Características clínicas en pacientes con menos de 12 folículos ováricos como hallazgo ecográfico / Clinical and ultrasound findings in patients with ovaries with a count of less than 12 follicles

Introducción y objetivos: Determinar los hallazgos clínicos y ecográficos en pacientes que presentan menos de 12 folículos ováricos. Método: Estudio observacional (cohorte histórica) con 505 pacientes seleccionadas mediante muestreo consecutivo, entre el 14 de enero del 2019 y el 15 de marzo del 2021, que consultan por diversas alteraciones ginecológicas. Se generan dos grupos de pacientes, las que presentaron uno a tres folículos en uno de los ovarios (n = 377) y las que presentaban 4 a 11 folículos (n = 128). Se midió como resultado primario la presencia de al menos un signo clínico de hiperandrogenismo. Resultados: De 505 pacientes analizadas, al comparar las que presentaron 4 a 11 folículos en uno de los ovarios (n = 377) con las que presentaban 1 a 3 folículos (n = 128), las primeras mostraron mayor presencia de signos de hiperandrogenismo, endometrio en fase lútea de mayor espesor y un patrón menstrual con uno a cuatro días de sangrado menstrual abundante, diferencias todas estadísticamente significativas (p < 0,05). Conclusión: En pacientes con 4 a 11 folículos en uno de sus ovarios, se observaron signos de hiperandrogenismo, similares al síndrome de ovario poliquístico.

Introduction and objectives: Determine the clinical and ultrasound findings in patients who present less than 12 ovarian follicles in the ultrasound count. Method: Observational study (historical cohort) with 505 patients selected by consecutive sampling, between January 14, 2019 and March 15, 2021, who consulted for different gynecological disorders. Two groups of patients were generated: those with 1 to 3 follicles in one of the ovaries (n = 377) and those with 4 to 11 follicles (n = 128). The primary outcome was the presence of at least one clinical sign of hyperandrogenism. Results: Of 505 patients analyzed, when comparing those who presented 4 to 11 follicles in one of the ovaries (n = 377) with those who presented 1 to 3 follicles (n = 128), the first group showed a greater presence of signs of hyperandrogenism, thicker endometrium in luteal phase and a menstrual pattern with one to four days of heavy menstrual bleeding, all differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In patients with 4 to 11 follicles in one of their ovaries, signs of hyperandrogenism, similar to polycystic ovary syndrome, were observed.

Effect of culture supernatant of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on survival,apoptosis and endometrium receptivity of human endometrial stromal cells after treated with mifepristone / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To discuss the effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells culture supernatant(hUCMSCs-Sup)on the proliferation,apoptosis,and endometrium receptivity of the human endometrial stromal cells(hEndoSCs)treated with mifepristone(Ms),and to clarify the possible mechanism.Methods:The hEndoSCs were cultured in vitro and divided into control group and 40,60,80,and 100 μmol·L-1 Ms groups.The survival rates of the cells in various groups were detected by MTT assay.The hEndoSCs were divided into control group,40 μmol·L-1 Ms group,and 60 μmol·L-1 Ms group.The apoptotic rates of the cells in various groups were detected by flow cytometry;the expression levels of apoptosis-related protein B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)and Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax)proteins in the cells in various groups were detected by Western blotting method,and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax was calculated.After treated with hUCMSCs-Sup,the hEndoSCs were divided into control group,Ms group,Ms+hUCMSCs-Sup group,and Ms+hUCMSCs-Sup+3-methyladenine(3-MA)group.The survival rates of the cells in various groups were detected by MTT assay;the apoptotic rates of the cells in various groups were detected by flow cytometry;the expression levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B-Ⅱ(LC3B-Ⅱ)and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B-I(LC3B-Ⅰ)proteins in the cells in various groups were detected by Western blotting method,and the ratio of LC3B-Ⅱ/LC3B-Ⅰwas calculated;the expression levels of endometrium receptivity marker molecules mRNA in the cells in various groups were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method.Results:Compared with control group,the survival rates of the cells in 40,60,80,and 100 μmol·L-1 Ms groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05)in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner.Compared with control group,the apoptotic rates of the cells in 40 and 60 μmol·L-1 Ms groups were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the ratios of Bcl-2/Bax were significantly decreased(P<0.05).After treated with hUCMSCs-Sup,compared with control group,the survival rate of the cells and ratio of LC3B-Ⅱ/LC3B-Ⅰ in the cells in Ms group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the apoptotic rate was significantly increased(P<0.05),and the expression levels of homeobox A10(HOXA10),leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF),and integrin subunit beta 3(ITGB3)mRNA in the cells were significantly decreased(P<0.05);compared with Ms group,the survival rate of the cells and ratio of LC3B-Ⅱ/LC3B-Ⅰin the cells in Ms+hUCMSCs-Sup group were significantly increased(P<0.05),the apoptotic rate was significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the expression levels of HOXA10,LIF,and ITGB3 mRNA in the cells were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with Ms+hUCMSCs-Sup group,the survival rate of the cells and ratio of LC3B-Ⅱ/LC3B-Ⅰ in the cells in Ms+hUCMSCs-Sup+3-MA group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:hUCMSCs-Sup can increase the survival rate and decrease the apoptotic rate of the hEndoSCs after treated with Ms,and increase the endometrium receptivity,and its mechanism may be associated with the activation of autophagy of the hEndoSCs by hUCMSCs-Sup.

