Synthesis of new trimeric lignin model compounds containing 5-5' and b-O-4' substructures, and their characterization by 1D and 2D NMR Techniques

Trimeric lignin model compounds containing biphenyl (5-5') and beta-aryl ether (beta-O-4') were synthesized from dehydrodivanillin derivatives and alpha-bromo acetovanillone derivatives via Williamson's reaction. The ¹H and 13C NMR characteristics of the resulting trimers were studied using corresponding ¹H and 13C NMR spectra as well as homo- and heteronuclear 2D NMR techniques. The results are discussed in terms of signal assignment and conformation of the molecules

Feasibility of corifollitropin alfa/GnRH antagonist protocol combined with GnRH agonist triggering and freeze-all strategy in polycystic ovary syndrome patients

Background/Purpose: The long-acting corifollitropin alfa is comparable to FSH in terms of pregnancy outcomes in normal responders and poor responders. Corifollitropin alfa has never been studied in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients because of concerns of excessive ovarian stimulation and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The purpose of the study was to evaluate if corifollitropin alfa can be used in PCOS patients. Methods: Forty PCOS patients who were going to undergo in vitro fertilization were enrolled in this study. A single injection of corifollitropin alfa was administered on cycle day 2 or day 3. From stimulation day 8 onwards, daily FSH was administered until the day of final oocyte maturation. Cetrorelix was administered from stimulation day 5 to prevent premature LH surge. Final oocyte maturation was triggered by: acetate. All embryos were cryopreserved and replaced in subsequent cycles. Results: All 40 patients were subjected to oocyte retrieval, and none developed moderate or severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (0%, 95% CI 0–0.088). For each patient, an average of 23.4 (±7.4; 95% CI 21.0–25.7) oocytes were retrieved and a mean of 11.7 (±6.4; 95% CI 9.6–13.8) embryos were frozen. Mean serum estradiol level on the day of GnRHa triggering was 7829.9 pg/ml (±3297; 95% CI 6775–8885). The cumulated ongoing pregnancy rate after 3 frozen-thawed embryo transfers was 75.0% (95% CI 61.6%–88.4%). Conclusion: The results suggest that corifollitropin alfa/GnRH antagonist protocol can be used in PCOS patients, in combination with GnRHa triggering and embryo cryopreservation. Keywords: Corifollitropin alfa, Cryopreservation, GnRH agonist, Polycystic ovary syndrom

Cysteine–Cysteine Motif Chemokine Receptor 5 Expression in Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mice

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects 5–10% of women of reproductive age, is associated with reproductive and metabolic disorders, such as chronic anovulation, infertility, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. However, the mechanism of PCOS is still unknown. Therefore, this study used a letrozole-exposed mouse model in which mice were orally fed letrozole for 20 weeks to investigate the effects of letrozole on the severity of reproductive and metabolic consequences and the expression of cysteine–cysteine motif chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) in letrozole-induced PCOS mice. The letrozole-treated mice showed a disrupted estrous cycle and were arrested in the diestrus phase. Letrozole treatment also increased plasma testosterone levels, decreased estradiol levels, and caused multicystic follicle formation. Furthermore, histological analysis of the perigonadal white adipose tissue (pgWAT) showed no significant difference in the size and number of adipocytes between the letrozole-treated mice and the control group. Further, the letrozole-treated mice demonstrated glucose intolerance and insulin resistance during oral glucose and insulin tolerance testing. Additionally, the expression of CCR5 and cysteine-cysteine motif ligand 5 (CCL5) were significantly higher in the pgWAT of the letrozole-treated mice compared with the control group. CCR5 and CCL5 were also significantly correlated with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Finally, the mechanisms of insulin resistance in PCOS may be caused by an increase in serine phosphorylation and a decrease in Akt phosphorylation

Large Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Mimicking A Gynecologic Tumor

SummaryObjectiveGastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are a group of uncommon bowel tumors. We report two cases of GISTs arising from the ileum and jejunum, both of which appeared to mimic a gynecologic tumor.Case ReportIn the first case, an 83-year-old, postmenopausal, woman presented with poor appetite, abdominal fullness and constipation for the preceding 3-4 days. Physical examination and imaging studies revealed a huge pelvic mass, suggestive of a huge cystic degenerated myoma. An exploratory laparotomy revealed a large tumor originating from the ileum, and immunohistochemical stains confirmed the presence of CD-117. In the second case, a 48-year-old woman presented with intermittent right lower abdominal pain and urinary frequency over the preceding 4 months. Physical examination and imaging studies revealed a pelvic mass of 21-week-gestational size. An exploratory laparotomy showed a huge fragile pelvic tumor, measuring 20 × 20 cm, arising from the jejunum. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the presence of CD-117.ConclusionGISTs express c-kit proteins (CD-117) on immunohistochemistry. They may mimic gynecologic tumors since they share the same pelvic cavity. One should always consider GISTs as part of the differential diagnosis in pelvic tumors