inhibitors(AIs)on the ocular surface microenvironment of the users.METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. The study included postmenopausal women who received AIs treatment at galactophore department of our hospital from November 2022 to May 2023. Participants were divided into two groups based on the mechanism of AIs: the steroidal group and the non-steroidal group. The control group consisted of age-matched women who underwent occupational health examinations. All participants completed the ocular surface disease index(OSDI)questionnaire and underwent detailed ophthalmic examinations, including best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, axial length, corneal curvature, radius of curvature of curved lacrimal river surface, tear osmolarity, tear film break-up time, corneal fluorescein staining score, Schirmer Ⅰ test, and meibomian gland infrared score.RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in age, best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, axial length, and corneal curvature between control group and steroidal and non-steroidal group(P>0.05). The duration of drug treatment between the steroidal group and the non-steroidal group also showed no statistically significant difference(P>0.05). However, statistically significant differences were observed between the control group and the steroidal and non-steroidal group in OSDI scores, radius of curvature of curved lacrimal river surface, tear osmolarity, tear film break-up time, corneal fluorescein staining score, Schirmer Ⅰ test, and meibomian gland infrared score(P<0.05). The Schirmer Ⅰ test also showed statistically significant differences between the steroidal group and the non-steroidal group(P<0.05), while other data showed no statistically significant differences(P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal patients receiving AIs treatment experienced significant changes in the ocular microenvironment, with both decreased tear secretion and excessive tear evaporation contributing to the occurrence of dry eye. Notably, patients receiving non-steroidal AIs treatment showed a more significant reduction in main lacrimal gland secretion.

Terapia endocrina para la prevención primaria del cáncer de seno: Revisión sistemática y metaanálisis actualizado / Endocrine therapy for primary prevention of breast cancer: Systematic review and updated meta-analysis

Introducción. Debido a que el cáncer de seno es una enfermedad asociada a una significativa tasa de morbilidad y mortalidad cuando se diagnostica en el período sintomático, se han hecho enormes esfuerzos orientados hacia la prevención primaria de esta enfermedad. Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda de todos los experimentos clínicos aleatorizados que evaluaran la eficacia de la terapia endocrina para la reducción del riesgo de desarrollar cáncer de seno. La calidad metodológica de los estudios seleccionados fue valorada utilizando la herramienta de la Colaboración Cochrane para medir el riesgo de sesgo en ensayos aleatorizados. Se evaluó la heterogeneidad de los estudios primarios elegibles utilizando los estadísticos T², I², H². El sesgo de publicación fue evaluado mediante el test de Harbord y mediante la gráfica de funnel plot. La medida de efecto utilizada en este metaanálisis fue el riesgo relativo (RR) con el cálculo de los intervalos de confianza (IC) del 95%. Resultados. Encontramos doce experimentos clínicos aleatorizados que reclutaron a 68.180 mujeres, las cuales fueron asignadas al azar para recibir algún tipo terapia endocrina para reducir el riesgo de desarrollar cáncer de seno o placebo. La terapia endocrina en conjunto redujo el riesgo proporcional de cáncer de seno (invasivo más in situ) en un 42 %, resultado estadísticamente significativo RR 0,58 (IC95% 0,50 ­ 0,69). Conclusiones. La terapia endocrina es el manejo estándar de prevención en mujeres sanas con riesgo de desarrollar cáncer de seno no hereditario.

Introduction. Because breast cancer is a disease associated with a significant morbidity and mortality rate when diagnosed in the symptomatic period, enormous efforts have been made towards the primary prevention of this disease. Methods. A search was conducted for all randomized clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of endocrine therapy in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer. The methodological quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool to assess risk of bias in randomized trials. Heterogeneity of eligible primary studies was assessed using the T², I², H² statistics. Publication bias was evaluated using the Harbord test and the funnel plot. The effect measure used in this meta-analysis was the relative risk (RR) with the calculation of the 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results. We found twelve randomized clinical trials that recruited 68,180 women who were randomly assigned to receive some type of endocrine therapy to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer or placebo. Endocrine therapy as a whole reduced the proportional risk of breast cancer (invasive plus in situ) by 42%, a statistically significant result RR 0.58 (95% CI 0.50 - 0.69). Conclusions. Endocrine therapy is the standard preventive management in healthy women at risk of developing non-hereditary breast cancer.

