Ethinylestradiol and estradiol have different effects on oxidative stress and nitric oxide synthesis in human endothelial cell cultures

Study objective: To compare the effects of ethinylestradiol (EE) and 17 beta-estradiol (E(2)) on nitric oxide (NO) production and protection against oxidative stress in human endothelial cell cultures. Design: Experimental study. Settings: Research laboratory. Material: Human ECV304 endothelial cell cultures. Intervention(s): The NO synthesis was determined by flow cytometry, and oxidative stress was determined by a cell viability assay, after exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and stimulation of endothelial cells with EE at concentrations similar to those of a contraceptive containing 30 mu g EE. Main Outcome Measure(s): The effects of EE were compared with those of E(2) at concentrations similar to those occurring during the follicular phase. Result(s): Ethinylestradiol did not increase NO synthesis and did not protect cells against oxidative stress. The viability of the cells incubated with E(2) in combination with H(2)O(2) was greater than the viability obtained with H(2)O(2) only or with H(2)O(2) in combination with EE. The cells stimulated with E(2) presented a significant increase in NO production compared with control. Conclusion(s): In contrast to the effects of E(2), EE did not protect human ECV304 endothelial cells against oxidative stress and did not increase their production of NO. (Fertil Steril (R) 2010; 94: 1578-82. (C) 2010 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)Sector of Human Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, BrazilConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development

Effect of isoflavone extracts from Glycine max on human endothelial cell damage and on nitric oxide production

Objective: In this study, we determined the protective effect of isoflavones from Glycine max on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (ECV304) damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and on nitric oxide (NO) production. Methods: We studied the regulation of NO synthesis in cultured human endothelial cells by phytoestrogens contained in soy extracts in the presence or absence of ICI 182,780 or N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl esther and determined the protective effect of these isoflavones on ECV304 damage induced by H(2)O(2). Results: We show that soy extracts activate NO synthesis in endothelial cells and protect against cell damage. Conclusions: In conclusion, soy isoflavones markedly protect ECV304 cells against H(2)O(2) damage and promote NO synthesizing. Therefore, these isoflavones call potentially act as an NO promoter and as an antioxidant

Drospirenone and levonorgestrel in combination with either 30 or 20 mcg ethinylestradiol reduce soluble adhesion molecules in Brazilian women; cross-sectional study

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three contraceptive pills containing ethinylestradiol (EE) (20 or 30 mcg) in combination with drospirenone (DRSP) and levonorgestrel (LNG) on plasma concentration of adhesion molecules vascular cell adhesion molecule -1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin. Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 72 participants (18-30 years old) distributed into three groups that used oral contraceptives containing EE 20 or 30 mcg combined with DRSP 3 mg or EE 30 mcg/LNG 150 mcg for at least 6 months. The control group was comprised of nonusers of contraceptives. Soluble VCAM-1, soluble ICAM-1 and soluble E-selectin were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Compared to the control group, a significant decrease was found in VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 concentrations with use of DRSP/20 EE and LNG/30 EE. Conclusions: DRSP/20 EE and LNG/30 EE induce favorable changes in endothelial function. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.FAPESP, Brazil [07/58578-7]FAPESP (Brazil)Foundation for Research Support of Sao PauloFoundation for Research Support of Sao Paul

Both a combined oral contraceptive and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate impair endothelial function in young women

Background: The study was conducted to determine whether the use of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) interferes with endothelial function. Study Design: The study was conducted on 100 women between the ages of 18 and 30 years. Fifty women had not used hormonal contraception (control group) for at least 12 months, 25 were current users of a COC (ethinylestradiol 30 mcg+levonorgestrel 150 mcg) and 25 were current users of DMPA (150 mg) for at least a 6-month period. All women were evaluated for brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD), intima-media thickness, carotid distensibility and stiffness index, arterial pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, heart rate and lipid profile. Results: A significant difference in FMD was observed between the COC and control groups (6.4 +/- 2.2% vs. 8,7 +/- 3.4%, p<.01) and between the DMPA and control groups (6.2 +/- 2.1% vs. 8.7 +/- 3.4%, p<.01). The DMPA group had lower values of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) than COC users and the control group (TC: DMPA=139.9 +/- 21.5 mg/dL vs. controls=167.1 +/- 29.2 mg/dL vs. COC=168.2 +/- 37.5. p=.001; LDL-C: DMPA-85.3 +/- 20.1 mg/dL vs. controls=102 +/- 24.5 mg/dL vs. COC=106.7 +/- 33.3 mg/dL, p=.01). The control group had higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) than the DMPA and COC groups (controls=52.4 +/- 14.1 mg/dL vs. DMPA=42.2 +/- 7.2 mg/dL vs. COC=45.4 +/- 9.1 mg/dL, p=.001). No significant differences were observed regarding the other variables. Conclusions: FMD was lower among COC and DMPA users, Suggesting that these hormonal contraceptives may promote endothelial dysfunction. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Human Reproduction Division of the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of the University of Sao Paulo Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine (USP), Ribeirao Preto, Brazi

