Evidence for Escherichia coli DcuD carrier dependent FOF1-ATPase activity during fermentation of glycerol

During fermentation Escherichia coli excrete succinate mainly via Dcu family carriers. Current work reveals the total and N,N’-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) inhibited ATPase activity at pH 7.5 and 5.5 in E. coli wild type and dcu mutants upon glycerol fermentation. The overall ATPase activity was highest at pH 7.5 in dcuABCD mutant. In wild type cells 50% of the activity came from the FOF1-ATPase but in dcuD mutant it reached ~80%. K+ (100 mM) stimulate total but not DCCD inhibited ATPase activity 40% and 20% in wild type and dcuD mutant, respectively. 90% of overall ATPase activity was inhibited by DCCD at pH 5.5 only in dcuABC mutant. At pH 7.5 the H+ fluxes in E. coli wild type, dcuD and dcuABCD mutants was similar but in dcuABC triple mutant the H+ flux decreased 1.4 fold reaching 1.15 mM/min when glycerol was supplemented. In succinate assays the H+ flux was higher in the strains where DcuD is absent. No significant differences were determined in wild type and mutants specific growth rate except dcuD strain. Taken together it is suggested that during glycerol fermentation DcuD has impact on H+ fluxes, FOF1-ATPase activity and depends on potassium ions

Restoration of sexual function in patients with kraurosis vulvae

Kraurosis vulvae or vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a non-neoplastic skin disease that affects the female genital area. It is characterized by hypoplastic dystrophy, itching, pain, changes in the vulva appearance, narrowing of the vaginal opening, dysuria and dyschezia. Psychosexual disorders often occur in patients with VLS and can significantly impact their quality of life. In addition, there is a risk of malignization of the process. That is why such patients need timely treatment to prevent the development of a malignant disease, restore the quality of life, maintain the physical and mental status, and correct the sexual dysfunction

Topical issues of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of vulvar and vaginal cancer

Vulvar cancer is a rare malignant tumor with the incidence rate of is 3–8 % of the total incidence of female genital malignant diseases. This disease is the 4th common cause of mortality (after cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers) and accounts for 18.2 % of the total lethal outcomes. The anatomical structure of the external female organs with their extensive lymphatic and vascular networks contribute to the aggressive course, the trend to metastasize and rapid tumor growth. Progress in the timely diagnosis of vulvar and vaginal cancer is directly linked to increased competence and oncological vigilance among general practitioners and healthcare institutions. It is up to the primary care providers to identify women at risk or at the initial stages of cancer, and refer them to specialized medical facilities for further diagnostics and treatment. The high mortality from these diseases may be linked to the late detection and to the suboptimal therapy, which necessitates further research in this area

Background and precancerous processes in the vulva and vagina: etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment

Leukoplakia, kraurosis and pointed condylomas (papillomas) of the vulva represent the group of background benign vulvar diseases. Vulvar and vaginal intraepithelial neoplasms are classified as premalignant conditions. The etiology and pathogenesis of these diseases are not entirely clear due to their complexity. Despite the easy visual assessment of anatomic areas involved in the pathological process, these diseases are rarely diagnosed at an early stage, which might indicate insufficient vigilance of doctors and patients in relation to the early symptoms. Therefore, this field of oncogynecology needs further development ln terms of diagnosisprevention, screening and treatment

Assessing sexual function and vulvovaginal symptoms in young patients with vulvar dystrophy

Aim: to comparatively assess sexual function and intensity of vulvovaginal symptoms in patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus and mixed vulvar dystrophy. Materials and Methods. There were examined 57 patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus and 63 patients with mixed vulvar dystrophy, with mean patient age 35.0 ± 0.6 (18–45) years. Prior to therapy, the study participants completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Vulvovaginal Symptoms Questionnaire (VSQ). Results. Severe sexual dysfunction (FSFI score 2) was detected in 14 % of cases (n = 8) in group 1 (sclerotic lichen vulva) and 17 % (n = 11) in group 2 (mixed dystrophy). Remaining respondents had total score below the normal cut-off. The mean FSFI score for group 1 and 2 was 17.68 and 16.78, respectively. VSQ testing found that most common complaint in both groups was itching (91 and 95 %, respectively). The majority of patients also noted a deteriorated emotional state and disease-related limitations in everyday life. The maximum VSQ score was 20 corresponding to the peak negative disease impact found in 23 % and 37 % patients in group 1 (n = 13) and group 2 (n = 23), respectively. Many patients also noted lack of lubrication most likely associated with discomfort and pain during intercourse, as well as worsened relationship with partner. Conclusion. The vulvar dystrophy negatively affects sexual function in young women. Symptoms typical to such conditions impose marked restrictions on intimate life, relationships and quality of general life. It accounts for why it is important to include questionnaires in the set of measures to assess sexual function and vulvovaginal symptoms both before and after treatment