Decreased concentrations of soluble interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein levels in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis.

Interleukin 1 (IL1) may play an important role in endometriosis-associated pelvic inflammation, and natural specific inhibitors, including soluble IL1 receptor accessory protein (sIL1RAcP) and soluble IL1 receptor type 2 (sIL1R2), are critical for counterbalancing the pleiotropic effects of IL1. The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of sIL1RAcP, together with those of sIL1R2 and IL1ß, in the peritoneal fluid of women with and without endometriosis. Peritoneal fluid samples were obtained at laparoscopy and assessed by ELISA. sIL1RAcP concentrations were reduced in endometriosis stages I-II and III-IV. sIL1R2 concentrations were decreased, and those of IL1ß were significantly increased in endometriosis stages I-II. sIL1RAcP and sIL1R2 concentrations were significantly decreased in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, and IL1ß concentrations were elevated in the proliferative and the secretory phases. sIL1RAcP and sIL1R2 concentrations were reduced in women with endometriosis who were infertile, fertile, suffering from pelvic pain or pain-free. However, IL1ß concentrations were significantly reduced in women with endometriosis who were infertile or had pelvic pain. These changes may exacerbate the local peritoneal inflammatory reaction observed in women with endometriosis and contribute to endometriosis pathophysiology and the major symptoms of this disease.

Physical activity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: prevalence, predictors, and positive health associations.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence and predictors of physical activity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to explore the potential health benefits that are associated with physical activity in this population. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional assessment of 150 women with PCOS. Active women (those who met Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS] guidelines for exercise) were compared with inactive women with regards to demographic and psychosocial variables and health characteristics. RESULTS: Fifty-nine percent (88/150 women) met the DHHS guidelines for physical activity. Active women were more likely than inactive women to be nulliparous (64.1% vs 40.0%; P = .04) and white (71.6% vs 42.6%; P = .0004). Inactive women were more likely to have mild depression (adjusted odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-4.79; P = .048). CONCLUSION: Women with PCOS who met the DHHS guidelines for physical activity were more likely to enjoy a variety of health benefits. Our findings identify several groups that are at risk for inadequate physical activity.

Theoretical investigations of nitric oxide channeling in Mycobacterium tuberculosis truncated hemoglobin N.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis group I truncated hemoglobin trHbN catalyzes the oxidation of nitric oxide (NO) to nitrate with a second-order rate constant k approximately 745 microM(-1) s(-1) at 23 degrees C (nitric oxide dioxygenase reaction). It was proposed that this high efficiency is associated with the presence of hydrophobic tunnels inside trHbN structure that allow substrate diffusion to the distal heme pocket. In this work, we investigated the mechanisms of NO diffusion within trHbN tunnels in the context of the nitric oxide dioxygenase reaction using two independent approaches. Molecular dynamics simulations of trHbN were performed in the presence of explicit NO molecules. Successful NO diffusion from the bulk solvent to the distal heme pocket was observed in all simulations performed. The simulations revealed that NO interacts with trHbN at specific surface sites, composed of hydrophobic residues located at tunnel entrances. The entry and the internal diffusion of NO inside trHbN were performed using the Long, Short, and EH tunnels reported earlier. The Short tunnel was preferentially used by NO to reach the distal heme pocket. This preference is ascribed to its hydrophobic funnel-shape entrance, covering a large area extending far from the tunnel entrance. This funnel-shape entrance triggers the frequent formation of solvent-excluded cavities capable of hosting up to three NO molecules, thereby accelerating NO capture and entry. The importance of hydrophobicity of entrances for NO capture is highlighted by a comparison with a polar mutant for which residues at entrances were mutated with polar residues. A complete map of NO diffusion pathways inside trHbN matrix was calculated, and NO molecules were found to diffuse from Xe cavity to Xe cavity. This scheme was in perfect agreement with the three-dimensional free-energy distribution calculated using implicit ligand sampling. The trajectories showed that NO significantly alters the dynamics of the key amino acids of Phe(62)(E15), a residue proposed to act as a gate controlling ligand traffic inside the Long tunnel, and also of Ile(119)(H11), at the entrance of the Short tunnel. It is noteworthy that NO diffusion inside trHbN tunnels is much faster than that reported previously for myoglobin. The results presented in this work shed light on the diffusion mechanism of apolar gaseous substrates inside protein matrix.

A randomized study comparing skin closure in cesarean sections: staples vs subcuticular sutures.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare postoperative pain according to the skin closure method (subcuticular sutures vs staples) after an elective term cesarean section. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial of 101 women was performed. Women were randomly assigned to subcuticular sutures or staples. Operative technique and postoperative analgesia were standardized. Stratification was used for primary vs repeat cesareans. Analog pain and satisfaction scales ranging from 0-10 were completed at postoperative days 1 and 3, and at 6 weeks postoperatively. A digital photograph of the incision was taken at 6 weeks postoperatively and evaluated by 3 independent blinded observers. RESULTS: Pain at 6 weeks postoperatively was significantly less in the staple group (0.17 vs 0.51; P = .04). Operative time was shorter in that group (24.6 vs 32.9 minutes; P < .0001). No difference was noted for incision appearance and women's satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Staples are the method of choice for skin closure for elective term cesareans in our population.