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ABSTRACT: To evaluate whether parameters for calcium metabolism were associated with characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
A prospective cohort study.
Ninety-one anovulatory, infertile women with PCOS patients underwent clomiphene citrate (CC) stimulation. Main outcome measures were parathyroid hormone (PTH); 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3); serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, albumin, and total protein; the serum calcium-phosphorus product; LH; FSH; sexual hormone binding globulin; testosterone; and androstenedione.
PTH correlated inversely with serum calcium (r=-0.235; P=0.004) and 25OHD3 (r=-0.664; P<0.001), whereas positive correlations were found between PTH and body mass index (BMI; r=0.270; P=0.010) and between PTH and testosterone (r=0.347; P=0.001). After stimulation with 50 mg CC, 57.1% (52/91) developed a follicle, whereas 26.4% (24/91) became pregnant. In a multivariate model to predict both follicle development and pregnancy, BMI and 25OHD3 deficiency were significant predictive parameters.
25OHD3 deficiency was an independent predictive parameter of CC stimulation outcome, in terms of follicle development and pregnancy. Our results suggest a substantial role of vitamin D in PCOS and infertility treatment in these patients.
European Journal of Endocrinology 02/2012; 166(5):897-902. · 3.42 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To establish the prevalence of endometriosis metastatic to pelvic sentinel lymph nodes (PSLN) in women with ovarian and/or peritoneal endometriosis.
Prospective clinical study.
Academic research institution.
Women with a laparoscopic diagnosis of ovarian and/or peritoneal endometriosis verified by intraoperative frozen section analysis.
Resection of endometriotic lesions and PSLN after cervical blue dye injection.
Histologic analysis of PSLN for the presence of endometriosis and immunohistochemical analysis of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), cytokeratin (CK), and CD-10 expression.
The study enrolled 26 women with suspected endometriosis; endometriosis was confirmed in 23 women, and a PSLN was identified in 19 women. A total of 37 (right side: 20; left side: 17) lymph nodes were removed. The prevalence of endometriotic lesions in PSLN was 11% (2 of 19). Both lesions were positive for ER, PR, CK, and CD-10. Isolated endometriotic-like cells (IELCs) staining positive for ER and PR were identified in the peripheral sinus of 16 (80%) of 20 and 14 (70%) of 20 PSLN, respectively. All IELCs lacked CK staining, whereas CD-10 staining was present in 16 (80%) of 20 cases, indicating a stromal origin of IELCs. Intraoperative and/or postoperative complications were observed in 1 (5%) of 19 women.
Spread of IELCs to PSLN is common in ovarian and/or peritoneal endometriosis. Metastatic lesions in PSLN are present in 11% of women. Further studies to evaluate the prognostic and predictive value of endometriotic spread to PSLN are warranted.
Fertility and sterility 09/2011; 96(3):692-6. · 3.97 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Recent studies showed that hormones like progesterone, testosterone, etc. can eject [Formula: see text] (solvated electrons). By means of electron transfer processes via the brain, the hormones communicate with other biological systems in the organism. The present study proves that also estrone is able to emit electrons. Their yield strongly depends on the concentration of the hormone, temperature and on the absorbed energy. The metabolites resulting from this process are likewise able to generate electrons, however with much smaller yields. The formation of the estrone metabolites is studied by HPLC-analyses. In vitro experiments with MCF-7 cells demonstrate the distinct effect of progesterone on the carcinogenity of estrone metabolites. Probable reaction mechanisms for explanation of the observed effects are postulated.
Gynecological Endocrinology 07/2011; 27(7):496-503. · 1.58 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To establish an association between the number of oocytes retrieved after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and saliva cortisol (F) levels, as well as subjective stress, in women undergoing their first IVF cycle.
Prospective clinical study.
Academic research institution.
Women with primary or secondary infertility undergoing IVF.
Fertility problem inventory (FPI) questionnaire and measurement of morning and evening saliva F by RIA.
Number of oocytes and stress, defined as low morning F and/or a positive FPI result.
Eighty-three women provided saliva specimens, 66 of whom also filled in the FPI. The median number of oocytes was 8.4 (range 0-26). A state of stress was observed in 38/83 (46%) women. The mean number of oocytes was not significantly different between women with and without stress (7.3 ± 4.3 vs. 8.9 ± 6.9, respectively). In a multivariate analysis, stress (odds ratio 2.6; 95% confidence interval 0.03-225.7) and morning F (odds ratio 0.9; 95% confidence interval 0.6-1.3) were not significantly associated with the number of oocytes. There were no statistically significant correlations between F concentrations, FPI results, and age, number of poor responders, live birth rate, and clinical pregnancy rate (PR).
Stress, as measured by saliva F and the FPI questionnaire, does not negatively impact the effectiveness of COH and is not associated with a reduced number of oocytes.
Fertility and sterility 05/2011; 96(1):69-72. · 3.97 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Cross-sex hormone therapy (CSHT) is known to lead to alterations in the serum lipid profile. However, the available reports in the literature are problematic, because of methodological limitations.
To assess changes in the fasting serum lipid profile during CSHT, including long-term follow-up.
Retrospective chart analysis of all 89 male-to-female (MtF) and 80 female-to-male (FtM) transsexuals who underwent standard CSHT at the Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology of the Medical University of Vienna (university hospital, tertiary care center), from 1995 to 2009.
The results of the lipid profile were analyzed, including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and the TC-to-HDL ratio, at the time of treatment initiation (time point "0") and at 3, 12, 24, and 60 months after the start of CSHT.
The mean age of patients about to commence CSHT was 35.7 ± 11.4 years (MtF) and 26.0 ± 6.3 years (FtM). For MtF transsexuals, consistent follow-up for 24 and 60 months was available in 83 (93.3%) and 58 (65.2%) patients, respectively; for FtM transsexuals, follow-up was available in 57 (71.3%) and 39 (48.8%) patients, respectively. When testing for an association between the lipid parameters and the time after treatment initiation, significant increases for TG (P < 0.001), TC (P = 0.021), and HDL (P = 0.001) were found for MtF transsexuals, whereas TG, TC, and LDL (P < 0.001) increased and HDL (P < 0.001) decreased in FtM patients.
Both MtF and FtM transsexuals experience alterations in the serum lipid profile because of CSHT, with the changes in FtM patients possibly more relevant in terms of atherogenesis.
Journal of Sexual Medicine 05/2011; 8(8):2361-9. · 3.55 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of our study was to review our experience with a modified technique of laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) using a monopolar hook electrode. We retrospectively included 38 clomiphene-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing LOD. A laparoscopic monopolar hook electrode was used to make three to six incisions in the ovarian capsule. It resulted in a rate of spontaneous ovulation of 75.8%, an overall one-year pregnancy rate of 80.6% and a subsequent live birth rate of 67.7%. We consider our LOD technique using the monopolar hook electrode practicable. Whether it leads to a more extensive destruction of the ovarian capsule and thereby of the ovarian reserve remains open.
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica 02/2011; 90(5):547-50. · 1.77 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is a common disease, and is the most prevalent cause of hypothyroidism. Symptoms and diseases associated with HT are considered to be caused by hypothyroidism. We hypothesized that higher antithyroperoxidase (anti-TPO) antibody levels would be associated with an increased symptom load and a decreased quality of life in a female euthyroid patient collective.
In a prospective cohort study 426 consecutive euthyroid female patients undergoing thyroid surgery for benign thyroid disease were included. Main outcome measures were preoperative anti-TPO levels, a symptom questionnaire and the SF-36 questionnaire, and lymphocytic infiltration of the thyroid tissue as evaluated by histology.
Histology revealed HT in 28/426 (6.6%) subjects. To maximize the sum of the predictive values, a cut-off point for anti-TPO of 121.0 IU/mL was calculated (sensitivity 93.3% [95% confidence interval: 77.9%-99.0%]; specificity 94.7% [95% confidence interval: 92.0%-96.7%]) to predict the presence of histological signs of HT. The mean number of reported symptoms was significantly higher in patients with anti-TPO levels >121.0 IU/mL than in the other group (6.7 ± 2.5 vs. 4.1 ± 2.8; p < 0.001). There were no differences in preoperative thyroid-stimulating hormone levels (1.7 ± 1.3 vs. 1.5 ± 1.4 μU/mL, respectively; p = 0.155). Chronic fatigue, dry hair, chronic irritability, chronic nervousness, a history of breast cancer and early miscarriage, and lower quality-of-life levels were significantly associated with anti-TPO levels exceeding the cut-off point (p < 0.05).
