Composition and significance of glycosaminoglycans in the uterus and placenta of mammals

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are heteropolysaccharides in mammalian tissue and consist of repeated disaccharide units with mono-sulfated or non-sulfated monosaccharides. GAGs are important components of the Extracellular Matrix (ECM) with several physiological roles, in the recognition, migration, adhesion, proliferation and differentiation processes. They are also important in angiogenesis, blood homeostasis, immune reactions, follicule development and also in the development of pathologies such as infertility, tumors and metastases. It has been shown that the profile of glycosaminoglycans in the uterine and placental tissues is highly variable throughout the reproductive cycle and during pregnancy. It may be directly related to their physiological or pathological functions in the tissue. The latter has recently triggered special clinical interest. Current review collaborates for a deeper knowledge on the profile and importance of GAGs in uterine and placental tissues throughout the reproductive cycle and pregnancy. It also covers information on the involvement of these molecules in pathological processes.

Influence of female hormonal fluctuation on maximum occlusal force

Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle may influence on muscular tensions and probably alter occlusal force. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether hormonal levels affect maximum occlusal force (MOF) of healthy women throughout the different phases of the menstrual cycle. Sixty complete dentate subjects who were not under use of oral contraceptives were selected to participate in this study. MOF was bilaterally evaluated on the molar region, during 3 complete menstrual cycles, using 5.65 mm-wide sensors. Measurements were carried out during each of the following menstrual cycle phases: menstrual, follicular, periovulatory and luteal, presumed by ovulation test. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer test (p<0.05). Comparisons among menstrual cycle phases showed no differences on MOF (p=0.27). Under the conditions of this study, it may be concluded that hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle do not affect MOF of a sample of healthy women.

As flutuações hormonais durante o ciclo menstrual podem influenciar as tensões musculares e possivelmente alterar a força oclusal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se os níveis hormonais afetam a força máxima oclusal (FMO) de mulheres saudáveis durante as diferentes fases do ciclo menstrual. Sessenta pacientes completamente dentadas que não usavam contraceptivos orais foram selecionadas para participar neste estudo. FMO foi avaliada bilateralmente na região dos molares, durante 3 ciclos menstruais completos, utilizando sensores de 5,65 mm de espessura. As mensurações foram realizadas durante cada fase do ciclo menstrual: menstrual, folicular e lútea periovulatória, identificadas por teste ovulatório. Os dados foram analisados por ANOVA um critério seguido do teste de Tukey-Kramer (p<0,05). As comparações entre as fases do ciclo menstrual não apresentaram diferenças na FMO (p=0,27). Segundo as condições deste estudo, pode-se concluir que as flutuações hormonais durante o ciclo menstrual não afetaram a FMO de mulheres saudáveis.