The VES?13 and G?8 tools as predictors of toxicity associated with aromatase inhibitors in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer in elderly patients: A single?center study

Background: Adjuvant hormone treatment of postmenopausal breast cancer is mainly based on aromatase inhibitors. Adverse events associated with such class of drugs are particularly severe in elderly patients. Therefore, we investigated the possibility of ab initio predict which elderly patients could encounter toxicity. Methods: In light of national and international oncological guidelines recommending the use of screening tests for multidimensional geriatric assessment in elderly patients aged ?70 years and eligible for active cancer treatment, we assessed whether the Vulnerable Elder Survey (VES)-13 and the Geriatric (G)-8 could be predictors of toxicity associated with aromatase inhibitors. Seventy?seven consecutive patients aged ?70 diagnosed with non?metastatic hormone?responsive breast cancer and therefore eligible for adjuvant hormone therapy with aromatase inhibitors, were screened with the VES-13 and the G-8, and underwent a six-monthly clinical and instrumental follow-up in our medical oncology unit, from September 2016 to March 2019 (30 months). Said patients were identified as vulnerable (VES?13 score ?3 or G?8 score ?14) and fit (VES?13 score <3 or G?8 score >14). The likelihood of experiencing toxicity is greater among vulnerable patients. Results: The correlation between the VES-13 or the G-8 tools and the presence of adverse events is equal to 85.7% (p = 0.03). The VES-13 demonstrated 76.9% sensitivity, 90.2% specificity, 80.0% positive predictive value, 88.5% negative predictive value. The G-8 demonstrated 79.2% sensitivity, 88.7% specificity, 76% positive predictive value, 90.4% negative predictive value. Conclusion: The VES-13 and the G-8 tools could be valuable predictors of the onset of toxicity associated with aromatase inhibitors in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer in elderly patients aged ?70.

Perinatal exposure to an aromatase inhibitor glyphosate-base herbicide reduced male and female social behavior in juvenile age and the sexual behavior at adult female rats / Exposição perinatal ao inibidor da aromatase a base de glifosato reduz o comportamento social de machos e fêmeas e o comportamento sexual de ratas

Objectives: The herbicide glyphosate, a pesticide used in agriculture to control weeds, both in food crops and in other agricultural areas, has been identified as an endocrine modulator through the inhibition of aromatase activity and the activation of estrogen receptors. The present study examined the effects of a glyphosate-based herbicide (Roundup® (GLY-BH) on sexual dimorphism of rats after perinatal exposure to low and high GLY-BH in males and females offspring. Methods: Two groups of pregnant rats were treated with two doses of GLY-BH (50 or 150 mg/kg) from day 15 of gestation (GD15) to postnatal day 7 (PND7). Play fighting behavior was observed at the juvenile stage and during social and sexual behaviors in adulthood. Results: Perinatal GLY-BH exposure reduced male and female body weight at 28, 75, and 90 days of age. The play fighting behavior was decreased in both sexes, but female rats were more affected. The sexual behaviors were reduced only in females. Conclusions: Perinatal exposure to both doses of GLY-BH promoted sexually dimorphic effects in both juvenile and adulthood stages. These effects were attributed to the inhibition of aromatase activity induced by exposure to GLY-BH in the perinatal period.(AU)

Objetivos: O glifosato é um herbicida não seletivo, usado em muitas culturas alimentares e não alimentares e em áreas não agrícolas, sendo que os produtos a base de glifosato atuam como moduladores das funções endócrinas por meio da inibição da atividade da aromatase e da ativação de receptores de estrógeno. O presente estudo avaliou os efeitos do herbicida Roundup® (GLY-BH) à base de glifosato, em comportamentos sexualmente dimórficos de ratos após exposição perinatal a doses baixas e altas de GLY-BH no período perinatal. Métodos: Ratas prenhas foram tratadas com 50 ou 150 mg/kg de GLY-BH do 15º dia de gestação (GD15) ao 7º dia de lactação (LD7). O comportamento de luta/brincar foi observado na fase juvenil e os comportamentos social e sexual na idade adulta. Resultados: a exposição perinatal a GLY-BH reduziu o peso corporal de machos e fêmeas aos 28, 75 e 90 dias de idade. O comportamento de luta/brincar diminuiu em ambos os sexos, sendo as ratas foram as mais afetadas. O comportamento sexual foi reduzido apenas nas fêmeas. Conclusões: A exposição perinatal a ambas as doses do GLY- BH promoveu tanto na idade juvenil como na idade adulta, efeitos sexualmente dimórficos. Esses efeitos foram atribuídos à inibição da atividade da aromatase induzida exposição perinatal ao GLY-BH.(AU)

