Melatonin action on luteal - granulosa cells in women with marital infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization

Introduction of the subject: Melatonin is a hormone related to the light-dark cycle and it plays an influential role in the reproductive system. In humans, researchers have shown there is three times more melatonin in follicular fluid than in the blood flow, suggesting the influence of the hormone on follicular maturation. However, little is known about melatonin action on granulosa cells in women with infertility, especially the molecular mechanisms involved. We are, therefore, conducting this study to evaluate melatonin action pathways in granulosa cells in the ovaries of women with infertility. To achieve our aim, we will use molecular biology, involving diverse signaling pathways, such as angiogenesis. Objective(s): to analyze melatonin action on luteal - granulosa cells in women with marital infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization. Methodology: For this, 68 patients, aged between 20 and 35 years, attended at the Human Reproduction Sector of the Federal University of São Paulo, were submitted to in vitro fertilization treatment. After all preparatory procedures were performed, luteal granulosa cells were removed and routed to the cell culture. The cells were divided into four groups: a) control; b) 0.1 μM melatonin; c) 1 μM melatonin; d) melatonin at 10μM. After a period of 10 days, the cells were trypsinized for extraction of the total RNA and later analysis of the gene expression by Real Time PCR of the angiogenesis signaling pathway. Results: Our data evaluated 96 genes, which are related to the angiogenesis pathway. The results of transcriptional expression showed important genes involved in this pathway that are hypo or hyperexpressed after treatment with melatonin. The main hyperexpressed genes were: fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) genes; interleukin 1-beta (IL1B); receptor tyrosine kinase (VEGFR-2); folliculogenesis regulating genes (TGFB1). They act in the dynamics of follicular growth. On the other hand, the genes inducing factor 1-alpha (HIF1A), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) melatonin decreased its expression. Discussion and conclusion of the results: It is concluded that melatonin in high concentration (above 1 μM) may have dual function in increasing the expression of some growth factors and cytokines, in the decrease of other genes and mechanism of physiological compensation and also modulates negative angiogenesis, mainly in the dose (10 uM) of granulosa cells from women submitted to in vitro fertilization. Perhaps this fact is important for adequate follicular growth, avoiding excessive growth, which could turn the follicle into cyst, making ovulation difficult.Keywords: Melatonin; Granulosa cells; Women; Marital infertility; In vitro fertilization

Adolescents’ knowledge of HPV and sexually transmitted infections at public high schools in São Paulo: A cross-sectional study

Purpose: To assess the knowledge of students from public high schools in poor communities about HPV and Sexually Transmitted Infections and their attitude towards and prevention of such diseases. Patients and methods: Cross-sectional study with adolescents from public schools of São Paulo – Brazil. Participants were selected for an interview by a randomization program. A questionnaire about knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices regarding STIs, including HPV, according to sex was administered and answers were analyzed by the Poisson regression model with robust variance. Results: Median age of the 269 participants was 16 years. The majority was of African descent (68.8%, n = 185), most (74%, n = 199) were religious and the vast majority (90.7%, n = 244) lived with their parents. The Poisson regression revealed statistically significant sex-related differences regarding the following questions: “Do you know how it is prevented?” (PR = 1.12 [1.03‒1.23], p = 0.007); “Have you ever been concerned with HPV?” (PR = 1.10 [1.02‒1.19], p = 0.011); “Have you ever sought health care due to concerns about HPV?” (PR = 1.09 [1.04‒1.14], p < 0.001); “Do you know what a Pap Smear is?” (PR = 1.24 [1.13‒1.36], p < 0.001); “Do you know what the cervix is?” (PR = 1.23 [1.13‒1.34], p < 0.001); “Do you know what cervical cancer is?” (PR = 1.13 [1.04‒1.22], p = 0.004). Conclusions: The present results show that adolescents from public schools in poor communities in São Paulo City know little about HPV and cervical cancer. Male adolescents know less than female adolescents and are less concerned with health care