Matrix metalloproteinase-9 increases and Interleukin-10 reduces with increase in body mass index in polycystic ovary syndrome: A cross-sectional study

Background: Obesity, inflammation and alterations in matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and nitric oxide (NO) levels are involved in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Objective: To investigate the relationship of MMP-9, NO and interleukin-10 (IL-10) with the increase in body mass index (BMI) in women with PCOS. Materials and Methods: Sixty two infertile PCOS women were included in the study. Serum levels of NO, IL-10 and MMP-9 were assessed in the women with increase in BMI. Results: MMP-9 was significantly increased (p = 0.029) and IL-10 (p = 0.015) was significantly reduced in obese PCOS subjects compared to those with lesser BMI. MMP- 9 levels positively correlated with the duration of infertility (r = 0.253, p = 0.047) and negatively correlated with NO levels (r = - 0.259, p = 0.042). A significant negative correlation between the interleukin-10 levels and the BMI (r = - 0.272, p = 0.033) was also found in the PCOS subjects. Conclusion: MMP-9 levels are increased in obese PCOS women and it is associated with NO levels and the duration of infertility. Key words: Body mass index, Interleukin-10, Nitric oxide, Matrix metalloproteinase-9

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 is elevated and related to interleukin-17 and psychological stress in male infertility: A cross-sectional study

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), interleukin-17 (IL-17) and psychological stress are known to play a role in the pathogenesis of male infertility. Objective: To assess the association of MMP-9 with IL-17 and psychological stress in infertile men. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 39 men with infertility diagnosed based on semen analysis and 39 subjects with normal semen analysis were included in the study. MMP-9 and IL-17 were estimated in both groups by ELISA. Perceived stress scale was used to assess psychological stress in controls and cases. Results: In infertile cases, MMP-9 and IL-17 were significantly increased when compared with controls (p = 0.046, p = 0.041 respectively). A significant association of MMP-9 was observed with IL-17 (r = 0.335, p = 0.037) and perceived stress scale (r = 0.329, p = 0.041). Conclusion: IL-17 and stress increase MMP- 9 levels in infertile men. Key words: Infertility, Interleukins, Peptide hydrolase

Assessment of metabolic syndrome in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome in a rural population of South India: A crosssectional study

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is known to be associated with metabolic syndrome (MS). It is characterised by insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, obesity and hypertension. Data related to MS in infertile women with PCOS are limited in Indian populations. Objective: This study aims to compare the prevalence of MS in infertile women with and without PCOS in a rural population in South India. Materials and Methods: 130 women with PCOS and 130 women without PCOS were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. A detailed history was taken and a physical examination was done for all women. Anthropometric parameters, a glucose tolerance test, fasting glucose / insulin levels, trigylcerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood pressure were assessed in all participants. The International Diabetes Federation criteria were applied for assessment of MS. Results: MS was more prevalent in infertile women with PCOS (42.3%) compared to women without PCOS (19.3%). 56.9% of women with PCOS had low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, 46.2% had high triglycerides, 71.5% had a high waist circumference, 31.5% had high blood pressure and 37.7% had high blood glucose levels. 26.0% of the women with PCOS had a healthy weight, and MS was seen in 6.9% of these women. Conclusion: The prevalence of MS was higher in women with PCOS in comparison to women without PCOS. Among the women with PCOS, the prevalence of MS increased with age (> 27 yr), body mass index and waist circumference (71.5%), and even healthy women with PCOS contributed to 7% of MS. Hence it becomes necessary to screen all women with PCOS for metabolic profile risk factors at young age itself to prevent long term cardiovascular complications. Key words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Metabolic syndrome, Hyperandrogenism, Hormones

Association of receptor expression with prostate volume in benign prostatic hyperplasia

Background: The expression of androgen (AR) and estrogen receptors (ER-A, ER-B) in Prostate cancer is well documented, but there are limited data about the same in patients with BPH. Hence the present study was designed to analyse the gene and protein expression of androgen and estrogen receptors in patients with BPH. Materials and Methods: Prostatic tissues were obtained from 27 BPH patients aged between 55 to 85 years by transurethral resection of prostate. Based on prostate volume, BPH patients were divided into two groups, Group A (≤30mL) and Group B (>30mL). The mRNA and protein expression of AR, ER-A and B were assessed by Quantitative real time PCR, Western blotting and Immunohistochemistry. Results: AR gene (P < 0.05) and protein expression (P = 0.03) and ER-A gene (P < 0.05) and protein expression (P = 0.02) was significantly higher in BPH patients with larger prostate size compared to smaller prostate size. Immunohistochemistry showed that AR expression was predominate in ductal cells of larger volume prostate tissues while AR expression in stromal tissue was the dominant finding in patients with smaller prostate size. Also serum estradiol was significantly increased in patients with larger prostate size (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Androgen and Estrogen receptor expression increases with increase in prostate volume in BPH cases

Assessment of vascular function in complete glycaemic spectrum

Purpose: The present study was conceived to delineate the point of vascular dysfunction along the glycemic spectrum (normoglycemic individuals with no family history of diabetes, normoglycemic individuals with family history of diabetes, prediabetic individuals, and diabetic individuals). Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional comparative study, we enrolled 252 participants of both gender in the age group of 30–50 years. They were classified based on their family history of diabetes and glycemic status into four groups along the glycemic spectrum as mentioned above. We measured flow-mediated dilation (FMD) from brachial artery and vascular function biomarkers such as enthothelin-1 (ET-1), von Willbrand Factor (vWF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) to assess the vascular function. The comparison of data between groups were done using One Way ANOVA/Kruskal–Wallis followed by post-hoc analysis using LSD/Mann–Whitney U Test depending on the normality of the data. Spearman correlation was done between vascular function and plasma glucose levels to identify its relationship. Linear regression was carried out to identify the factors influencing the FMD across the glycemic spectrum. Results: We observed that vascular function negatively correlated with blood glucose levels. However, endothelin-1 and vWF derangement was there even in normoglycemic first degree relatives of diabetes (FDRD) and the derangement increased in prediabetes and diabetes. Physiological dysfunction in terms of decreased flow-mediated dilation starts from prediabetes only. VEGF derangement is found only in diabetic individuals. Conclusion: Vascular dysfunction is found even in normoglycemic FDRD and the derangement increased and compounded with the advancement of disease

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 is Elevated and Related to Interleukin-17 and Psychological Stress in Male Infertility: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), interleukin-17 (IL-17) and psychological stress are known to play a role in the pathogenesis of male infertility. Objective: To assess the association of MMP-9 with IL-17 and psychological stress in infertile men. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 39 men with infertility diagnosed based on semen analysis and 39 subjects with normal semen analysis were included in the study. MMP-9 and IL-17 were estimated in both groups by ELISA. Perceived stress scale was used to assess psychological stress in controls and cases. Results: In infertile cases, MMP-9 and IL-17 were significantly increased when compared with controls (p = 0.046, p = 0.041 respectively). A significant association of MMP-9 was observed with IL-17 (r = 0.335, p = 0.037) and perceived stress scale (r = 0.329, p = 0.041). Conclusion: IL-17 and stress increase MMP- 9 levels in infertile men. Key words: Infertility, Interleukins, Peptide hydrolase