Effects of letrozole combined with human menopausal gonadotropin on pregnancy rate and prognosis in patients with refractory polycystic ovary syndrome / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of letrozole combined with human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) on pregnancy rate and prognosis in patients with refractory polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods:A total of 102 patients with refractory PCOS who received treatment in Jinhua Hongyue Women's and Children's Hospital between May 2019 and May 2020 were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to observation and control groups ( n = 51/group). All patients received the same treatment in the early period. During later ovulation induction period, patients in the control group were administered HMG and those in the observation group were given letrozole combined with HMG. Before treatment and 3 months after treatment, sex hormones [follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E 2), testosterone (T)], arterial hemodynamic indicators around the follicle [end diastolic velocity (EDV), peak systolic velocity (PSV), pulsation index (PI)], endometrial thickness and classification were compared between the two groups. The ovulation rate and pregnancy rate as well as pregnancy outcomes at 6 months of follow-up were recorded in each group. Results:After 3 months of treatment, FSH, LH, E 2 and T levels in each group were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05). FSH, LH, E 2 and T levels in the observation group were (1.85 ± 0.45) U/L, (9.86 ± 1.47) U/L, (81.25 ± 10.47) pmol/L, (1.75 ± 0.26) nmol/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(3.12 ± 1.47) U/L, (12.58 ± 2.14) U/L, (109.25 ± 27.14) pmol/L, (3.58 ± 0.76) nmol/L, t = 5.90, 7.48, 6.87, 16.27, all P < 0.05). EDV in each group was significantly decreased after 3 months of treatment compared with that before treatment (both P < 0.05). After treatment, EDV in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(3.12 ± 1.42) cm/s vs. (5.14 ± 1.89) cm/s, t = 21.14, P < 0.001]. PSV in each group was significantly increased after treatment compared with that before treatment (both P < 0.05). After treatment, PSV in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(13.36 ± 2.01) cm/s vs. (10.24 ± 2.47) cm/s, t = 4.21, P < 0.001]. In each group, PI measured after treatment was not significantly different from that measured before treatment (both P > 0.05). After treatment, endometrial thickness in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(9.09 ± 1.58) mm vs. (8.41 ± 1.42) mm, t = 2.28, P < 0.05]. Ovulation rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [88.24% (45/51) vs. 70.59% (36/51), χ2 = 4.85, P < 0.05]. There were no significant differences in endometrial type, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, and premature delivery rate between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusion:Letrozole combined with HMG has an ideal effect on refractory PCOS. It can improve the levels of sex hormones, restore the hemodynamic status in ovarian stroma and increase ovulation rate.

Analysis on the symptom clusters and influencing factors among breast cancer patients during aromatase inhibitors treatment / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To investigate the symptom clusters and influencing factors among breast cancer patients receiving aromatase inhibitor treatment and to provide a theoretical basis for the symptom clusters management.Methods:From April 2020 to January 2021, 253 breast cancer patients were recruited in Peking University Cancer Hospital by convenient sampling method. All the patients were cross-sectional investigated by the demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire, the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The principal component analysis was used to extract the symptom clusters and the multiple linear regression was used to analyze the risk factors.Results:During the period of breast cancer patients receiving aromatase inhibitor treatment, three symptom clusters were identified: sick symptom cluster, treatment related-psychological symptom cluster, digestive symptoms cluster. The prevalence of the three symptom clusters was 49.4%(125/253), 45.1%(114/253), 22.5%(57/253), respectively. The median severity of the three symptom clusters was 2.80, 2.00, 0.67, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that anxiety and education level were the influencing factors of sick symptom cluster ( β=0.25, -0.25, all P<0.05), anxiety, depression and educational level were the influencing factors of treatment related-psychological symptom cluster ( β = 0.34, 0.20, -0.16, all P<0.05), anxiety, depression and chemotherapy history were the influencing factors of digestive symptom cluster ( β= 0.17, 0.18, -0.13, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Breast cancer patients with aromatase inhibitor treatment are affected by symptom clusters. In order to relieve the symptom clusters, we need pay attention to the mentation, the education level and prerious treatment of the patients.

Aromatase deficiency caused by mutation of CYP19A1 gene: A case report / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Aromatase deficiency (AD) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disease caused by loss-of-function mutations in aromatase gene (CYP19A1), leading to congenital estrogen deficiency syndrome. Both mothers of AD patients during pregnancy and female AD fetus show virilization, while male patients are usually diagnosed in adulthood due to continued height increase and metabolic abnormalities. In 2019, a patient with AD was admitted in the Second Xiangya Hospital. The patient was a 37-year-old adult male who continued to grow linearly after adulthood. His estradiol was below the measurable line, the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) increased, bone age delayed, epiphysis unfused, and the bone mass reduced. CYP19A1 gene detection showed that c.1093C>T, p.R365W was homozygous mutation. This disease is rare in clinic. Clinicians need to raise awareness of the disease for early diagnosis and treatment to improve the long-term prognosis of patients.