Anti-fibrosis Action of Therapy of Tonifying Kidney and Removing Stasis on Moderate-to-Severe Intrauterine Adhesions and Its Influence on Extracellular Matrix Degradation Related Factors in Menstrual Blood / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the anti-fibrosis action of the therapy of tonifying kidney and removing stasis(shortened to Bushen Quyu method)on moderate-to-severe intrauterine adhesion and its influence on extracellular matrix degradation related factors in menstrual blood.Methods A total of 124 patients with moderate-to-severe intrauterine adhesions of kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome who were to undergo transcervical resection of adhesion(TCRA)were randomly divided into a study group and a control group,with 62 patients in each group.Both groups were given TCRA treatment.After the operation,the control group was treated with Progesterone + Estradiol Valerate Tablets,and the study group was treated with the combination of the Bushen Quyu method by using modified Guishen Decoction based on the treatment of the control group.The treatment covered 3 menstrual cycles.The changes in menstrual status,transvaginal color Doppler sonography parameters,scores of kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome,and scores of uterine adhesion in the two groups were observed before and after the treatment.Moreover,the two groups were observed before and after treatment in the changes of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1),platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF),and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)as well as the mRNA expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9),matrix metalloproteinase inhibitory factor 1(TIMP-1),phosphatidylinositol-3-hydroxykinase(PI3K)and collagen type I A1 protein(COL1A1).After treatment,the clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were assessed.Results(1)After 3 menstrual cycles of treatment,the total effective rate in the study group was 93.55%(58/62),and that in the control group was 80.65%(50/62).The intergroup comparison showed that the therapeutic effect of the study group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the menstrual flow,menstrual cycle and menstrual period of the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the recovery of menstrual flow,menstrual cycle and menstrual period in the study group was significantly superior to that in the control group after treatment(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the transvaginal color Doppler sonography parameters of uterine blood flow index(FI),pulsatility index(PI),resistance index(RI),uterine cavity volume,and endometrial thickness in the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05).And the study group had significantly higher FI,uterine cavity volume,and endometrial thickness and had lower PI and RI than the control group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(4)After treatment,the scores of uterine adhesion and the scores of kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the above scores in the study group were significantly lower than those of the control group after treatment(P＜0.01).(5)After treatment,the levels of VEGF,TGF-β1,PDGF,and CTGF in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the levels of the above cytokines in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group after treatment(P＜0.01).(6)After treatment,the relative mRNA expression levels of MMP-9 and PI3K in the menstrual blood of the two groups were significantly higher and the mRNA expression level of COL1A1 was significantly lower than that before treatment(P＜0.05).And the study group had higher mRNA expression levels of MMP-9 and PI3K in the menstrual blood than the control group after treatment(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(7)The total incidence of adverse reactions in the control group was 25.81%(16/62)and that in the study group was 16.13%(10/62).The intergroup comparison showed that the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).The symptoms of adverse reactions in the two groups disappeared after symptomatic treatment,and there were no adverse reactions related to the medication of Chinese medicine during the study.Conclusion The combination of Bushen Quyu formula combined with western medicine is more effective than western medicine alone for the treatment of patients with uterine adhesions after TCRA.The application of Bushen Quyu formula can further promote the recovery of menstruation in the patients,improve the circulation of blood flow in the endometrium,increase the endometrial thickness,regulate the expression of fibrosis factors,up-regulate the mRNA expressions of PI3K and MMP-9,restore the balance of the extracellular matrix(ECM),and prevent the reoccurrence of intrauterine adhesions.And its clinical medication is safe.

Application of Allograft Endometriosis Rat Model in Pharmaco-dynamic Evaluation of GnRH Agonists / 实验动物与比较医学

