The analysis of Lactobacillus spp. distribution in the vaginal microbiota of Polish women with abnormal Pap smear result.

Introduction: A healthy vaginal microbiota is represented mainly by Lactobacillus spp. and plays a vital role in maintaining the functional balance in the vaginal environment. Scientists have drawn attention to possible correlations between the vaginal microbiome and gynecological neoplasms. Several recent studies have shown a potential link between the vaginal microbiome and the risk of developing cervical cancer from human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and abundance of various lactic acid bacteria species (LABs) in vaginal swabs from healthy controls and patients with abnormal Pap smear results. Methods: The study included 100 women (79 patients with abnormal cervical Pap smear results and 21 controls) from whom vaginal swabs were collected. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to determine seven lactic acid bacteria (LAB) species and their quantities. Results: Most patients were colonized by two Lactobacillus species, primarily Lactobacillus gasseri (93%) and L. crispatus (83%). Patient age and place of residence were associated with the diversity of LAB in the vaginal microbiota. The abundance of L. delbrueckii in the vaginal microbiota increased, whereas the abundance of L. gasseri abundance decreased, with patient age. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Limosilactobacillus fermentum were significantly more often detected in patients living in rural versus urban areas. Statistical analysis did not show any significant differences in LAB between groups of patients with various changes on smear tests. Discussion: The degree of dysplastic changes in the endothelium or the presence of a group of atypical cervical stratified epithelial cells was not associated with significant changes in the studied vaginal bacteria.

The Increase of Circulating PD-1- and PD-L1-Expressing Lymphocytes in Endometriosis: Correlation with Clinical and Laboratory Parameters.

The cause of endometriosis remains unknown. However, studies investigating the link between this condition and the immune system revealed several immunological abnormalities focused on cell-mediated immunity. As a major immune checkpoint, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) displays an important inhibitory function in the maintenance of peripheral tolerance. The expression of PD-1 and its ligand (PD-L1) may contribute to continuous T cell activation and development of inflammation and injury of the tissue. To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating frequencies of PD-1-positive T CD3+ cells (CD4+ and CD8+) and B cells (CD19+) in patients with endometriosis. Peripheral blood (PB) samples from 25 female patients and 20 healthy age and sex-matched subjects serving as controls were used in the study. Using flow cytometric analysis, we assessed the differences in the frequencies of PD-1-positive T and B lymphocytes in the study group and healthy individuals. Alteration of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis, as patients with advanced disease are characterized by higher frequencies of PD-1-positive T and B cells. Expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 on T and B cells could represent the hallmark of immune system reaction to chronic antigenic exposition in patients with endometriosis.

Management of uterine leiomyosarcoma.

The low incidence of uterine sarcomas requires many issues associated with its biology and clinical course to be followed with more research. Unsatisfactory surgical outcomes and a high risk of cancer dissemination make it worthwhile to consider the feasibility of supplementary systemic treatment. The currently employed chemo- and hormonal therapy is characterised by low efficacy. There is some hope in reports on targeted treatment. However, a comprehensive assessment of the efficacy of this kind of therapy is restricted by a small number of patients using it. Moreover, clinical studies using targeted therapies involve patients with a highly advanced disease, and the therapeutic results are assessed mainly via analysis of progression-free survival but not the clinical response.

[Ovarian teratomas as the cause of diseases of the nervous, endocrine and haematology system].

Teratomas are the most common tumors of the ovary occurring in girls and young women. Derived from primordial germ cell and embryonic gonads have the ability to differentiate into the three germ layers. In about 95% of cases are benign, and their most common form is a dermoid cyst of the ovary. This paper aims to present the relationship described tumors of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, anti-NMDA-dependent autoimmune inflammation of the brain and thyroid disease. It reminds us that teratomas are not always insulated disease entities and may have a significant impact on the course of coexisting diseases and their treatment.