Indices in dental image exams for bone mineral density evaluation of aromatase inhibitor users

Abstract We evaluated the accuracy of radiomorphometric indices (RI) and fractal dimension (FD) for screening bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal patients who had breast cancer and were using aromatase inhibitors (AI). The sample consisted of 40 participants. Digital panoramic radiography (DPR) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) were evaluated along with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which is the gold standard for detecting low BMD. According to the T-scores of DXA, the subjects were assigned into two groups: with normal BMD and with low BMD (osteopenia and osteoporosis). The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity with their respective confidence intervals were determined for DPR and CBCT. For DPR indices, AUC ranged from 52.6 to 75.8%. The mandibular cortical width (MCW) had the highest AUC. For FD, the total trabecular index had the highest sensitivity, while the index anterior to the mental foramen (MF) had the highest specificity. In CBCT, the AUC ranged from 51.8 to 62.0%. The indices with the highest AUC were the molar (M) and anterior (A). The symphysis (S) index had the highest sensitivity and the posterior (P) index had the highest specificity. Sensitivity and specificity were adequate for the computed tomography index (Inferior; CTI [I]). Therefore, MCW, FD of the mandible angle, and total trabecular ROI in DPR and the CTI (I), M, P, and A indices in CBCT proved to be promising tools in distinguishing individuals with low BMD. Cutoff point for these indices could be a useful tool to investigate low BMD in postmenopausal women taking AI.

Leiomioma parasitario retroperitoneal: reporte de un caso / Retroperitoneal parasitic leiomioma: A case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: Los leiomiomas parasitarios son una variante poco común de la miomatosis uterina. Se han identificado en la pared abdominal, intestino delgado, muñón cervical o vaginal, vasos iliacos, ovarios, colon sigmoides y en el omento mayor. OBJETIVO: Reportar un caso clínico de leiomioma parasitario retroperitoneal y revisar la bibliografía al respecto. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 57 años, con diagnóstico de NIC-III y hemorragia uterina anormal. Acudió a consulta debido a una sensación de masa y dolor abdominal, pérdida de peso subjetiva, hiporexia, disfagia y plenitud gástrica de cuatro meses de evolución. En los estudios de extensión se documentó una masa retroperitoneal grande y elevación de los marcadores tumorales Ca 125 y Ca 19-9. La resección de la masa se efectuó mediante laparotomía, con hallazgo histopatológico de mioma parasitario. CONCLUSIÓN: Los leiomiomas parasitarios deben considerarse en el diagnóstico diferencial de pacientes con antecedente de histerectomía o miomectomía, sobre todo en el contexto de la morcelación. El tratamiento consiste en cirugía o inhibidores de la aromatasa y análogos de la hormona liberadora de gonadotropina (leiomiomatosis peritoneal diseminada).

Abstract BACKGORUND: Parasitic leiomyomas are a rare entity, defined as an unusual variant of uterine myomatosis. Have been documented in the abdominal wall, small intestine, cervical or vaginal stump, iliac vessels, ovaries, sigmoid colon, and greater omentum. OBJECTIVE: To report a clinical case of retroperitoneal parasitic leiomyoma and review the literature. CLINICAL CASE: A 57-year-old patient with a diagnosis of CIN-III and secondary abnormal uterine bleeding, who consulted for a sensation of abdominal mass and pain, subjective weight loss, hyporexia, dysphagia and gastric fullness, of four months of evolution. Extension studies document a large retroperitoneal mass and elevation of tumor markers Ca 125 and Ca 19-9. We practice surgical management of her gynecological pathology and resection of the mass by laparotomy, with histopathological finding of myoma. CONCLUSION: Parasitic leiomyomas should be suspected in patients with a detected mass and a history of hysterectomy or myomectomy, especially in the context of morcellation. The treatment of this condition is surgical and, in cases of disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis, pharmacological treatments have been used with aromatase inhibitors and gonadotropin-release hormone analogues.

Parâmetros clínicos, periodontais, nutricionais e imaginológicos em pacientes em uso de inibidores de aromatase / Clinical, periodontal, nutritional and imaginological parameters in patients using aromatase inhibitors

