Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase expression in endometrial tissue after arterial embolization of myomas

OBJECTIVES: Arterial embolization of myomas (AEM) is controversial because of the changes that occur in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the endometrium and its effect on gestational success in infertile patients desiring reproductive capability. Therefore, we performed this study on the expression of genes in the ECM of the endometrium, such as those coding metalloproteinases (MMP), before and 6 months after embolization of the uterine arteries. METHODS: Seven women with leiomyomas were evaluated, and MMP3 and MMP10 levels were measured. The women underwent pelvic nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), examination, and endometrial biopsy between the 20th and 24th day of the menstrual cycle, and pre- and post-AEM (after 6 months). For data analysis, the Cq comparative method, also known as the 2-DDCT method, was used to calculate the relative quantities of MMP gene expression among the samples collected. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease by 9.52 times in the expression of MMP3 (p=0.007), and a nonsignificant change in the expression of MMP10 (p=0.22) in post-AEM-treated women than pre-AEM-treated women. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that ECM continues to undergo tissue remodeling 6 months after AEM, at least with regard to MMP3 expression, suggesting that AEM affects the ECM for at least 6 months after the procedure

Biotech-Educated Platelets: Beyond Tissue Regeneration 2.0

The increasing discoveries regarding the biology and functions of platelets in the last decade undoubtedly show that these cells are one of the most biotechnological human cells. This review summarizes new advances in platelet biology, functions, and new concepts of biotech-educated platelets that connect advanced biomimetic science to platelet-based additive manufacturing for tissue regeneration. As highly responsive and secretory cells, platelets could be explored to develop solutions that alter injured microenvironments through platelet-based synthetic biomaterials with instructive extracellular cues for morphogenesis in tissue engineering beyond tissue regeneration 2.0

Impacto do estudo urodinâmico em mulheres com incontinência urinária Effect of an urodynamic study on women with urinary incontinence

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a tolerabilidade das pacientes com incontinência urinária submetidas ao estudo urodinâmico (EUD). MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 49 pacientes com queixas do trato urinário inferior submetidas ao estudo urodinâmico. Por meio de um questionário, as pacientes respondiam sobre seus anseios em relação ao exame a que iriam se submeter (medo, vergonha, ansiedade) e a expectativa de dor, por meio de uma escala visual analógica. Imediatamente após o estudo, as mesmas perguntas eram repetidas. Os resultados foram comparados antes e após a realização do EUD. A análise estatística das variáveis contínuas foi feita pelo teste t pareado, e as variáveis qualitativas foram comparadas pelo teste do Qui-quadrado. Fixou-se em 5% a hipótese de nulidade. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi de 49,5 (23-84) anos, sendo que 55% estavam no menacme e 45% na pós-menopausa. O principal sentimento antes do exame foi ansiedade, presente em 28 pacientes. A expectativa de dor foi de 4,29 &plusmn; 3 (antes do exame) e 2,7 &plusmn; 2,9 (após a realização do EUD) (p=0,001). CONCLUSÃO: O EUD apresenta baixa morbidade e desconforto psíquico. A informação prévia ao exame pode diminuir a ansiedade.<br>OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to evaluate tolerance of patients with urinary incontinence undergoing an urodynamic study. METHODS: Forty nine patients with lower urinary tract symptoms submitted to an urodynamic study were evaluated... Prior to and immediately after the procedure each patient completed a self-administered questionnaire about several emotional variables, including anxiety, pain and shame. Answers about pain were given on a visual analog scale. Mean values of continuous variables were compared using a paired t-test, whereas categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test. RESULTS: The mean age was 49.5 (23-84) years. Pain score pre-procedure was 4.29 &plusmn; 3 and after procedure was 2.7 &plusmn; 2.9 (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The urodynamic study is well tolerated by female patients and a low morbidity was found. Previous orientation can decrease anxiety

17 beta-Estradiol and steady-state concentrations of H2O2: antiapoptotic effect in endometrial cells from patients with endometriosis

Increased levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can initiate protective responses to limit or repair oxidative damage. However, H2O2 signals also fine-tune responses to growth factors and cytokines controlling cell division, differentiation, and proliferation. Because 17 beta-estradiol (E-2) also plays important roles in these processes, and is considered a major risk factor in the development and progression of endometriosis, this study evaluated whether E-2 has an antiapoptotic effect on oxidative stress in endometrial cells in combination with steady-state H2O2 levels ([H2O2]ss). Endometrial stromal cells were prepared from the eutopic endometrium of 18 women with and without endometriosis to produce primary cells. These cells were stimulated with E-2 for 20 h, exposed to [H2O2]ss, and examined for cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis. the endometrial cells from women with endometriosis maintained the steady state for 120 min at high H2O2 concentrations. When they were pretreated with E-2 and exposed to [H2O2]ss, a decrease in apoptosis level was observed compared to the control cells (p < 0.01). the endometrial cells from patients with endometriosis subjected to both E-2 and [H2O2]ss showed increased ERK phosphorylation. These findings suggested that H2O2 is a signaling molecule that downregulates apoptosis in endometrial cells, supporting the fact that endometriosis, albeit a benign disease, shares some features with cancer such as decreased catalase levels. These results link the E-2 effects on [H2O2]ss to resistance to apoptosis and progression of endometriosis. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Associacao Beneficente de Coleta de SangueFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Gynecol, BR-04044 São Paulo, BrazilCharitable Assoc Blood Collect, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biochem, BR-04044 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biophys, BR-04044 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Gynecol, BR-04044 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biochem, BR-04044 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biophys, BR-04044 São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc