Association between physical activity, body composition, and cognitive performance among female office workers.

Regular physical activity can potentially prevent cognitive decline. While most studies focused on the general decline of the elderly and child and adolescent population, aging is a gradual process and cognitive decline can commence in middle age. Other than the middle-aged working population, gender-specific nuances are another overlooked area regarding the relationship between physical activity and cognitive performance. Therefore, this study examines the associations and benefits of maintaining regular physical activity habits with cognitive function and body composition in middle-aged female office workers. The results show that middle-aged females exhibited age-related declines in working memory, while no significant age-related changes are observed in reaction time and executive function. However, the regular exercise group demonstrates the ability to maintain their cognitive performance across age, unlike the sedentary group, who experiences declines in reaction time and executive function with age. Our findings highlight the significant impact of age on specific cognitive functions in middle-aged females and the positive influence of regular exercise on cognitive performance. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the potential of "the Brain Gym" App for efficient cognitive function assessment. The findings underscore the importance of regular exercise for cognitive well-being in middle-aged females and provide valuable insights into the relationship between body composition and cognitive function.

Physical exercise habits are related with reduced prevalence of falling among elderly women in China.

BACKGROUND: Although some studies have examined the association between exercise and falls, most have focused on specific exercises, and the results have been inconsistent. In addition, there is a lack of evidence on elderly Chinese women who have different living and exercise habits compared to those in other countries. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether physical exercise is associated with falls in elderly Chinese women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1429 elderly Chinese women with a mean age of 69.2 years. Information on physical exercise habits and fall experiences was collected using a self-report questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between physical exercise habits and falls. RESULTS: The results showed that 15% participants had a fall in the past year. After adjusting for confounding factors, the odd ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) for fall experiences across categories of exercise frequency were as follow: 1 (reference) for no exercise behavior, 0.50 (0.29, 0.85) for exercise 1 to 5 times a week, and 0.37 (0.25, 0.55) for exercise more than 6 times a week. Furthermore, the ORs (95% CIs) across categories of exercise insistence were 1 (reference) for less than 1 year, 0.78 (0.37, 1.65) for 1 to 3 years, and 0.38 (0.20, 0.74) for more than 3 years. In terms of exercise duration, the ORs (95% CIs) for < 1 h/day, 1-2 h/day, and > 2 h/day were 1 (reference), 0.85 (0.53, 1.36), and 2.80 (1.30, 6.05). Unlike other variables, longer exercise duration was associated unfavorably with falls. CONCLUSION: Physical exercise habits were associated with falls in elderly Chinese women. Keeping a proper exercise habit may contribute to lower risk of falling in elderly women.

Selective estrogen receptor modulators and deep venous thrombosis after an emergent operation in senior women.

BACKGROUND: Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), clinically applied to osteoporosis, may have potential risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and discontinuation of SERMs may be required before surgery. However, we cannot discontinue SERMs for a certain duration, when patients undergo an emergent operation. CASE PRESENTATION: We reported two aged patients undergoing an emergent orthopedic surgery for lower extremities while taking SERMs for osteoporosis before the operation. DVT was newly developed in one patient and worsened in the other patient after the operation. We found eight aged patients underwent the same operation while taking SERMs for recent 3 years, including the two cases and DVT did not occur in the other six patients. Thus, the incidence of DVT in our patient population was 25%. CONCLUSION: We showed that DVT developed or worsened after operation in two patients taking SERMs before operation. Ultrasound examination after operation may be recommended in these population. (149 words).