A osteoporose é uma doença sistêmica multifatorial, caracterizada pela redução da massa óssea. A osteoporose pode ser primária ou secundária ao uso de medicamentos como os inibidores de aromatase. Estes medicamentos interferem com a conversão de andrógenos a estrogênios, reduzindo a produção destes e sendo indicados para tratamento do câncer de mama dependente de estrógeno. O diagnóstico da osteoporose é baseado em critérios densitométricos da Organização Mundial de Saúde com referência na classificação do T-score, realizada pela técnica de absorciometria de energia dupla de raios X (DXA). Por se tratar de uma doença sistêmica, a osteoporose também afeta os ossos maxilares. Entretanto, a ocorrência e extensão de perda de estrutura do osso alveolar na osteoporose, bem como o risco destes pacientes à doença periodontal e perdas dentárias não estão claramente definidos. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar os parâmetros clínicos, periodontais, nutricionais e bioquímicos envolvidos na perda óssea em pacientes em uso de inibidores de aromatase. A perda óssea foi avaliada por absorciometria dupla de raios-X (DXA). Foram coletados dados sobre estado nutricional, antropométrico, bucal e periodontal e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal (OHRQoL). Citocinas e adipocinas foram quantificadas na saliva e soro. Foi realizado um estudo transversal do tipo caso-controle, com um grupo de comparação, no serviço de densitometria óssea do Hospital Mater Dei, no período de 2018 a 2021. A amostra foi constituída por 72 mulheres divididas em dois grupos: em uso de inibidores de aromatase (IAs) (n=40) e pacientes sem uso de inibidores de aromatase (controle) (n=32). Do total da amostra, 39 pacientes (57,4%) foram diagnosticados com perda de massa óssea. Os resultados mostraram que as mulheres idosas em uso de inibidores de aromatase (p=0,009) e fumantes (p=0,034) apresentaram maior perda óssea. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos considerando-se as comorbidades analisadas. A análise antropométrica demonstrou que os indivíduos em uso de inibidores de aromatase com perda óssea apresentaram menor peso (p=0,028). O modelo de regressão revelou que a única variável que explica a perda óssea é o uso de antirreabsortivos sendo a perda óssea significativamente reduzida nos indivíduos que usaram esse medicamento (p=0,022). Embora a frequência de periodontite tenha sido semelhante comparando todos os grupos, maiores valores de IL-6 (p=0,004); IL-1ß (p=0,002) e IL-33 (p=0,006) na saliva foram relacionados à pior condição periodontal. Indivíduos que usaram inibidores de aromatase foram 1,18 mais propensos a relatar uma melhor qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal (OHRQoL) do que os controles. Conclusão: Enquanto idade avançada, tabagismo e menor peso são fatores associados à perda óssea, o uso de antirreabsortivos foi fator protetor em indivíduos em uso de inibidores de aromatase.

Osteoporosis is a multifactorial systemic disease characterized by reduced bone mass. Osteoporosis can be primary or secondary to the use of drugs such as aromatase inhibitors. These drugs interfere with the conversion of androgens to estrogens, reducing their production and are indicated for the treatment of estrogen-dependent breast cancer. The diagnosis of osteoporosis is based on densitometric criteria of the World Health Organization with reference to the T-score classification, performed by the technique of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Because it is a systemic disease, osteoporosis also affects the jaw bones. However, the occurrence and extent of loss of alveolar bone structure in osteoporosis, as well as the risk of these patients for periodontal disease and tooth loss, are not clearly defined. This study aimed to identify clinical, periodontal, nutritional and biochemical determinants involved with bone loss in patients using aromatase inhibitors. Bone loss was assessed by dual X- ray absorptiometry (DXA). Data on nutritional, anthropometric, oral and periodontal status and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were collected. Cytokines and adipokines were quantified in saliva and serum. A cross-sectional case-control type study, with a comparison group, was conducted at the bone densitometry service of Hospital Mater Dei from 2018 to 2021. The sample consisted of 72 women divided into two groups: using aromatase inhibitors (AIs) (n=40) and patients not using aromatase inhibitors (control) (n=32). Of the total sample, 39 patients (57.4%) were diagnosed with bone loss. The results showed that elderly women using aromatase inhibitors (p=0.009) and smokers (p=0.034) had greater bone loss. There was no significant difference between the groups considering the analyzed comorbidities. Anthropometric analysis showed that individuals using aromatase inhibitors with bone loss had lower weight (p=0.028). The regression model revealed that the only variable that explains bone loss is the use of antiresorptive drugs, with bone loss significantly reduced in individuals who used this medication (p=0.022). Although the frequency of periodontitis was similar comparing all groups, higher values of IL-6 (p=0.004); IL-1ß (p=0.002) and IL-33 (p=0.006) in saliva were related to worse periodontal status. Subjects who used aromatase inhibitors were 1.18 times more likely to report a better oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) than controls. Conclusion: While advanced age, smoking and lower weight are factors associated with bone loss, the use of antiresorptives was a protective factor in individuals using aromatase inhibitors.