Objective To establish an allogeneic rat model of endometriosis and to evaluate the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist GenSci006 on experimental rat endometriosis. Methods Endometrium from SPF grade donor female SD rats were transplanted onto the abdominal wall of recipient female rats to construct an allogeneic endometriosis model. The rats undergoing sham surgery were divided into the sham group. Three weeks later, the length, width and height of the ectopic endometrium were measured, and the volume of the endometrium (V1) was calculated before drug administration. The modeling rats were randomly divided into four groups: model group, triptorelin group (0.25 mg/kg), GenSci006-1 group (0.125 mg/kg) and GenSci006-2 group (0.25 mg/kg). Each group had 16 rats and received a single dose of the corresponding drug. The sham group and model group were administered an equal volume of solvent. Three weeks after administration, ectopic endometrium was measured to calculate the volume V2 and inhibition rate. The effect of GenSci006 on rat uterus and ovarian tissues was assessed by comparing organ coefficients and changes in pathological sections. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of serum estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of GnRH receptor (GnRHR) mRNA in the hypothalamus and pituitary. Western blot was used to detect the expression of estradiol receptor alpha (ERα), beta (ERβ) and progesterone receptor (PR) in ectopic endometrium. Results Three weeks after administration, compared with the model group, the body weight of rats in the triptorelin and GenSci006-2 groups significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the volume of ectopic endometrium significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with the sham group, the model group showed no significant changes in uterine and ovarian organ coefficients or endometrial thickness (P > 0.05). Compared with the model group, the uterine organ coefficients and endometrial thickness were significantly reduced in the triptorelin and GenSci006-2 groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the sham group, the serum levels of E2, P4, FSH and LH in the model group showed no significant changes (P > 0.05). Compared with the model group, the ovarian organ coefficient and serum P4 levels of rats in the Triptorelin, GenSci006-1, and GenSci006-2 groups were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), while the serum LH levels of rats in the GenSci006-1 group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant changes in serum E2 and FSH levels in each group (P > 0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression levels of GnRHR mRNA in the pituitary tissue of rats in the triptorelin and GenSci006-2 groups were significantly downregulated (P < 0.05), with no significantly changes in the hypothalamus (P > 0.05). There were no significant changes in the expression level of GnRHR mRNA in the hypothalamus or the protein levels of ERα, ERβ and PR in the ectopic endometrial tissue in any group (P > 0.05). Conclusion The allogeneic endometriosis rat model is a suitable animal model for screening and evaluating drugs for treating endometriosis. The volume of ectopic endometrium, inhibition rate, uterine and ovarian organ coefficients, and serum E2 levels may serve as indicators for detecting drug efficacy.

Yiqi Huoxue Formula （益气活血方） for Intrauterine Adhesion with Syndrome of Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis： A Randomized Controlled Trial / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effectivenss and safety of Yiqi Huoxue Formula （益气活血方） combined with surgery and sequential therapy of estrogen and progesterone for the treatment of intrauterine adhesion with syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis. MethodsSixty-four patients with intrauterine adhesions were recruited in Guang'anmen Hospital， China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences during 1st June 2021 to 31st December 2022， and they were randomly divided into two groups， with 32 patients in each group， all receiving transcervical resection of adhesions （TCRA）. The control group was treated with sequential therapy of estrogen and progesterone after surgery， taking 1 tablet orally daily， estradiol tablets for the first 14 days， and estradiol dydrogesterone tablets for the last 14 days. In the treatment group， the postoperative treatment was combined with Yiqi Huoxue Formula on the basis of the treatment in the control group， and 1 dose was taken daily. The treatment course of both groups was 3 months. We observed the clinical effectiveness， syndrome scores of traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM）， endometrial thickness， uterine adhesion score， menstrual flow points， and the re-adhesion rate and pregnancy rate 3 months after the end of treatment of the two groups， and conducted evaluation on safety. ResultsThe total clinical effectiveness rates of the treatment group and the control group were 90.63% and 75.00%， respectively， significantly better in the treatment group （P＜0.05）. The endometrial thickness and menstrual flow of patients in both groups increased after treatment， and the scores of uterine adhesion and TCM syndrome scores decreased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. After treatment， the uterine adhesion score and TCM syndrome scores of the treatment group decreased significantly compared with the control group （P＜0.05）. The 6-month postoperative pregnancy rate in the treatment group was 37.50%， higher than the 12.50% in the control group （P＜0.05）. The re-adhesion rate was 3.13% in the treatment group and 9.38% in the control group， and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant （P＞0.05）. No adverse events occurred in both groups. ConclusionYiqi Huoxue Formula combined with surgery and sequential therapy of estrogen and progesterone for treating intrauterine adhesion patients with syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis can promote endometrial recovery， increase menstrual flow， improve patients' clinical symptoms， and improve pregnancy rate， showing certain clinical effectiveness and safety.