Equilibrio ocupacional en adultas mayores rurales y urbanas, región de los lagos, Chile / Occupational balance in rural and urban aged females, los lagos region, Chile

Objetivos: investigar desde la Ciencia de la Ocupación la influencia del contexto en el equilibrio ocupacional de mujeres mayores de la ciudad de Puerto Montt. Métodos: metodología cualitativa, transversal, la población corresponde a ocho personas adultas mayores que habitan en la Provincia de Llanquihue; cuatro pertenecen a una agrupación de personas adultas mayores de zona rural y cuatro residen en zona urbana, seleccionadas aleatoriamente. Resultados: dentro de los resultados generales, se observa que, los relatos están enmarcados principalmente en cuatro categorías: equilibrio ocupacional, ocupaciones, satisfacción personal y bienestar. Conclusiones: existen diferencias en el concepto de equilibrio ocupacional de adultas mayores residentes en ambas zonas, viéndose afectado por la salud, limitando la participación en ocupaciones. Las residentes en zona rural perciben mayor equilibrio ocupacional en comparación con las de zona urbana, destacando satisfacción con la vida, estrechamente relacionada con la maternidad.(AU)

Objective: To investigate, from the perspective of Occupational Science, the influence of context on the occupational balance of older women in the city of Puerto Montt. Methods: Qualitative, cross-sectional methodology. The sample consists of 8 older women residing in the Llanquihue province: 4 belong to an Association of Aged Females from a rural area, and 4 reside in an urban area, randomly selected. Results: Within the general results, the findings are mainly categorized into four themes: occupational balance, occupations, personal satisfaction, and well-being. Conclusions: Differences exist in the concept of occupational balance among older women residing in both areas, influenced by health conditions that limit participation in occupations. Residents in rural areas perceive greater occupational balance compared to those in urban areas, with a notable emphasis on life satisfaction, closely linked to motherhood.(AU)

Encuesta a terapeutas ocupacionales del ámbito pediátrico sobre la práctica escolar: ¿se necesita mayor formación en España? / A survey from paediatric occupational therapists about school based practice: is more training needed in Spain?

Objetivos: explorar el conocimiento sobre terapia ocupacional en la escuela, desde la perspectiva de terapeutas ocupacionales pediátricos, para poder identificar fortalezas y debilidades y proponer acciones futuras de desarrollo. Métodos: as personas participantes se reclutaron por muestreo no-probabilístico de conveniencia y bola de nieve, a través de colegios y asociaciones profesionales. Noventa y dos participantes superaron el cribado inicial y se seleccionaron para analizar sus respuestas. Resultados: veintinueve participantes (31,5%) trabajan en las escuelas y sesenta y tres (68,5%) tienen relación con colegios, pero no trabajan en educación. Cuentan con excelente formación en enfoques individuales, y se centran preferentemente en abordar dificultades sensoriales y motoras. El 35,9% (n=33) están involucrados en algún proyecto educativo, financiado principalmente por cada escuela. La mayoría posee escasa formación sobre enfoques actuales de terapia ocupacional escolar, respaldados por la evidencia, y creen necesario impulsar el desarrollo de esta área en España. Conclusiones: este estudio muestra que se requiere formación específica sobre terapia ocupacional escolar en España y ulteriores cambios legislativos. Además, es preciso aclarar las funciones del (de la) terapeuta ocupacional en la escuela y los modelos de prestación de servicios en los contextos educativos, para comprender cómo contrastan con los enfoques clínicos tradicionales.(AU)

Objective: This study aimed to explore current school-based occupational therapy practice in Spain from the perspective of paediatric occupational therapists, identify strengths and weaknesses, and propose future development actions. Methods: Through colleges and professional associations, participants were recruited by non-probabilistic convenience and snowball sampling. Ninety-two participants passed the initial screening question, and their responses were selected for analysis. Results: Twenty-nine participants (31.5%) work in schools, and sixty-three (68.5%) are related to schools but do not work in education. They have excellent training in individual approaches and preferentially focus on addressing sensory and motor concerns. Thirty-three respondents (35.9%) are involved in some educational projects financed mainly by each school. Most participants have little training on current evidence-based approaches to school-based occupational therapy. They believe it is necessary to promote the development of this area in Spain. Conclusions: This study shows that specific training in school-based occupational therapy in Spain is required in addition to legislative changes. Besides, the roles of the occupational therapist in schools and service delivery models in educational settings need to be clarified to understand how they contrast with traditional clinical approaches.(AU)

The effects of PPARγ inhibitor on bones and bone marrow fat in aged glucocorticoid-treated female rats.