Target-based anticancer indole derivatives and insight into structure‒activity relationship: A mechanistic review update (2018-2021)

Cancer, which is the uncontrolled growth of cells, is the second leading cause of death after heart disease. Targeting drugs, especially to specific genes and proteins involved in growth and survival of cancer cells, is the prime need of research world-wide. Indole moiety, which is a combination of aromatic-heterocyclic compounds, is a constructive scaffold for the development of novel leads. Owing to its bioavailability, high unique chemical properties and significant pharmacological behaviours, indole is considered as the most inquisitive scaffold for anticancer drug research. This is illustrated by the fact that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved several indole-based anticancer agents such as panobinostat, alectinib, sunitinib, osimertinib, anlotinib and nintedanib for clinical use. Furthermore, hundreds of studies on the synthesis and activity of the indole ring have been published in the last three years. Taking into account the facts stated above, we have presented the most recent advances in medicinal chemistry of indole derivatives, encompassing hot articles published between 2018 and 2021 in anticancer drug research. The recent advances made towards the synthesis of promising indole-based anticancer compounds that may act via various targets such as topoisomerase, tubulin, apoptosis, aromatase, kinases, etc., have been discussed. This review also summarizes some of the recent efficient green chemical synthesis for indole rings using various catalysts for the period during 2018-2021. The review also covers the synthesis, structure‒activity relationship, and mechanism by which these leads have demonstrated improved and promising anticancer activity. Indole molecules under clinical and preclinical stages are classified into groups based on their cancer targets and presented in tabular form, along with their mechanism of action. The goal of this review article is to point the way for medicinal chemists to design and develop effective indole-based anticancer agents.

Inhibidores de la aromatasa para estatura baja en niños y adolescentes de sexo masculino / Aromatase inhibitors for short stature in male children and adolescents

Resumen Los inhibidores de la aromatasa son fármacos disponibles por vía oral que inhiben la conversión de la testosterona en estradiol. Los estrógenos desempeñan un papel esencial en la maduración del cartílago de crecimiento y del cierre epifisario, evento que marca el final del proceso de crecimiento esquelético. Por este motivo, los inhibidores de la aromatasa se han probado como una intervención para mejorar la talla en niños y adolescentes de sexo masculino mediante el retraso en la maduración esquelética al disminuir la concentración de estradiol en la placa de crecimiento. Se resumen los resultados de una revisión sistemática Cochrane en la cual se evaluaron la eficacia y la seguridad de los inhibidores de la aromatasa para el tratamiento de la estatura baja en niños.

Abstract Aromatase inhibitors are orally administered drugs that inhibit the conversion of testosterone to estradiol. Estrogens have an important role in growth plate maturation and epiphyseal closure. Thus, aromatase inhibitors have been used to improve final height in male children and adolescents by delaying skeletal maturation through a decrease in estradiol concentration. The results of a Cochrane systematic review evaluating the efficacy and safety of aromatase inhibitors for the treatment of short stature in children are summarized below.

Use of aromatase inhibitors in patients with breast cancer is associated with deterioration of bone microarchitecture and density

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate changes in bone density and architecture in postmenopausal women with breast cancer (BC) and use of aromatase inhibitor (AI). Subjects and methods: Thirty-four postmenopausal women with BC, without bone metastasis, renal function impairment and who were not receiving bone-active drugs were selected from a population of 523 outpatients treated for BC. According to the presence of hormonal receptors, HER2 and Ki67, seventeen had positive hormonal receptors and received anastrozole (AI group), and seventeen were triple-negative receptors (non-AI group), previously treated with chemotherapy. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) analyses were performed by DXA; vBMD and bone microarchitecture were evaluated by HR-pQCT. Fracture risk was estimated using the FRAX tool. Results: No patient referred previous low-impact fracture, and VFA detected one moderate vertebral fracture in a non-AI patient. AI patients showed lower aBMD and BMD T-scores at the hip and 33% radius and a higher proportion of osteoporosis diagnosis on DXA (47%) vs non-AI (17.6%). AI group had significantly lower values for vBMD at the entire, cortical and trabecular bone compartments, cortical and trabecular thickness and BV/TV. They also had a higher risk for major fractures and for hip fractures estimated by FRAX. Several HR-pQCT parameters evaluated at distal radius and distal tibia were significantly associated with fracture risk. Conclusion: AI is associated with alterations in bone density and microarchitecture of both the cortical and trabecular compartments. These findings explain the overall increase in fracture risk in this specific population.

Switching of hormone therapies in breast cancer women / Avaliação da mudança do esquema hormonioterápico em mulheres com câncer de mama

Abstract Objective The objective of the present study was to analyze the reasons that led to hormone therapies (HTs) regimen changes in women with breast cancer. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study from a single-institution Brazilian cancer center with patient records diagnosed with breast cancer between January 2012 and January 2017. Results From 1,555 women who were in treatment with HT, 213 (13.7%) women had HT switched, either tamoxifen to anastrozole or vice-versa. Most women included in the present study who switched HT were > 50 years old, postmenopausal, Caucasian, and had at least one comorbidity. From the group with therapy change, 'disease progression' was reason of change in 124 (58.2%) cases, and in 65 (30.5%) patients, 'presence of side effects' was the reason. From those women who suffered with side effects, 24 (36.9%) had comorbidities. Conclusion The present study demonstrated a low rate of HT switch of tamoxifen to anastrozole. Among the reasons for changing therapy, the most common was disease progression, which includes cancer recurrence, metastasis or increased tumor. Side effects were second; furthermore, age and comorbidities are risk factors for side effects.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar os motivos que levaram às mudanças no esquema hormonioterápico (HT) em mulheres com câncer de mama. Métodos Estudo transversal retrospectivo realizado no Hospital da Mulher de Campinas e consequente pesquisa de prontuários de mulheres diagnosticados com câncer de mama entre janeiro de 2012 e janeiro de 2017. Resultados De 1.555 mulheres em tratamento com HT, 213 (13,7%) mulheres tiveram HT alterado, tamoxifeno para anastrozol ou vice-versa. A maioria das mulheres incluídas no presente estudo que tiveram mudança de HT tinha > 50 anos, estava na pós-menopausa, era caucasiana e tinha pelo menos uma comorbidade. Os principais motivos de troca de HT foram devido a 'progressão da doença', ocorrendo em 124 (58,2%) casos e a 'presença de efeitos colaterais' (n = 65; 30,5%). Das mulheres que sofreram efeitos colaterais, 24 (36,9%) apresentaram comorbidades. Conclusão O presente estudo demonstrou uma baixa taxa na alteração de tamoxifeno para anastrozol. Entre as razõesmais comuns para alterar a HT estava a progressão da doença, que inclui recorrência do câncer, metástase ou aumento do tumor. Os efeitos colaterais foram a segunda causa e, além disso, a idade e as comorbidades foram fatores de risco para efeitos colaterais.

Study on Improvement Effects and Mechanism of Guizhi Fuling Pills on Phlegm-dampness Type PCOS Model Rats / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To stu dy the improvem ent effect and mechanism of Guizhi fuling pill （GZFLP） on rats with phlegm-dampness type polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS）.METHODS：Totally fifty female SD rats with regular estrous cycle were randomly divided into blank control group （n＝10） and model group （n＝40）. The model group received letrozole intragastrically [1 mg/（kg·d），for 21 d ] to induce phlegm-damp PCOS rat model. Forty model rats were randomly divided into model group ，metformin group [positive control ，0.135 g/（kg·d）] and GZFLP low-dose ，high-dose groups [4.49，17.96 g/（kg· d）]，with 10 rats in each group. Each medicine group was given intragastric administration ，once a day ，for 30 consecutive days. Blank control and model group were given intragastric administration of equal volume normal saline.After last medication ，oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT）was used to detect the level of blood glucose in rats at 0，30，60 and 120 min. ELISA assay was used to detect the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH），luteinizing hormone （LH），estradiol（E2）and testosterone （T）； body weight ，the weight of uterus ，bilateral ovaries and paragonadal fat were weighed. HE staining was used to observe morphological changes of ovarian tissue sections. RT-PCR method and Western blotting assay were used to detect mRNA and protein expression of CYP 19a1 in ovary and Glut 4 in uterine. RESULTS ：Compared with blank control group ，the levels of blood glucose 30，60，120 min after intragastric administration of glucose solution as well as serum levels of LH ，E2 and T were increased significantly in model group （P＜0.05）；the body weight ，the weight of uterus ，bilateral ovaries and paragonadal fat were increased significantly （P＜0.05）；the volume of thecal cells increased significantly and showed spherical shape ；the mRNA and protein expression of CYP 19a1 in ovarian tissue and Glut 4 in uterine tissue were decreased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with model group ，above indexes of administration groups were improved significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）；the thickness of theca cell layer and the volume of theca cells in GZFLP low-dose and high-dose groups were also improved. CONCLUSIONS：GZFLP can up-regulate the expression of CYP19a1 in ovary and Glut4 in uterus ，so as to improve the abnormal glucose metabolism in phlegm-dampness type PCOS model rats ，reduce insulin resistance ，lower serum estrogen levels ，and reduce the degree of polycystic changes in ovary ，thereby playing a role in the treatment of PCOS.

Influence of CYP19A1 gene expression levels in women with breast cancer: a systematic review of the literature

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignant neoplasm in women and is considered a multifactorial disease of unknown etiology. One of the major risk factors is genetic alteration. Changes in CYP19A1 gene expression levels have been associated with increased risk and increased aggressiveness of breast cancer. Increased CYP19A1 gene expression and/or aromatase activity are among the major regulatory events for intratumoral production of estrogens in breast malignant tissues. This systematic review aimed to investigate the influence of CYP19A1 gene expression levels in women with breast cancer. The research was carried out using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Searches were conducted between February 2 and May 15, 2019. Inclusion criteria were studies published between 2009 and 2019, English language publications, and human studies addressing the gene expression of CYP19A1 in breast cancer. A total of 6.068 studies were identified through PubMed (n=773), Scopus (n=2,927), and the Web of Science (n=2,368). After selecting and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, six articles were included in this systematic review. This systematic review provides evidence that increased or decreased levels of CYP19A1 gene expression may be related to pathological clinical factors of disease, MFS, OS, DFS, WATi, markers of metabolic function, concentrations of E1, FSH, and in the use of multiple exons 1 of the CYP19A1 gene in breast cancer.

