False increase of serum cancer risk markers in a case of benign uterine bleeding

Co-infection by specific Chlamydia species and Human Papilloma Virus has been associated with genital carcinogenesis. Additionally, modern serum biomarkers and risk algorithms for diagnosis and prognosis have proven their efficacy in patients with ovarian cancer although data on endometrial or cervical malignancies are still sparse. We aim to present an unusual case of serum cancer biomarkers increase in a premenopausal female suffering from recurrent uterine bleeding and genital infection by several pathogens. We further discuss proper utilization of these diagnostic tools in such unusual cases

Sexually transmitted pathogens in fertile and infertile women of reproductive age

Assisted reproductive techniques including in vitro fertilization (IVF) are being used increasingly worldwide and screening for genital tract infections (GTIs) is recommended prior to treatment as their presence may affect the success rate of IVF. The current study aimed to assess the possible associations between GTI-associated factors and reproductive outcome in a group of reproductive age fertile females and infertile females receiving IVF.Τεχνικές υποβοηθούμενης αναπαραγωγής, συμπεριλαμβανομένης και της in vitro γονιμοποίησης (IVF) χρησιμοποιούνται αυξανόμενα παγκοσμίως και ο προγεννητικός έλεγχος για λοιμώξεις του γεννητικού συστήματος συστήνεται πριν την έναρξη της υποβοηθούμενης αναπαραγωγής, καθώς η παρουσία τους επηρεάζει την επιτυχία τους. Η παρούσα μελέτη, προσβλέπει στην συσχέτιση λοιμώξεων του γεννητικού συστήματος και της τελικής έκβασης της υποβοηθούμενης αναπαραγωγικής διαδικασίας, σε γυναίκες αναπαραγωγικής ηλικίας

Prevalence of vaginitis in different age groups among females in Greece

Patients with vaginitis were classified into four groups: Group A (prepubertal under-aged females); Group B (pubertal under-aged females); Group C (reproductive age adult females); Group D (postmenopausal adult females). All vaginal specimens underwent microscopy, amine testing, Gram staining and culturing. Overall, 163 patients were included (33, 14, 81 and 35 patients, respectively). The most common infection was bacterial vaginosis (BV), followed by Ureaplasma infection, aerobic vaginitis (AV) and candidiasis. The most common AV-associated organism was Escherichia coli and the most common BV-associated organism was Gardnerella vaginalis. AV was more frequent in Group A, BV in Group C and Ureaplasma infections in Groups C/D. Decreased lactobacilli concentrations were associated with BV in fertile patients (Groups B–C). Although presentation of vaginitis is similar among females of different age in Greece, type and prevalence of pathogens differ. Normal vaginal flora changes are associated with higher risk of vaginitis in specific age groups.Impact Statement The worldwide incidence of reproductive tract infections has been increasing, with specific pathogens being associated with significant risk of morbidity and complications. However, literature data on the distribution of such infections in different age groups is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide data on the prevalence and causes of vaginitis in adult and non-adult females of all ages. This study has shown that although presentation of vaginitis is similar among females of different age groups and menstrual status in Greece, type and prevalence of responsible pathogens are different among groups. Changes in normal vaginal flora seem to be associated with higher risk of vaginitis in specific age-groups as well. These findings could contribute in adjusting diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for each age group according to the prevailing pathogens. Further research on antibiotic resistance and treatment outcomes for each age group should be conducted

Prevalence of vaginitis in different age groups among females in Greece

Patients with vaginitis were classified into four groups: Group A (prepubertal under-aged females); Group B (pubertal under-aged females); Group C (reproductive age adult females); Group D (postmenopausal adult females). All vaginal specimens underwent microscopy, amine testing, Gram staining and culturing. Overall, 163 patients were included (33, 14, 81 and 35 patients, respectively). The most common infection was bacterial vaginosis (BV), followed by Ureaplasma infection, aerobic vaginitis (AV) and candidiasis. The most common AV-associated organism was Escherichia coli and the most common BV-associated organism was Gardnerella vaginalis. AV was more frequent in Group A, BV in Group C and Ureaplasma infections in Groups C/D. Decreased lactobacilli concentrations were associated with BV in fertile patients (Groups B-C). Although presentation of vaginitis is similar among females of different age in Greece, type and prevalence of pathogens differ. Normal vaginal flora changes are associated with higher risk of vaginitis in specific age groups.Impact StatementThe worldwide incidence of reproductive tract infections has been increasing, with specific pathogens being associated with significant risk of morbidity and complications. However, literature data on the distribution of such infections in different age groups is limited.Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide data on the prevalence and causes of vaginitis in adult and non-adult females of all ages.This study has shown that although presentation of vaginitis is similar among females of different age groups and menstrual status in Greece, type and prevalence of responsible pathogens are different among groups. Changes in normal vaginal flora seem to be associated with higher risk of vaginitis in specific age-groups as well. These findings could contribute in adjusting diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for each age group according to the prevailing pathogens. Further research on antibiotic resistance and treatment outcomes for each age group should be conducted

The role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer: a systematic review

Epigenetics seem to play a primary role in the current research on the pathogenesis of different types of endometrial cancer. Data so far indicate that microRNAs regulate different pathways that could lead to carcinogenesis when not functioning properly. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on microRNAs that have been associated with endometrial cancer development. From July 2014 to August 2014, we conducted a comprehensive research utilizing major online search engines (Pubmed, Crossref, Google Scholar). The main keywords used in our search were endometrial cancer/carcinoma; microRNA; epigenetics; novel biomarkers; pathogenesis. Overall, we identified 155 studies, although only 77 were eligible for this review. Different miRNAs were identified to contribute either promoting the carcinogenesis in the endometrium or inhibiting different steps of endometrial cancer development. Tumour growth, cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion metastasis have been identified as the main processes where miRNAs seem to be implicated. microRNAs are effective regulators of gene expression that has a significant role in the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer. Research concerning possible therapeutic implications has been promising, although there is still a significant distance to be covered between research observations and clinical results. Extensive preclinical and translational research is still required to improve the efficacy and minimize unwanted effects of miRNAs-based therapy