Progressive bone marrow (BM) fat accumulation is a common bone loss characteristic in older populations and glucocorticoid (GC)-induced skeletal destruction that is inversely associated with bone synthesis and directly associated with increased peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) expression. PPARγ inhibition is an efficient therapeutic strategy for aged- and GC-related skeletal disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PPARγ inhibition on aged GC-treated female rats. It was hypothesised that bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) could inhibit marrow adiposity and improve osteogenesis by inhibiting PPARγ, thereby preventing GC-induced osteoporosis (GIO). Female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 32, age = 18 months) were randomly allocated to one of the following groups: (1) control, (2) BADGE (30 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal), (3) methylprednisolone (MP; 30 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous), and (4) MP + BADGE. After eight weeks of treatment, bone density (BD) and trabecular bone microarchitectures were quantified by micro-computed tomography (CT), and BM adipocytes were quantified by histopathology. Additionally, mRNA and protein expression of adipogenic and osteogenic markers were quantified by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, serum bone turnover biomarker levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MP treatment led to marrow adipogenesis and bone deterioration. However, rats treated with MP + BADGE showed lower marrow adipogenesis, as indicated by smaller marrow adipocyte diameter, decreased density and area percentages, reduced expression of marrow adipogenic genes and proteins, improved BD and trabecular microarchitectures, increased expression of osteogenic genes and proteins, and higher levels of serum bone formation markers. These results were consistent with the differences observed between control and BADGE mono-treated rats. In conclusion, BADGE treatment attenuates BM adiposity and improves bone formation in aged GC-treated female rats by inhibiting PPARγ. Therefore, PPARγ might be a potential target for treating GIO in older populations.

Effect of fermented soy beverage in aged female mice model.

Soy beverage is a rich source of phytoestrogens isoflavones, with potential benefits on health. The effect of those compounds depends greatly on their bacterial metabolization into their aglycone forms. This study evaluated the health effects of two soy beverages, non-fermented (SB) and fermented with Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum INIA P815 (FSB), in acyclic and cyclic C57BL/6J aged female mice as a model of menopause and premenopause, respectively. SB and FSB treatments were administrated for 36 days and, subsequently, body weight, lipid and inflammatory profile and fertility were analyzed and compared. In addition, hepatic gene expression and faecal microbiota composition were also assessed. After fermentation, FSB presented a high content in the aglycones daidzein and genistein and a higher antioxidant activity. FSB treated cyclic mice showed a significant increase in the number of retrieved oocytes and zigotes. Differences in serum lipids were observed in triglycerides, which were lower in FSB than in SB groups. None of the treatments influenced the inflammatory profile or caused a dramatic change in the intestinal microbiota profile or hepatic gene expression in any of the groups. Our data showed that FSB provided greater health benefits than SB in lipid profile and fertility in cyclic mice. These beneficial effects could be attributed to the fermentation process, which produces more bioavailable and bioactive compounds, achieving a greater impact on health.

The effects of resveratrol and melatonin on biochemical and molecular parameters in diabetic old female rat hearts.