Value of ultrasound monitoring of endometrial thickness in assessing pregnancy rate improvement after estrogen administration following a missed abortion / 中国基层医药

Objective:To analyze the clinical value of ultrasound monitoring of endometrial thickness in assessing pregnancy rate improvement after estrogen administration following a missed abortion.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 86 patients who underwent surgical abortion at Cixi Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2022 to June 2023. Based on the treatment received, the patients were divided into two groups: a control group and an observation group, with 43 patients in each group. The control group received only routine postoperative care without any medication, while the observation group received estrogen treatment after surgery. The clinical efficacy, endometrial thickness, intrauterine adhesion and re-pregnancy rate were compared between the two groups.Results:In the observation group, there was significant difference in endometrial thickness in terms of intergroup, group-by-time interaction, and time effect ( Fintergroup =129.49, Finteraction =14.25, Ftime =146.64, all P < 0.001). Intrauterine adhesions were less severe in the observation group compared with the control group ( χ2 = 4.34, P < 0.05). The clinical effective rate was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group [88.37% (38/43) vs. 69.76% (30/43), Z = 2.35, P = 0.019]. Additionally, the rate of re-pregnancy was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group [46.54% (20/43) vs. 13.95% (6/43), χ2 = 10.81, P < 0.05]. Conclusion:Patients who have retained abortion can benefit from ultrasound examination to assess endometrial thickness after estrogen administration. This approach significantly enhances endometrial thickness, promotes menstrual recovery, and reduces intrauterine adhesions. It also improves the rate of re-pregnancy and is highly valuable in clinical settings.

Transcriptome Sequencing on Treatment of Kidney Deficiency and Blood Stasis-thin Endometrium in Rats with Bushen Huoxue Prescription Through Enema / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Bushen Huoxue enema in treating the rat model of kidney deficiency and blood stasis-thin endometrium （KDBS-TE） by transcriptome sequencing. MethodThe rat model of KDBS-TE was established by administration of tripterygium polyglycosides tablets combined with subcutaneous injection of adrenaline. The pathological changes of rat endometrium in each group were then observed. Three uterine tissue specimens from each of the blank group， model group， and Bushen Huoxue enema group were randomly selected for transcriptome sequencing. The differentially expressed circRNAs， lncRNAs， and miRNAs were screened， and the disease-related specific competitive endogenous RNA （ceRNA） regulatory network was constructed. Furthermore， the gene ontology （GO） functional annotation and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment were performed for the mRNAs in the network. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group showed endometrial dysplasia， decreased endometrial thickness and endometrial/total uterine wall thickness ratio （P<0.01）， and differential expression of 18 circRNAs， 410 lncRNAs， and 7 miRNAs. Compared with the model group， the enema and estradiol valerate groups showed improved endometrial morphology and increased endometrial thickness and ratio of endometrial to total uterine wall thickness （P<0.05）. In addition， 21 circRNAs， 518 lncRNAs， and 17 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the enema group. The disease-related specific circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network composed of 629 nodes and 664 edges contained 2 circRNAs， 34 miRNAs， and 593 mRNAs. The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network composed of 180 nodes and 212 edges contained 5 lncRNAs， 10 miRNAs， and 164 mRNAs. The mNRAs were mainly enriched in Hippo signaling pathway， autophagy-animal， axon guidance， etc. ConclusionBushen Huoxue enema can treat KDBS-TE in rats by regulating specific circRNAs， lncRNAs， and miRNAs in the uterus and the ceRNA network.

Identification of a rare copy number polymorphic gain at 3q12.2 with candidate genes for familial endometriosis

Abstract Endometriosis is a complex disease that affects 10-15% of women of reproductive age. Familial studies show that relatives of affected patients have a higher risk of developing the disease, implicating a genetic role for this disorder. Little is known about the impact of germline genomic copy number variant (CNV) polymorphisms on the heredity of the disease. In this study, we describe a rare CNV identified in two sisters with familial endometriosis, which contain genes that may increase the susceptibility and progression of this disease. We investigated the presence of CNVs from the endometrium and blood of the sisters with endometriosis and normal endometrium of five women as controls without the disease using array-CGH through the Agilent 2x400K platform. We excluded common CNVs that were present in the database of genomic variation. We identified, in both sisters, a rare CNV gain affecting 113kb at band 3q12.2 involving two candidate genes: ADGRG7 and TFG. The CNV gain was validated by qPCR. ADGRG7 is located at 3q12.2 and encodes a G protein-coupled receptor influencing the NF-kappaβ pathway. TFG participates in chromosomal translocations associated with hematologic tumor and soft tissue sarcomas, and is also involved in the NF-kappa B pathway. The CNV gain in this family provides a new candidate genetic marker for future familial endometriosis studies. Additional longitudinal studies of affected families must confirm any associations between this rare CNV gain and genes involved in the NF-kappaβ pathway in predisposition to endometriosis.

A randomized clinical trial of transdermal (gel) versus oral estrogen for endometrial preparation in frozen embryo transfer cycle

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare endometrial thickness with the use of transdermal estrogen (gel) versus oral estrogen (pills) for endometrial preparation in the frozen embryo transfer cycle and serum estrogen concentrations during the preparation cycle, side effects, and chemical and clinical pregnancy rates. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial of women undergoing endometrial preparation for cryopreserved blastocyst transfer. A total of 88 women were randomized, of which 82 completed the study protocol. Of this group, 44 received 6 mg/day of estradiol valerate orally (pills group) and 38 received 4.5 mg/day of estradiol hemihydrate transdermally (gel group). Endometrial thickness was measured using transvaginal ultrasound between the 7 and 10th day of the cycle. Serum estradiol concentrations were measured on the day of initiating the cycle, on control transvaginal ultrasounds, and on the day of embryo transfer. Side effects were documented at each study visit. p<0.05 were adopted as statistically significant. The groups were compared using Student's t-test for continuous variables and chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. RESULTS: There were no significant group differences (p>0.05) in endometrial thickness, biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates, miscarriage rate, blood estradiol concentrations, duration of estradiol administration, or cycle cancellation rates. CONCLUSION: Endometrial preparation with transdermal estrogen yielded similar reproductive outcomes to oral estrogen with fewer side effects.

Histopathological examination of endometrium in menorrhagia patients

Introduction: Menorrhagia is one of the commonest clinical conditions for which patients seek advice in the gynecological outpatient department. Aim and objectives of study: To determine the prevalence of various histopathological changes, patterns and lesions of endometrium associated with menorrhagia in the women of different age groups; to describe the morphological features of various lesions of endometrium; to assess demographic pattern of various types of endometrium lesions in this part of our country and to do clinicopathological correlation and give diagnosis based on it. Materials and methods: This was a prospective, non-interventional and observational hospital based crosssectional one year study carried out between January 2020 to June 2021 in Histopathology Department of Dhiraj Hospital on 52 cases of D & C and hysterectomy specimens. All the specimens were fixed in 10% formalin were received in the department of Pathology and processed and embedded in paraffin wax. Multiple serial sections of 4-5 microns thickness were obtained from the paraffin block and then stained with H & E. Detailed study of the sections was done by light microscopy. Results: 52 cases of menorrhagia were studied clinically and histopathologically. In present study, large proportion of patients with menorrhagia showed proliferative endometrial pattern (38.46%) followed by secretory phase (34.62%). Hyperplastic pattern was seen in 13.46% of patients. Non hyperplastic endometrial pattern was more common than hyperplastic pattern. Simple hyperplasia was more commonly seen than complex and atypical hyperplasia. Overall incidence of atypical hyperplasia was low (28.57%) and atrophic endometrium seen in 5.7% of cases. Endometrial polyp was seen in 3.84% cases and endometrial carcinoma was seen in 3.84% cases. Conclusion: Histopathological study of endometrium is very useful to reveal different endometrial patterns in menorrhagia and to distinguish between anovulatory and ovulatory causes. It is also useful for the diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma.

Histopathological changes in the uterus in women with abnormal uterine bleeding – A 2-year hospital-based retrospective study in a tertiary care center in Assam, India

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) or menstrual bleeding of abnormal amount, duration, or schedule is a common gynecological condition occurring in up to 50% of women of all age groups. Chronic, heavy, prolonged, or irregular uterine bleeding can lead to anemia, and raise a concern about severe underlying malignancy. Therefore, histopathological examination of the endometrium is critical in evaluating the cause of AUB. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to study the various histomorphological patterns in endometrial biopsies in cases of AUB. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study done on 212 endometrial tissues in women presenting with AUB. The study is aimed at analyzing the histopathological changes occurring in the endometrium by identifying the cause of bleeding and recording the incidence of various histopathological findings in different age groups. Results: Proliferative endometrium, the most common histopathological finding, accounted for 51.9% of cases, followed by secretory endometrium (24.5%). Eight cases of disordered proliferative endometrium were found in the present study. Eight cases, accounting for 3.8% of endometrial hyperplasia, were associated with AUB, out of which two cases were found to be complex hyperplasia with atypia. Endometrial carcinoma was seen in two cases associated with AUB. Pregnancy-related changes were found in 7 (3.3%) cases, retained product of conception was the leading cause of bleeding (3 cases). Conclusion: Histopathological evaluation of endometrium in women presenting with AUB is of paramount importance not only to diagnose various benign conditions but also to detect some highly malignant lesions and precancerous conditions so that early interventions can be started.

Effects of staged acupuncture on endometrial receptivity and anxiety in patients with recurrent implantation failure of thin endometrium based on "thoroughfare vessel is the sea of blood" theory / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy between staged acupuncture based on "thoroughfare vessel is the sea of blood" theory combined with routine hormone replacement cycle treatment and routine hormone replacement cycle treatment for patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) of thin endometrium.@*METHODS@#A total of 72 RIF patients with thin endometrium were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 36 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with routine hormone replacement cycle treatment. Based on the treatment of the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with staged acupuncture based on "thoroughfare vessel is the sea of blood" theory. The main acupoints were Neiguan (PC 6) and Gongsun (SP 4), and the supplementary acupoints were selected according to the menstrual cycle and syndrome differentiation; the acupuncture was given once every other day, 3 times a week, for 3 consecutive menstrual cycles. The thickness and shape of endometrium, and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) score were observed at implantation window before and after treatment; the clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate and cycle cancellation rate were compared between the two groups; the correlation between endometrial thickness and HAMA score was analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the endometrial thickness in the two groups and the proportion of type A+B endometrium in the observation group were increased (P<0.05), and the HAMA scores in the two groups were decreased (P<0.05) after treatment. The above indexes in the observation group were superior to those in the control group (P<0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the cycle cancellation rate was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between endometrial thickness and HAMA score (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Based on the routine hormone replacement cycle treatment, the addition use of staged acupuncture based on "thoroughfare vessel is the sea of blood" theory could improve the thickness and shape of endometrium, relieve anxiety, increase the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate, and reduce the cycle cancellation rate in RIF patients with thin endometrium. The curative effect is superior to the routine hormone replacement cycle treatment alone.