Letrozole: an emerging array of hope for infertile women

Ovulation induction has been a major breakthrough in the management of female infertility since many decades. Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor has been used as a potential therapy for ovulation induction. A large number of clinical evidences have been emerging which cite the beneficial role of Letrozole in conditions like anovulatory infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), unexplained infertility and an incipient role in endometriosis- related infertility with regards to higher live-birth rates. Letrozole is a superior alternative to Clomiphene citrate (CC) which has been used conventionally as ovulation inducer. Clomiphene citrate has certain well-defined disadvantages, whereas Letrozole overcomes these limitations to a reasonable extent. The peripheral anti-estrogenic effect of CC leads to prolonged depletion of estrogens receptors, adversely affecting endometrial growth and development as well as quantity and quality of cervical mucus. Persistent blockade of estrogen receptor leads to CC resistance and is associated with reduced ovulation and pregnancy rates. Available evidences suggest Letrozole is superior to CC owing to the lack of persistent anti-estrogenic action due to its short half- life and lack of action on estrogen receptors. This typically leads to monofollicular growth and also higher live birth rates. The current evidences suggest that Letrozole can be placed as first line therapy for the management of infertility due to PCOS and unexplained infertility.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials implementing aromatase inhibitors to treat male infertility / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Aromatase activity has commonly been associated with male infertility characterized by testicular dysfunction with low serum testosterone and/or testosterone to estradiol ratio. In this subset of patients, and particularly in those with hypogonadism, elevated levels of circulating estradiol may establish a negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis by suppressing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) production and impaired spermatogenesis. Hormonal manipulation via different agents such as selective estrogen modulators or aromatase inhibitors to increase endogenous testosterone production and improve spermatogenesis in the setting of infertility is an off-label option for treatment. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature of the past 30 years in order to evaluate the benefits of the use of aromatase inhibitors in the medical management of infertile/hypoandrogenic males. Overall, eight original articles were included and critically evaluated. Either steroidal (Testolactone) or nonsteroidal (Anastrozole and Letrozole) aromatase inhibitors were found to statistically improve all the evaluated hormonal and seminal outcomes with a safe tolerability profile. While the evidence is promising, future prospective randomized placebo-controlled multicenter trials are necessary to better define the efficacy of these medications.

Predicting the Benefit of Adjuvant Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients with Phosphorylated S6K1 Expression Status / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: Phosphorylated ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (pS6K1) is a major downstream regulator of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Recent studies have addressed the role of S6K1 in adipogenesis. pS6K1 may affect the outcome of estrogen depletion therapy in patients with hormone-sensitive breast cancer due to its association with adipogenesis and increased local estrogen levels. This study aimed to investigate the potential of pS6K1 as a predictive marker of adjuvant aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy outcome in postmenopausal or ovarian function-suppressed patients with hormone-sensitive breast cancer.METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed in postmenopausal or ovarian function-suppressed patients with estrogen receptor-positive and node-positive primary breast cancer. pS6K1 expression status was scored on a scale from 0 (negative) to 3+ (positive) based on immunohistochemical analysis.RESULTS: A total of 428 patients were eligible. The median follow-up duration was 44 months (range, 1–90). In patients with positive pS6K1 expression, AIs significantly improved disease-free survival (DFS) compared to selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) (5 year-DFS: 83.5% vs. 50.7%, p = 0.016). However, there was no benefit of AIs on DFS in the pS6K1 negative group (5 year-DFS 87.6% vs. 91.4%, p = 0.630). On multivariate analysis, AI therapy remained a significant predictor for DFS in the pS6K1 positive group (hazard ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.16–0.96; p = 0.041). pS6K1 was more effective in predicting the benefit of AI therapy in patients with ages < 50 (p = 0.021) compared to those with ages ≥ 50 (p = 0.188).CONCLUSION: pS6K1 expression may predict AI therapy outcomes and serve as a potential predictive marker for adjuvant endocrine therapy in postmenopausal and ovarian function-suppressed patients with hormone-sensitive breast cancer. AIs may be more effective in patients with pS6K1 positive tumors, while SERM could be considered an alternative option for patients with pS6K1 negative tumors.