The roles of melatonin and resveratrol-enhanced activation of SIRT1 (silent information regulator 1), GLUT4 (glucose transporter type 4), and PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha) in mediating the protective effects on the heart in aged female rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were investigated. 16-month-old 48 Wistar female rats were separated into 8 groups with equal numbers. Group 1: Control, Group 2: Resveratrol Control, Group 3: Melatonin Control, Group 4: Resveratrol and Melatonin Control, Group 5: Diabetes, Group 6: Diabetes Resveratrol, Group 7: Diabetes Melatonin, Group 8: Diabetes Resveratrol and Melatonin. A single dose of 40 mg/kg intraperitoneal streptozotocin was injected into the rats of Groups 5, 6, 7, and 8 to induce experimental diabetes. Blood glucose levels were measured from the tail veins of the animals six days after the injections, using a diagnostic glucose kit. Rats with a blood glucose levels ≥300 mg/dl were considered diabetic. 5 mg/kg/day of resveratrol (intraperitoneal) and melatonin (subcutaneous) were administered for four weeks. At the end of the applications, SIRT1, GLUT4, PGC-1α gene expression as well as MDA and GSH levels in the heart tissues were determined by the PCR method from heart tissue samples taken under general anesthesia. The findings of our study show that suppressed antioxidant activity and decreased GLUT4, SIRT1, and PGC-1α gene expression in heart tissue can be reversed by the combination of resveratrol, melatonin, and resveratrol + melatonin in a diabetic aged female rat model. Resveratrol and melatonin supplementation may have a protective effect on cardiac functions in the diabetic aged female rat model.

Ginsenosides improve reproductive capability of aged female Drosophila through mechanism dependent on ecdysteroid receptor (ECR) and steroid signaling pathway.

Aging ovaries caused diminished fertility and depleted steroid hormone level. Ginsenosides, the active ingredient in ginseng, had estrogen-like hormonal effects. Although ginsenosides were well known for their ability to alleviate many age-related degenerative diseases, the effect of ginsenosides on the decline in reproductive capability caused by aging, as well as the mechanism, are unknown. We found that ginsenosides improved the quantity and quality of the offspring, prolonged life and restored muscle ability in aged female Drosophila. In addition, ginsenosides inhibited ovarian atrophy and maintained steroid hormone 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile-preserving hormone (JH)) levels. Ginsenosides activated ecdysteroid receptor (ECR) and increased the expression of the early transcription genes E74 and Broad (Br), which triggered steroid signaling pathway. Meanwhile, ginsenosides promoted JH biosynthesis by increasing the expression of Hydroxyl-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) and juvenile hormone acid O-methyltransferase (JHAMT). Subsequently, JH was bound to Methoprene Tolerant (Met) and activated the transcription of the responsive gene Kruppel Homolog 1 (Kr-h1), which coordinated with 20E signaling to promote the reproduction of aged female Drosophila. The reproductive capacity and steroid hormone levels were not improved and the steroid signaling pathway was not activated in ginsenoside-treated ECR knockout Drosophila. This suggested that ginsenosides played a role dependent on targeted ECR. Furthermore, 17 kinds of ginsenoside monomers were identified from the total ginsenosides. Among them, Rg1, Re and Rb1 improved the reproductive capacity and steroid hormone levels of aged female Drosophila, which has similar effects to the total ginsenoside. These results indicated that ginsenosides could enhance the reproductive capacity of aged female Drosophila by activating steroid signals dependent on nuclear receptor ECR. In addition, ginsenoside monomers Rg1, Rb1 and Re are the main active components of total ginsenosides to improve reproductive ability. This will provide strong evidence that ginsenosides had the potential to alleviate age-induced reproductive degradation.

[Genetic Mutation Characteristics of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Patients in Wuhan].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genotype mutation characteristics of patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase(G6PD) deficiency in Wuhan. METHODS: A total of 1 321 neonates with positive screening and outpatients were received G6PD mutation detection, 12 kinds of common G6PD mutation in Chinese people was detected by using multicolor melting curve analysis (MMCA) method, for those with negative results, the enzyme activity and clinical information were analyzed, sequencing was recommended after informed consent when it is necessary. RESULTS: Among 1321 patients, a total of 768 mutations were detected out, with a detection rate of 58.1%. A total of 18 types of G6PD genotypes were identified, including c.1388G>A, c.1376G>T, c.95G>A, c.1024C>T, c.871G>A, c.392G>T, c.487G>A, c.1360C>T, c.1004C>A, c.517T>C, c.592C>T, c.94C>G, c.152C>T, c.320A>G, c.1028A>G, c.1316G>A, c.1327G>C and c.1376G>C, including 683 male hemizygotes, 3 female homozygotes, 80 female heterozygotes and 2 female compound heterozygous. CONCLUSION: A total of 18 types of G6PD mutations are identified in the reaserch, and c.94C>G, c.1028A>G and c.1327G>C are first reported in Chinese population. The most common G6PD mutation types in Wuhan are c.1388G>A, c.1376G>T, c.95G>A.