Effects of Electroacupuncture on the Regulation of M1/M2 Polarization Level of Decidual Macrophages in Rats with Thin Endometrium / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

Objective To observe the regulating effect of electroacupuncture on the polarization level of decidual macrophages in rats with thin endometrium and the repairing effect of electroacupuncture on thin endometrium.Methods Thirty SPF female SD rats were randomly divided into control group,model group and electroacupuncture group.The electroacupuncture group was treated with acupuncture of"Guanyuan"(CV4),"Zigong"(EX-CA1)and"Sanyinjiao"(SP6)and intervened continuously for 4 estrous cycles.After the intervention,the estrous cycle of rats in each group was observed,the number of implantation embryos in the uterus was recorded,the uterine morphology and decidualization,the thickness of endometrium,the number of glands and blood vessels were observed by HE staining,the polarization level of macrophages was detected by flow cytometry,and the expression levels of IGFBP-1,CD86 and CD206 genes were detected by qRT-PCR.Results Compared with the control group,the estrous cycle of rats in the model group was disturbed;compared with the model group,the estrous cycle of rats in the electroacupuncture group recovered;compared with the control group,the number of embryos in the model group decreased significantly(P<0.01);compared with the model group,the number of embryos in the electroacupuncture group increased(P<0.05),and the morphology of endometrium in the model group was damaged and the thickness of endometrium decreased compared with the control group(P<0.01).The number of glands and blood vessels decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the morphology of endometrium in the electroacupuncture group recovered,the thickness of endometrium increased(P<0.01),and the number of glands and blood vessels increased(P<0.01).Compared with the control group,the ratio of M2 to M1 macrophages in the model group decreased significantly(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the ratio of M2 to M1 macrophages in the endometrium of the electroacupuncture group was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the expression of IGFBP-1 mRNA in the model group decreased significantly(P<0.01),the expression of CD86 mRNA increased significantly(P<0.01),and the expression of CD206 mRNA decreased significantly(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the expression of IGFBP-1 mRNA in the endometrium of the electroacupuncture group increased significantly(P<0.01),the expression of CD86 mRNA decreased significantly(P<0.01),and the expression of CD206 mRNA increased significantly(P<0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture can effectively regulate the polarization level of decidual macrophages in endometrium,and effectively repair thin endometrium,which is beneficial to embryo implantation.

Effect of endometrial thickness on in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer pregnancy outcome:a review of research progress / 实用医学杂志

Endometrial receptivity is key to clinical pregnancy by in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET)technique.Endometrial thickness(EMT)is a major index for pregnancy monitoring,but the optimal time indicating endometrial receptivity is controversially uncertain.Multiple studies have demonstrated the correlation between EMT and IVF pregnancy outcomes and EMT of a moderate range is essential for good pregnancy outcomes and a thin endometrium produces negative pregnancy outcomes.In this paper,we reviewed the research on the im-pact of EMT on IVF-ET pregnancy outcomes in terms of timing of EMT measurement,clinical pregnancy rate,live birth rate,ectopic pregnancy rate,placenta praevia,and low birth weight,investigating the mechanism of occur-rence and treatment of thin endometrium so as to provide clinical references for improving IVF pregnancy outcomes.

Effects of Yishen Ruanjian Powder on endometrial vascular remodeling in a mouse model of dysfunctional uterine bleeding / 中成药

