ABSTRACT
Altered levels of heavy metals and essential elements have been associated with oxidative stress (OS) and metabolic and hormonal changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We aimed to summarize the knowledge on the association of heavy metals and essential elements with OS in PCOS. An electronic literature search using PubMed for studies published between January 2008 and April 2023 was conducted. We evaluated heavy metals and essential elements in relation to OS in PCOS in 15 articles. PCOS women had increased antimonium (Sb), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), tellurium (Te), thallium (Tl) and osmium (Os) blood levels and decreased zinc (Zn) blood levels; the results of copper (Cu) blood levels were conflicting. Some studies showed a significant correlation between heavy metals (Sb, Cd, Pb, Hg, As, Te and Tl) and essential elements (Se, Zn, Cr, Ca, Mg and Cu) and markers of OS and chronic inflammation. Heavy metals (Sb, Cd, Pb and Hg) and essential elements (Zn, Cr, Se, Ca, Mg and Cu) were associated with metabolic and hormonal characteristics in PCOS. There might be a possible benefit from supplementation therapy in reducing OS and endocrinological problems related to PCOS. Our review confirmed an association between heavy metals and essential elements with OS in PCOS women. This systematic review is registered in PROSPERO under number CRD42023418453.
ABSTRACT
Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can result in alterations of the female reproductive system, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this review was to summarize the knowledge about the association of EDCs (bisphenols, parabens, and triclosan) with PCOS. We conducted an electronic literature search using PubMed for studies published between January 2007 and October 2022 on EDCs related to PCOS, and evaluated the association of PCOS with bisphenols, parabens and triclosan in 15 articles. Most studies revealed significantly higher plasma, urinary or follicular fluid levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in women with PCOS, and some showed a positive correlation of BPA with insulin resistance, polycystic morphology on ultrasound, hepatic steatosis, bilirubin levels, as well as free androgen index, androstenedione and testosterone serum levels, and markers of low-grade chronic inflammation. There was a negative correlation of BPA with markers of ovarian reserve, sex hormone binding globulin and vitamin D-binding protein. Parabens and triclosan have been studied in only one study each, with no significant associations with PCOS observed. Our review revealed an association of BPA with PCOS and negative effects of BPA on human ovaries; more research is needed to assess the potential associations of parabens and triclosan with PCOS.
ABSTRACT
AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Electrochemotherapy is an effective local treatment for tumors that combines administration of a chemotherapeutic drug with the subsequent application of electric pulses to the tumor. In addition, it was also found to have a vascular-disrupting effect. We report a case of limb-sparing treatment of bleeding melanoma recurrence by electrochemotherapy METHODS: After intravenous application of bleomycin (15,000 IU/m2), 15 runs of electric pulses were applied by hexagonal needle electrodes (1.7 cm in diameter) in the center of the bleeding melanoma recurrence, and an additional 10 runs of electric pulses were delivered via plate electrodes (8 mm) on the rim of the tumor. RESULTS: Immediately after the administration of electric pulses, the bleeding stopped and did not recur. Crust formation was observed and the lesion decreased in size in a matter of weeks. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that electrochemotherapy should be considered as a treatment option when dealing with bleeding melanoma recurrences as well as a limb-preserving treatment.