Surgical outcomes of non-periprosthetic distal femur fragility fractures treated with a locking plate.

Background: Management of distal femur fractures can be challenging, particularly in the aged female population. This retrospective study aims to analyze the surgical outcomes of aged female patients with non-periprosthetic distal femur fractures treated with a locking plate. Methods: This is an IRB approved retrospective review conducted at a level 1 trauma center. Fifty-five female patients (mean age of 71 years) with non-periprosthetic distal femur fractures underwent open reduction internal fixation using a locking plate from 2005 to 2019. The average follow-up time was 67 weeks from the date of injury. Criteria used for diagnosis of nonunion included one or more of the following: (I) three consecutive months without progression of healing on postoperative radiographs, (II) a total of nine months postoperative without complete healing, or (III) the physician diagnosed nonunion using clinical judgement. Outcome data was analyzed and compared amongst patients with and without obesity or diabetes. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing Microsoft Excel 2022 Data Analysis ToolPak with a standard statistically significant P value of <0.05. Results: Thirty-two patients (58%) with distal femur fractures achieved union after initial treatment while 23 patients (42%) were diagnosed with nonunion. Fourteen patients (61%) underwent revision with 9 of these patients (64%) achieving union while 5 patients (36%) had persistent nonunion. Average healing time from initial treatment to union was 29 weeks, while average time from definitive treatment to union was 22 weeks. Obese patients [body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2] had a nonunion rate of 65%, while non-obese patients had a nonunion rate of 28%. Patients with diabetes had a nonunion rate of 65%, while patients without diabetes had a nonunion rate of 28%. Conclusions: Union can be successfully achieved in aged female patients with distal femur fractures treated with locking plates; however, the risks for nonunion and revision remain high. Patients with obesity and diabetes appear to be at an increased risk of nonunion (P=0.008 and 0.008, respectively). However, further research should be conducted with a prospective study or multivariate analysis and increased number of patients to reaffirm this data.

Effects of dance movement therapy on cancer related fatigue and nutritional status of young and middle-aged female breast cancer patients with chemotherapy / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore application value of dance movement therapy in the chemotherapy of young and middle-aged patients with breast cancer, so as to provide reference for rehabilitation nursing.Methods:By convenient sampling method, 90 young and middle-aged female breast cancer patients during chemotherapy from June 2020 to June 2021 in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University were enrolled in the present study. They were assiged to experimental group and control group with 45 cases in each group according to the enrolled ward. The control group received routine nursing and the experimental group received 4 cycles of dance movement therapy. Before and after intervention, the effects were assessed by Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS) and Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) as well as biochemical nutrition indexes.Results:After intervention, the physical fatigue score, emotional fatigue score, cognitive fatigue score and total CFS score were (8.29 ± 3.58), (7.74 ± 1.68), (5.57 ± 1.11), (21.59 ± 4.41) points in the experimental group, which were significantly lower than (9.86 ± 3.49), (8.95 ± 2.62), (6.27 ± 1.70), (25.09 ± 4.33) points in the control group ( t values were 2.07-3.71, all P<0.05). After intervention, the PG-SGA score was (2.81 ± 0.71) points in the experimental group, which was significantly lower than (3.29 ± 1.15) points in the control group ( t=2.37, P<0.05). Conclusions:Dance movement therapy can alleviate the cancer related fatigue and promote nutritional status of young and middle-aged female breast cancer patients with chemotherapy.