AIM To explore the effects of Yishen Ruanjian Powder on endometrial vascular remodeling in a mouse model of dysfunctional uterine bleeding(DUB).METHODS Forty female pregnant mice were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,Gongxuening Capsule group and Yishen Ruanjian Powder group,with 10 mice in each group.The mouse models were given mifepristone(8.5 mg/kg)and misoprostol(100 μg/kg)by gavage to prepare DUB mouse model,in contrast to those of the control group given the same volume of normal saline.On the first day after successful modeling,the control group and model group were given normal saline,and the other two groups went on with their 7-day regime of Gongxuening Capsule(0.07 g/kg)and Yishen Ruanjian Powder decoction(28.9 g/kg),respectively.After the administration,the mice had their endometrial pathological changes observed by HE staining;their endometrial expression of α-SMA protein detected by immunohistochemistry;their endometrial activities of Ang Ⅱ and NO,and serum levels of FSH,LH,E2 and P hormones detected by ELISA;their endometrial protein expressions of VEGF,bFGF,MMP-9 and TGF-β detected by Western blot;and theirendometrial apoptosis detected by TUNEL.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the model group displayed disordered arrangement in the endometrial epithelial cells;thinner endometrium thickness(P<0.01);decreased endometrial NO activity and the expressions of α-SMA and VEGF(P<0.01);increased Ang Ⅱ activity,apoptosis rate and protein expressions of bFGF,MMP-9 and TGF-β(P<0.01);increased serum levels of E2,FSH,and P hormones(P<0.01);and decreased LH level(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,Yishen Ruanjian Powder and Gongxuening Capsule groups displayed superior efficacy in terms of the improvements in all aforementioned incices levels(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Yishen Ruanjian Powder may improve endometrial vascular remodeling disorder in mouse models of DUB by regulating the level of vasoactive substances and the expression of growth factors.

Effect of scarred uterus on endometrial receptivity and invasion of trophoblasts in mouse / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of scarred uterus on endometrium receptivity and invasion of placental trophoblasts using a mouse model.Methods:A scarred uterus mouse model was established on 30 female Specific Pathogen Free mice. Full-layer incision on unilateral uteruses was performed simulating a cesarean section to establish the scarred uterus mice model and the contralateral uteruses were used as control. The number of implanted blastocysts between the scarred and non-scarred uteruses was compared at 4.5 d after conception (windows of implantation, WOI). The morphology of pinopod was observed under electron microscopy, and the expression of endometrial receptivity-related molecules, such as leukemia inhibitor factor (Lif) and mucin-1 (MUC1), and mRNA of Lif and MUC1 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and reversed transcription-polymerase chain reaction technique, respectively. During the placental formation period (day 13.5, 15.5, and 17.5 after conception), the development of the decidual layer, junction layer, and labyrinth layer of the placenta were observed under microscope, and the distribution of glycogenotrophoblast cells and the location of CK7-traced invasion trophoblasts were determined with immunohistochemistry. Paired t test and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. Results:Compared with the control side, the number of blastocysts implantation on the scarred uterus decreased significantly at 4.5 d after conception (3.50±0.54 vs. 1.33±0.81, t=7.05, P=0.001). In the WOI, the scarred uteruses were found to have decreased scores of endometrial pinopodes coverage (1.60±0.44 vs. 2.75±0.28, t=15.06, P<0.001), decreased mRNA expression of Lif (0.71±0.12 vs. 1.49±0.30, t=5.16, P=0.004) and increased MUC1 mRNA [(2.19±0.45) vs.(1.03±0.17), t=7.51, P<0.001] comparing with the control. No significant changes in the area and general morphology were observed in the three different layers on either side during the placental formation period. In terms of trophoblast invasion, the grayscales of glycogen trophoblast cells in the junction layer and near the decidua layer on the scarred side were higher than those of the control on day 15.5 (31.01±1.502 vs. 23.63±0.90, t=12.76, P<0.001) and day 17.5 (31.96±2.37 vs. 24.03±1.87, t=4.36, P=0.008), respectively. In the mature placenta on the scarred side on day 18.5, CK7+ traced trophoblast cells were abundant in the decidua layer near the maternal side, showing an overall excessive trophoblast invasion. Conclusion:Scarred uterus in mice affects the endometrial function, contributing to reduced endometrial receptivity during pregnancy and excessive invasion of trophoblasts during placental development after implantation.

Effect of endocrine drugs on tumor markers and endometrium after breast cancer surgery / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of endocrine drugs on tumor markers and endometrium after breast cancer surgery.Methods:Eighty-eight patients with endocrine therapy for breast cancer admitted to the Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College from November 2018 to March 2022 were selected, 44 patients taken orally tamoxifen citrate tablets were enrolled in the study group, 44 patients taken orally anastrozole tablets were enrolled in the control group, the patients in the two groups were treated for 12 months. The tumor markers, endometrial thickness were compared between the two groups before treatment and 12 months after treatment. The drug safety was compared too.Results:After treatment, the serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) and glycochain antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) in both groups were decreased, and the level of tumor markers in the study group were lower than those in the control group: (3.01 ± 0.23) μg/L vs.(3.89 ± 1.15) μg/L, (4.22 ± 1.21) kU/L vs. (7.38 ± 2.19) kU/L, (16.76 ± 2.19) kU/L vs. (19.87 ± 2.21) kU/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The endometrial thickness in the study group at 6 months and 12 months after treatment were higher than those in the control group: (7.23 ± 0.22) mm vs. (6.21 ± 0.19)mm, (7.98 ± 0.24) mm vs. (6.47 ± 0.22) mm, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). At 12 months after treatment, the scores of functional dimension, emotional dimension, social/family dimension and physical dimension in functional assessment of cancer therapy (FACT-G) scale in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Tamoxifen citrate tablets can effectively inhibit the levels of serum tumor markers and improve the quality of life of patients, and anastrozole tablets can significantly reduce the endometrial thickness of breast cancer patients.