Women with HT suffer from a high symptom load. Hypothyroidism is only a contributing factor to the development of associated conditions.
Thyroid: official journal of the American Thyroid Association 02/2011; 21(2):161-7. · 2.60 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To compare laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) with and without bipolar vessel sealing (BVS) using the LigaSure™ device by meanings of intra- and postoperative course.
In a retrospective case-control study 362 female patients (mean age 54.3 ± 9.5 years) were included who underwent LAVH with (n = 252) and without (n = 110) use of BVS. Intra- and postoperative courses and adverse events were evaluated.
A shorter mean operating time was found for LAVH with the use of BVS (65.28 ± 16.33 min) when compared with LAVH without the use of BVS (83.73 ± 21.53 min, P < 0.005). The mean postoperative stay did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05); 15 out of 251 (6.0%) patients were found to have adverse events during or after LAVH with the use of BVS in contrast to 16 out of 110 (14.5%) patients during or after LAVH without the use of BVS (P < 0.05). Following the use of BVS significantly less patients reported postoperative pain for more than 7 days after the operation in contrast to the use of sutures (0/251 [0%] vs. 3/110 [2.7%], respectively, P < 0.05).
The use of LigaSure™ is effective in decreasing operating time, the overall complication rate and postoperative pain.
Archives of Gynecology 01/2011; 283(1):91-5. · 0.91 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In infertile women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies values exceeding the upper level of normal were found in significantly more clomiphene citrate resistant patients compared clomiphene citrate responders and metformin responders. Thus, elevated antiTPO levels are associated with poor treatment response in infertile women who suffer from PCOS.
Fertility and sterility 12/2010; 94(7):2895-7. · 3.97 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To evaluate gene expression signatures of breast tissue in female-to-male (FtM) transsexuals under cross-sex hormone therapy (HT).
Prospective cohort study.
Academic research institution.
Five hormone-naïve FtM transsexuals before and after HT.
Breast tissue biopsy before and after 2 years of intramuscular testosterone undecanoate (1,000 mg every 12 wk) and oral lynestrenole (5 mg daily), and gene signature analysis by global gene expression array covering 28,869 genes.
Differential regulation of specific genes and gene expression signatures.
We identified 2,250 differentially expressed probe sets. One hundred twenty probe sets showed >2-fold change, of which 77 (64.2%) were up-regulated and 43 (35.8%) down-regulated. Genes involved in transcription were most overrepresented, with 43 out of 97 (44.3%) annotated probes, e.g., the transcription factor complex activator protein 1, including all three Jun genes (c-Jun, JunB, and JunD), two Fos genes (c-Fos and FosB), and activating transcription factor 3. In a Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery analysis of the 2,007 down-regulated probe sets, proteins of the ribosome pathway and of two pathways involved in protein degradation, i.e., proteasome- and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, were significantly down-regulated. We identified eight breast cancer-associated gene expression signatures significantly overlapping with differentially regulated probe sets after cross-sex HT.
Cross-sex HT in FtM transsexuals leads to the up-regulation and down-regulation of 243 and 2,007 distinct genes, respectively, and is associated with breast cancer-related gene expression signatures.
Fertility and sterility 12/2010; 94(7):2688-96. · 3.97 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To critically review our experience with the method of laparoscopic ovarian tissue harvesting for ovarian cryopreservation.
In a retrospective cohort study 85 patients undergoing surgery for cryopreservation of ovarian tissue were included. One random ovarian cortical slice was histologically examined in order to determine the presence of primordial follicles and to detect possible malignant cells. Selective microbiological culture techniques from swabs were taken from all slices immediately after excision. Intra- and postoperative courses, histological and microbiological findings were evaluated.