Genetic Mutation Characteristics of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Patients in Wuhan / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the genotype mutation characteristics of patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase(G6PD) deficiency in Wuhan.@*METHODS@#A total of 1 321 neonates with positive screening and outpatients were received G6PD mutation detection, 12 kinds of common G6PD mutation in Chinese people was detected by using multicolor melting curve analysis (MMCA) method, for those with negative results, the enzyme activity and clinical information were analyzed, sequencing was recommended after informed consent when it is necessary.@*RESULTS@#Among 1321 patients, a total of 768 mutations were detected out, with a detection rate of 58.1%. A total of 18 types of G6PD genotypes were identified, including c.1388G>A, c.1376G>T, c.95G>A, c.1024C>T, c.871G>A, c.392G>T, c.487G>A, c.1360C>T, c.1004C>A, c.517T>C, c.592C>T, c.94C>G, c.152C>T, c.320A>G, c.1028A>G, c.1316G>A, c.1327G>C and c.1376G>C, including 683 male hemizygotes, 3 female homozygotes, 80 female heterozygotes and 2 female compound heterozygous.@*CONCLUSION@#A total of 18 types of G6PD mutations are identified in the reaserch, and c.94C>G, c.1028A>G and c.1327G>C are first reported in Chinese population. The most common G6PD mutation types in Wuhan are c.1388G>A, c.1376G>T, c.95G>A.

Lepidium meyenii (maca) and soy isoflavones reduce cardiac stunning of ischemia-reperfusion in rats by mitochondrial mechanisms.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Phytoestrogens are traditionally used for cardiovascular risks but direct effects on the ischemic heart remain unclear. Plants with phytoestrogens are used for reducing menopausic symptoms and they could also be cardioprotectives. Here we investigated whether maca (Lepidium meyenii) contains isoflavones and prevents cardiac stunning, in comparison to soy isoflavones. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: Both products were orally and daily administered to rats during 1 week before exposing isolated hearts to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Young male (YM), female (YF) and aged female (AgF) rats treated with maca (MACA, 1 g/kg/day) or soy isoflavones (ISOF, 100 mg/kg/day) were compared to acute daidzein (DAZ, 5 mg/kg i.p.) and non-treated rat groups. Isolated ventricles were perfused inside a calorimeter to simultaneously measure contractile and calorimetrical signals before and during I/R. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Maca has genistein and daidzein. MACA and ISOF improved the post-ischemic contractile recovery (PICR) and muscle economy (P/Ht) in YM and YF hearts, but not in AgF hearts. DAZ improved PICR and P/Ht more in YM than in YF. The mKATP channels blockade reduced both PICR and P/Ht in DAZ-treated YM hearts, without affecting them in ISOF or MACA-treated YM hearts. In MACA treated YF hearts, the simultaneous blockade of NOS and mKATP channels, or the mNCX blockade reduced cardioprotection. Results show that subacute oral treatment with maca or with soy isoflavones was strongly preventive of cardiac ischemic dysfunction, more than the acute administration of a pure isoflavone (daidzein, genistein). Maca induced synergistic and complex mechanisms which prevented mitochondrial calcium overload.

G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor 30 Reduces Transverse Aortic Constriction-Induced Myocardial Fibrosis in Aged Female Mice by Inhibiting the ERK1/2 -MMP-9 Signaling Pathway.