Contracepção reversível de longa ação

Unwanted pregnancy is a major public health problem both in developed and developing countries. Although the reduction in the rates of these pregnancies requires multifactorial approaches, increasing access to long-acting contraceptive methods can contribute significantly to change this scenario. In Brazil, gynecologists and obstetricians play a key role in contraceptive counseling, being decisive in the choice of long-acting reversible methods, characterized by intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the contraceptive implant. The vast scope due to the reduced number of situations to indicate long-acting methods should be emphasized in routine contraceptive counseling. On the other hand, gynecologists and obstetricians should adapt the techniques of insertion of long-actingmethods, and engage in facilitating conditions to access these contraceptives through public and private health systems in Brazil. This study is part of a project called Diretrizes e Recomendacoes FEBRASGO (Guidelines and Recommendations of the FEBRASGO - Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations from the Portuguese acronym). It aims to review the main characteristics of long-acting contraceptives and critically consider the current situation and future prospects to improve access to these methods, proposing practical recommendations of interest in the routine of gynecologists and obstetricians396294308A gravidez não planejada representa importante problema de saúde pública tanto em países desenvolvidos quanto naqueles em desenvolvimento. Embora a redução das taxas dessas gestações requeira abordagens multifatoriais, o aumento no acesso aos métodos contraceptivos de longa ação pode contribuir de forma expressiva na mudança desse cenário. No Brasil, os ginecologistas e obstetras têm papel fundamental no aconselhamento contraceptivo, sendo decisivos na escolha dos métodos reversíveis de longa ação, caracterizados pelos dispositivos intrauterinos (DIUs) e pelo implante anticoncepcional. A grande abrangência decorrente do pequeno número de situações que contraindicam os métodos de longa ação deve ser enfatizada no aconselhamento contraceptivo de rotina. Por outro lado, os ginecologistas e obstetras devem se adaptar às técnicas de inserção dos métodos de longa ação, bem como se engajar na facilitação de condições para o acesso a esses contraceptivos por meio do sistema de saúde pública e privada no Brasil. Este estudo, parte do projeto denominado “Diretrizes e Recomendações FEBRASGO”, tem por objetivo revisar as principais características dos contraceptivos de longa ação, além de considerar de forma crítica o panorama atual e as perspectivas futuras, visando melhorar o acesso a esses métodos, com recomendações práticas de interesse na rotina do ginecologista e obstetr

Cytomegalovirus infection management in solid organ transplant recipients across European centers in the time of molecular diagnostics: An ESGICH survey

Background: Scant information is available about how transplant centers are managing their use of quantitative molecular testing (QNAT) assays for active cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection monitoring in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. The current study was aimed at gathering information on current practices in the management of CMV infection across European centers in the era of molecular testing assays. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey study was conducted by the European Study Group of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts (ESGICH) of the Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID). The invitation and a weekly reminder with a personal link to an Internet service provider (https://es.surveymonkey.com/) was sent to transplant physicians, transplant infectious diseases specialists, and clinical virologists working at 340 European transplant centers. Results: Of the 1181 specialists surveyed, a total of 173 responded (14.8%): 73 transplant physicians, 57 transplant infectious diseases specialists, and 43 virologists from 173 institutions located at 23 different countries. The majority of centers used QNAT assays for active CMV infection monitoring. Most centers preferred commercially available real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays over laboratory-developed procedures for quantifying CMV DNA load in whole blood or plasma. Use of a wide variety of DNA extraction platforms and RT-PCR assays was reported. All programs used antiviral prophylaxis, preemptive therapy, or both, according to current guidelines. However, the centers used different criteria for starting preemptive antiviral treatment, for monitoring systemic CMV DNA load, and for requesting genotypic assays to detect emerging CMV-resistant variants. Conclusions: Significant variation in CMV infection management in SOT recipients still remains across European centers in the era of molecular testing. International multicenter studies are required to achieve commutability of CMV testing and antiviral management procedures