Eighty-five patients underwent cryopreservation of ovarian tissue, mostly for malignant diseases (78/85, 91.8%). Sixty patients (70.6%) underwent laparoscopy for ovarian tissue harvesting only, without any additional surgical procedure. The median operating time was 30 min (range 10-75 min). The intraoperative course was uneventful in these patients. In two patients slight postoperative increases in C-reactive protein levels were found. Microbiological examination revealed no contamination apart from one case revealing sporadic Propionibacterium acnes. Histological examination revealed intact ovarian tissue with primordial follicles in 81/85 patients (95.3%).
Laparoscopy is a safe and effective procedure for ovarian tissue harvesting. We suggest microbiological and histological testing of ovarian tissue as mandatory tools to guarantee safety regarding ovarian tissue transplantation.
European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology 09/2010; 152(1):68-72. · 1.97 Impact Factor
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Gernot Hudelist,
Ambros Huber,
Michael Auer,
Martin Knöfler,
Leila Saleh,
Christian Hrachowitz, Johannes C Huber,
Ernst Kubista,
Mahmood Manavi,
Martin Bilban,
Christian F Singer
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ABSTRACT: Preliminary studies have shown that systemic beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (betaHCG) therapy alleviates endometriosis-related chronic pelvic pain. The underlying mechanism, however, is completely unknown. This study has investigated the dose-dependent alterations in the overall gene expression profile of endometriosis-derived stromal cells under increasing concentrations of betaHCG by using the Affymetrix GeneChip U133 Set. It has been previously shown that betaHCG concentrations of 0.1U/ml and higher lead to a significant and dose-dependent increase in the expression of 68 genes. This study reports on a cluster analysis which identified three clusters of genes with a comparable expression pattern in response to increasing concentrations of betaHCG. Most of the up-regulated genes encoded proteins that are involved in cell adhesion, intercellular communication, extracellular matrix remodelling, apoptosis and inflammation. Stromal monocultures from eight patients, treated with and without 50U/ml of betaHCG, were then incubated and real-time polymerase chain reaction for the highly up-regulated genes PAI2, DUSP6, PLAU and MMP1 performed in order to validate the cDNA array findings in patients with endometriosis. Taken together, this study shows that betaHCG induces dose-dependent characteristic response clusters in the gene expression profile of stromal cells obtained from endometriotic lesions which could explain the differential biological responses of betaHCG in endometriosis.
Reproductive biomedicine online 05/2010; 20(5):699-706. · 2.04 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Sex reassignment surgery is an important step for transsexuals, since it is known to help the patients to live more easily in their gender role and to significantly increase quality of life.
To critically evaluate our experience with the combined procedure of hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and bilateral mastectomy for female-to-male (FtM) transsexual patients.
Thirty-two FtM transsexuals who underwent hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and bilateral mastectomy in one single operative setting.
Operating time and complications, both intra-and postoperatively.
Patients were 30.0 ± 5.8 years of age, with a body mass index of 24.8 ± 3.5 kg/m(2). The majority of patients underwent hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy by laparoscopy (31/32, 96.9%). The median operating time was 222.5 minutes (inter-quartile range [IQR] 190-270 minutes). The median postoperative stay was eight days (IQR, 7-9 days). Postoperative adverse events were found in five patients (15.6%), including breast hematomas as the most frequent complication (4/32, 12.5%). In one patient (1/32; 3.1%), conversion from laparoscopy to laparotomy was necessary, which was considered an adverse event. None of our patients required reoperation or readmission to the hospital.
Combined hysterectomy/salpingo-oophorectomy, and bilateral mastectomy in a single operating session seems a safe, feasible, and valuable procedure for FtM transsexuals.
Journal of Sexual Medicine 03/2010; 7(6):2130-8. · 3.55 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Ovarian stimulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) increases the risk for perinatal complications. Ovulation induction by laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) might improve the overall pregnancy outcomes. The aim of our study was to assess the adverse events or effects on pregnancy of LOD and clomiphene citrate (CC) stimulation in patients who received metformin.
Setting: Academic research institution. We retrospectively analyzed the courses of 40 spontaneous pregnancies after LOD for CC-resistance, 40 pregnancies after CC stimulation, and 40 pregnancies after metformin treatment alone. Patients in the LOD and the CC groups had been pre-treated with Metformin. Primary outcome parameters were: the rate of multiple pregnancies; the rate of early pregnancy losses/miscarriages; the development of gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and preeclampsia/HELLP-syndrome; premature delivery; and birth weight.