Effect and mechanism of transplantation of human amniotic epithelial cells on endometrium of uterine scar model rats / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of human amniotic epithelial cell(hAEC)transplantation on endometrium improvement and matrix metalloproteinase 8(MMP-8)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)expression in a rat model of uterine scaring.Methods The uterine scar model was established in rats that were randomly divided into model and transplantation groups with 18 rats in each group.The other 18 rats were used as the sham operation group.Rats in the transplantation group were injected with hAECs in the uterine scar,and rats in model and sham operation groups were administered the same amount of PBS.After 4 weeks,the uterine tissues of eight rats in each group were collected.Histomorphological changes and endometria fibrosis were observed by HE staining and Masson staining respectively,and the endometrial thickness and number of glands were measured.Endometrial growth and receptivity were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining of cytokeratin and integrin β3,respectively.mRNA expression of MMP-8 and VEGFA in endometrial tissues was measured by RT-qPCR.Western blot was used to measure MMP-8 and VEGFA protein expression.After 8 weeks,the remaining 10 rats in each group were used to assess gestational ability.Results The endometrial thickness,gland number,IOD value of keratin and integrin β3,relative mRNA and protein expression levels of MMP-8 and VEGFA,pregnancy rate and number of uterine embryos in model and transplantation groups were lower than those in sham operation group(P<0.05).The endometrial thickness,gland number,IOD value of keratin and integrin β3,relative mRNA and protein expression of MMP-8 and VEGFA,pregnancy rate and number of uterine embryos were higher than those in model group(P<0.05).Additionally,hAEC transplantation improved the pathological morphology of endometrial tissue in rats with uterine scaring and reduced the degree of endometrial fibrosis.Conclusions hAEC transplantation improves endometrial injury,reduces scar formation,improves endometrial receptivity,and enhances pregnancy function in model rats,which may be related to promotion of MMP-8 and VEGFA expression.

Effect of follicular size on clinical outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer induced by hCG on ovulation in natural cycles / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of follicular size on the clinical outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer induced by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) of natural cycles on ovulation.Methods:Clinical data of 427 cycles of frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2016 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into 15-16 mm group (15≤diameter≤16 mm, n=66), 16-17 mm group (16<diameter≤17 mm, n=101), 17-18 mm group (17<diameter≤18 mm, n=125), 18-20 mm group (18<diameter≤20 mm, n=109),>20 mm group (diameter>20 mm, n=26), according to the maximum follicle diameter on the induction day of hCG ovulation induction. The estradiol and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, and clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate and live birth rate were compared in five groups. Results:There were statistically significant differences in estradiol and LH levels among the five groups on the day of hCG induction (all P<0.05). Estradiol levels in 15-16 mm group to >20 mm group gradually increased on the day of hCG induction, and estradiol level in 15-16 mm group was significantly lower than those in 17-18 mm group, 18-20 mm group and >20 mm group (median: 1 002.3 vs 1 103.3 vs 1 171.2 vs 1 539.0 pmol/L), with statistical significances ( P=0.034, P<0.001, P=0.002). On the day of hCG induction, LH levels in 15-16 mm group to >20 mm group showed a decreasing trend, and LH level in 15-16 mm group was significantly higher than those in 17-18 mm group and >20 mm group (median: 37.73 vs 28.24 vs 24.11 U/L), with statistically significant differences ( P=0.007, P=0.006). There were no significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate and live birth rate in 15-16 mm group to >20 mm group (all P>0.05). Conclusion:In the natural cycle protocol of hCG induced ovulation, the small follicle group could achieve similar clinical outcomes compared with normal sized follicles in the single blastocyst transfer of frozen-thawed embryos.

Xanthogranulomatous Endometritis with calculus formation in setting of prolapsed uterus

ABSTRACT Xanthogranulomatous inflammation is a rare benign inflammatory lesion characterized by sheets of lipid-laden foamy histiocytes. It has been reported in various organs, mainly the kidney and gall bladder. Xanthogranulomatous endometritis (XGE) is sporadic, with only a few cases reported in the English medical literature. Herein, we report a case of xanthogranulomatous endometritis with the formation of stones in a 50-year-old female patient with a prolapsed uterus. Grossly the endometrium was irregular, and the uterine cavity was filled with a yellow friable material, a polypoid growth, and yellowish stones. The microscopy showed sheets of histiocytes with few preserved endometrial glands. In this case, the xanthogranulomatous inflammation may mimic a clear cell carcinoma involving the endometrium and myometrium. One of the important differential diagnoses is malakoplakia. Immunohistochemistry and special stains are helpful in diagnosis.