The incidence of cardiovascular diseases was significantly increased in postmenopausal women. The protection of estrogen in the cardiovascular system has been further reported for decades. Although menopausal hormone therapy has been used in many clinical trials, the debatable results indicate that the studies for elucidating the precise molecular mechanism are urgently required. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 30 (GPR30) is a membrane receptor of estrogen and displays protective roles in diverse cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have revealed that ERK1/2-mediated MMP-9 signaling was involved in ischemic heart diseases. However, the role of ERK1/2-mediated MMP-9 signaling in the protection of GPR30 against cardiac hypertrophy in aged female mice has not been investigated. Our present study demonstrated that GPR30 overexpression and its agonist G1 co-administration reduced transverse aortic constriction-induced myocardial fibrosis and preserved cardiac function in aged female mice. MMP-9 expression was markedly increased via ERK1/2 phosphorylation in transverse aortic constriction-injured myocardium of aged female mice. Further results showed that GPR30/G1 activation decreased MMP-9 expression via ERK1/2 inhibition, which further reduced TGF-ß1 expression. Inhibition of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway by its inhibitor PD98059 suppressed the induction of the cardiomyocyte MMP-9 level caused by the GRP30 antagonist G15 and inhibited TGF-ß1 expression in cardiac fibroblast in vitro. In summary, our results from in vivo and in vitro studies indicated that GPR30 activation inhibited myocardial fibrosis and preserved cardiac function via inhibiting ERK-mediated MMP-9 expression. Thus, the present study may provide the novel drug targets for prevention and treatment of cardiac pathological hypertrophy in postmenopausal women.

Impact of a high­fat diet on intestinal stem cells and epithelial barrier function in middle­aged female mice.

A high­fat diet (HFD) or obesity­promoting diet is closely associated with metabolic diseases and intestinal tumors, particularly in middle­aged individuals (typically 45­64 years old). The intestinal epithelium constitutes a barrier that separates the host from the food and microbiota in the gut, and thus, a dysfunctional epithelium is associated with a number of diseases. However, the changes caused to the function of intestinal epithelium in response to an HFD have not been well­studied to date. In the present study, middle­aged female mice (12 months old) fed an HFD for a period of 14 weeks were used to determine the effects of HFD on the intestine. Characteristics including the body weight, fat deposition, glucose metabolism, inflammatory state and intestinal morphology were assessed, while the intestinal stem cell (ISC) counts and the ability of isolated intestinal crypts to form organoid bodies in 3D culture were examined. Intestinal epithelial barrier function, including secretory defense, tight junctions and cell apoptosis, were also studied. Morphologically, the HFD resulted in a mild reduction in the length of villi of the small intestine, the colon length and the depth of colon crypts. In addition, the ISC counts were increased in the small intestine and colon in HFD­fed mice. The ability of crypts to grow into organoids (mini­guts) was also increased in crypts obtained from mice fed an HFD, while HFD compromised the epithelial barrier function of the colon. These results demonstrated how an HFD affects the intestinal epithelium and highlighted the need to carefully consider dietary patterns.

Malignant Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue: A Case Report of Intramuscular Malignant Giant Cell Carcinoma of the Tensor Fasciae Latae.

INTRODUCTION: Giant cell tumor of soft tissue (GCT-ST)is a low-grade ST tumor that occurs most frequently below the skin and sometimes, extending deeper into the tissues. The tumor is usually hard, painless and considered rare in ST. CASE REPORT: We report a rare case of a middle-aged woman that presented with a tumor arising from the right tensor fasciae latae muscle. The patient initially opted for traditional Chinese herbal treatment, which we believe, aggravated the growth of the tumor. Radiographic imaging showed clear tumor margins. The histopathological biopsy of the lesion located in the tensor fasciae latae muscle showed a mixture of mononucleated and multinuclear giant cells composed of mesenchyme spindle-shaped cells positive for CD34 and CD88. The patient was treated through surgical resection of the tumor and scheduled for close follow-up. CONCLUSION: Since GCT-ST is rare, they are often initially misdiagnosed. These tumors have the tendency to increase in size exponentially within a short period of time, which is why clinical presentation and imaging are necessary for a better pre-operative diagnosis. Radical surgical excision or radiotherapy with close follow-up is recommended for all cases due to the high rate of reoccurrence.

Effect of genistein on IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 in young and aged female rat ovary.

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of genistein (GEN) on expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) in young and aged rat ovary. Forty young female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (200 ± 20 g) and forty aged female SD rats (490 ± 20 g) were selected and according to weight, they were divided into the following five groups with eight animals in each: negative control group (NC), low-dose group (L), middle-dose group (M), high-dose group (H) and positive control group (PC). GEN group received GEN of 15, 30, 60 mg/kg respectively. It lasted 30 days. Concentrations of serum hormones, IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Gene and protein expressions of IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot respectively. Compared with NC, GEN significantly increased oestradiol-17ß(E2 ) level in aged rat, reduced luteinizing hormone (LH) level in young and aged rat. Serum levels of IGFBP-1 in young rats were significantly higher in GEN groups (p < 0.05). mRNA and protein expression levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 were positively correlated with GEN dose. GEN could significantly reduce the ratio of IGF-1/IGFBP-1 of aged rats. Multivariate Cox regression analysis result showed IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 levels significantly correlated with GEN dose. We speculate that there is an association between the addition of GEN and expression of IGF-1 and IGFBP-1, and the relationship between them is different in young and aged rat.

Effects of estrogen replacement therapy on the myelin sheath ultrastructure of myelinated fibers in the white matter of middle-aged ovariectomized rats.

The effects of estrogen replacement therapy (ORT) on white matter and the myelin sheath ultrastructure in the white matter of middle-aged ovariectomized (OVX) rats were investigated in this study. Middle-aged rats were ovariectomized and divided into a placebo replacement (OVX + O) group and an estrogen replacement (OVX + E) group. Then, the Morris water maze, electron microscope techniques, and stereological methods were used to investigate the effects of ORT on spatial learning capacity, white matter volume and the myelin sheath ultrastructure in the white matter. We found that the spatial learning capacity of the OVX + E rats was significantly improved compared with that of the OVX + O rats. When compared with that of OVX + O rats, the total volume of the myelin sheaths in the white matter of the OVX + E rats was significantly increased by 27%, and the difference between the outer perimeter and inner perimeter of the myelin sheaths of the white matter in the OVX + E rats increased significantly by 12.6%. The myelinated fibers with mean diameters of 1.2-1.4 µm were significantly longer (46.1%) in the OVX + E rats; the difference between the mean diameter of myelinated fibers and the mean diameter of axons (0-0.4 µm) was significantly increased by 21.6% in the OVX + E rats. These results suggested that ORT had positive protective effects on the spatial learning ability and on the myelin sheath ultrastructure in the white matter of middle-aged OVX rats.

The role of serum ADAMTS-1 and aggrecan on polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents and younger-aged females.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze serum a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin-type motifs-1 (ADAMTS-1) and aggrecan levels in adolescents and younger-aged females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared with ovulatory controls to determine whether these are potential markers for the prediction of PCOS diagnosis. We also aimed to determine whether they could predict the development of clinical implications associated with PCOS. METHOD: PCOS (n = 49) and ovulatory age-matched controls (n = 41) (mean age, 18.6 ± 2.5) were recruited. Anthropometric measurements were recorded and biochemical parameters were analyzed. Serum ADAMTS-1 and aggrecan levels were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The predictive effects of ADAMTS-1 and aggrecan on the diagnosis of PCOS and for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and insulin resistance (IR) were evaluated. The correlation between investigated markers and anthropometric, biochemical, and hormonal parameters were also investigated. RESULTS: Mean serum ADAMTS-1 level was increased in adolescents and younger-aged females with PCOS compared to ovulatory controls. An elevated ADAMTS-1 level was positive predictive of the diagnosis of PCOS with the best cut-off value of 2.5 ng/ml (sensitivity 69% and specificity 78%). A positive predictive role of ADAMTS-1 on the development of CVD risk and IR was found among all patients. Serum ADAMTS-1 and aggrecan levels were significantly and positively correlated with each other. CONCLUSION: Increased levels of ADAMTS-1 could be a potential marker for the etiopathogenesis of PCOS in adolescents and younger-aged females and predict the development of CVD risk and IR among all patients with the same age.