The rate of twin pregnancies did not differ between the CC group (12.5%), the LOD group (7.5%), and the metformin only group (2.5%, p=0.239). Seventeen women suffered an early miscarriage. There were no differences with regard to the rates of gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, and preterm delivery. By analyzing all pregnancy complications together, the overall pregnancy complication rate was highest in the CC group (70.0%, 28/40), followed by the LOD group (45.0%, 18/40), and the metformin only group (47.5%, 19/40; p=0.047).
CC, but not LOD, increases the complication rate in pregnant patients who received metformin.
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 01/2010; 8:45. · 2.05 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Initial publications examining the hereditary aspects of endometriosis appeared in the early seventies and demonstrated an up to seven-fold risk for endometriosis in first-degree relatives of endometriosis patients. The aim was to evaluate the influence of hereditary aspects on the endometriosis risk in our patient collective.
In a retrospective cohort study we evaluated the incidence of endometriosis among first-, second-, and third-degree relatives of endometriosis patients and compare it with its incidence among first-, second-, and third-degree relatives of patients without endometriosis.
Eighty patients in whom endometriosis had been confirmed laparoscopically and histologically by biopsy and 60 patients in whom no endometriosis had been found during laparoscopy were given a questionnaire about the presence of symptoms associated with endometriosis and its family incidence. Patients of both the endometriosis and the control group were 37.7 +/- 6.2 and 45.9 +/- 12.0 years of age at the time of the interview, respectively (p < 0.05). Information about the presence of endometriosis was more readily available for relatives of those in the endometriosis group than for those in the control group (325/749 [43.4%] vs. 239/425 [56.2%], p < 0.05). In 5/136 (3.7%) and 8/134 (6.0%) first-degree relatives of endometriosis patients and the control group, respectively, information about the presence of endometriosis was not available (p = 0.554). Endometriosis was found in 8/136 (5.9%) first-degree relatives of patients and in 4/134 (3.0%) first-degree relatives of controls in the real-case analysis (p = 0.248). When comparing endometriosis characteristics between endometriosis patients with and without a history of familial endometriosis, no significant differences were found.
There is a trend toward an increased familial incidence of endometriosis. In contrast to the literature, we found a less dramatic increase in familial risk for the development of endometriosis.
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 01/2010; 8:85. · 2.05 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Septate uterus, one of the most common forms of congenital uterine malformations, negatively affects female reproductive health.
In a retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the reproductive outcome after hysteroscopic septoplasty in 64 women with septate uterus and primary or secondary infertility. We performed a systematic review of studies evaluating the reproductive outcome after hysteroscopic septoplasty.
Sixty-four women underwent hysteroscopic septoplasty. In 2/64 (3%) women, intraoperative uterine perforation occurred. Complete follow-up was available for 49/64 (76%) patients. Mean follow-up time was 68.6+/-5.2 months. The overall pregnancy rate after hysteroscopic septoplasty was 69% (34/49). The overall life birth rate (LBR) was 49% (24/49). The mean time interval between surgery and the first life birth was 35.8+/-22.5 months. Including our own data, we identified 18 studies investigating the effect of septoplasty on reproductive outcome in 1501 women. A pooled analysis demonstrated that hysteroscopic septoplasty resulted in an overall pregnancy rate of 60% (892/1501) and a LBR of 45% (686/1501). The overall rate of intra- and postoperative complications was 1.7% (23/1324) and the overall rate of re-hysteroscopy was 6% (79/1324).
In women with septate uterus and a history of infertility, hysteroscopic septoplasty is a safe and effective procedure resulting in a pregnancy rate of 60% and a LBR of 45%.
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 01/2010; 8:52. · 2.05 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The stem cell marker Octamer-4 (OCT-4) is expressed in human endometrium. Menstrual cycle-dependency of OCT-4 expression has not been investigated to date.
In a prospective, single center cohort study of 98 women undergoing hysteroscopy during the follicular (n = 49) and the luteal (n = 40) phases of the menstrual cycle, we obtained endometrial samples. Specimens were investigated for OCT-4 expression on the mRNA and protein levels using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Expression of OCT-4 was correlated to menstrual cycle phase.
Of 89 women sampled, 49 were in the follicular phase and 40 were in the luteal phase. OCT-4 mRNA was detected in all samples. Increased OCT-4 mRNA levels in the follicular and luteal phases was found in 35/49 (71%) and 27/40 (68%) of women, respectively (p = 0.9). Increased expression of OCT-4 protein was identified in 56/89 (63%) samples. Increased expression of OCT-4 protein in the follicular and luteal phases was found in 33/49 (67%) and 23/40 (58%) of women, respectively (p = 0.5).
On the mRNA and protein levels, OCT-4 is not differentially expressed during the menstrual cycle. Endometrial OCT-4 is not involved in or modulated by hormone-induced cyclical changes of the endometrium.
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 01/2010; 8:38. · 2.05 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A unique feature of steroids is their capacity for metamorphosis. Steroid hormones can be transformed into various metabolites
exerting diverse effects. Converted steroids can be inactive, result in excretion of the steroid, occupy different receptors,
and sometimes even show antagonistic effects to the precursor. This phenomenon is well documented for progesterone, androgens,
and estrogen.
12/2009: pages 285-314;
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ABSTRACT: Phytoestrogens are widely used by postmenopausal women for the treatment of the climacteric syndrome. The risk of adverse effects of this treatment, however, is unknown.
Using a fixed-effects model, we performed a meta-analysis of side effects comparing phytoestrogen treatment with placebo or no treatment in randomized controlled trials.
We identified 174 randomized controlled trials. Side effects were reported in 92/174 randomized controlled trials with 9629 participants. The overall incidence of side effects in the phytoestrogen and control groups was 2019/5502 (36.7%) and 1824/4806 (38.0%), respectively (P=.2; incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95-1.08). Comparing various side effect categories, we found significantly higher rates of gastrointestinal side effects among phytoestrogen users (P=.003; IRR 1.28; 95% CI, 1.08-1.50). Gynecological (IRR 0.94; 95% CI, 0.74-1.20), musculoskeletal (IRR 1.20; 95% CI, 0.94-1.53), neurological (IRR 0.91; 95% CI, 0.70-1.19), and unspecific side effects (IRR 0.95; 95% CI, 0.88-1.03) were not significantly different between groups. Within side effect categories, we found no significantly higher rates of side effects in women using phytoestrogens. Specifically, the rates of hormone-related side effects such as endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, and breast cancer were not significantly different between groups.
Based on the available evidence, phytoestrogen supplements have a safe side-effect profile with moderately elevated rates of gastrointestinal side effects. Rates of vaginal bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, and breast cancer were not significantly increased among phytoestrogen users in the investigated studies.
The American journal of medicine 10/2009; 122(10):939-46.e9. · 4.47 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: 4-Hydroxyestrone (4-OHE(1)), a typical cancer-inducing metabolite, originating from 17beta-estradiol (17beta-E2), was chosen as a model for the studies. The aim was to get a deeper insight in the mechanisms of its ability to initiate cancer. It was found, that 4-OHE(1) can eject electrons (e(aq)(-)), when excited in the singlet state by monochromatic UV-light (lambda=254 nm) in polar media (water:ethanol=40:60 vol.%). The quantum yield Q(e(aq)(-)), determined for various 4-OHE(1) concentrations, is found to be as high as that previously observed for 17beta-E2. It decreases with increasing substrate concentration, but it is enhanced at higher temperature. The ability of 4-OHE(1) to eject as well as to consume and to transfer electrons to other biological systems, classifies it as an electron mediator, similar to 17beta-E2. The 4-OHE(1) transients resulting of the electron emission process are leading to the formation of secondary metabolites. Surprisingly, it was established that the secondary metabolites possess likewise the ability to eject as well as to consume electrons. Hence, they behave similar like 17beta-E2. However, the structure of the secondary formed metabolites, which determinates their biological properties and carcinogenity, depends on the nature of the available reaction partners involved in their formation. A probable reaction mechanism explaining the subject matter is discussed.
Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology 10/2009; 98(1):20-4. · 1.87 Impact Factor
