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D Cibula

Publications and source records attributed to D Cibula.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Neuroactive steroids, their precursors and polar conjugates during parturition and postpartum in maternal blood: 2. Time profiles of pregnanolone isomers.

Time profiles of the pregnanolone isomers epipregnanolone (3 beta-hydroxy-5 beta-pregnan-20-one), allopregnanolone (3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one), pregnanolone (3 alpha-hydroxy-5 beta-pregnan-20-one), and isopregnanolone (3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one) were measured around parturition and in the postpartum period in the serum of 13 and three women with subarachnoidal and epidural analgesia, respectively. In addition, the levels of polar conjugates of all pregnanolone isomers were followed during parturition. GC/MS analysis was used for the measurement of steroid levels. Changes in concentrations of free steroids exhibited a similar pattern, with a fall primarily within the first hour after delivery. The decrease in conjugated steroids was shifted to the interval within the first hour and first day after delivery, and the changes were more pronounced. The time profile of the conjugated/free steroid ratio exhibited a significant decrease within the first hour and the first day after delivery in all of the isomers investigated. A decrease was also observed in the ratio of 3 alpha/3 beta-isomers and 5 alpha/5 beta-isomers around parturition. The possible physiological consequences of the findings are indicated.

Adult↗

Does obesity diminish the positive effect of oral contraceptive treatment on hyperandrogenism in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an obvious indication for long-term treatment. Combined oral contraceptives (COC) remain the first choice for the treatment of hyperandrogenism in most patients. However, differences in endocrine and metabolic parameters between obese and lean patients have been postulated. This is the first study evaluating the effect of COC treatment in obese versus non-obese PCOS patients. In total, 28 lean [body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m(2))] and 15 obese (BMI >30 kg/m(2)) women patients were enrolled in the study. The concentrations of androgens, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and lipids were measured before and after 6 months of treatment with COC containing low-androgenic progestins. Clinical androgenic symptoms were monitored. There was a lower concentration of SHBG in obese patients, but there were no differences in androgen concentrations between both groups before the study. Highly significant changes in concentrations of testosterone (P < 0.001), androstenedione (P < 0.0001), SHBG (P < 0.001) and LH (P = 0.01) were demonstrated in lean patients, with only less significant changes in SHBG (P < 0.01) and testosterone (P < 0.05) in obese patients during the study. Clinical androgenic symptoms improved significantly (P = 0.05) only in the group of lean women. No reduction in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio was observed in either group. In conclusion, the positive effect of COC treatment on androgen production, serum androgen binding capacity, and clinical androgenic symptoms was negatively influenced by an increased BMI.

Acne Vulgaris↗

Exploratory biochemical data analysis: a comparison of two sample means and diagnostic displays.

The occurrence of acne in women with hyperandrogenemia is well known; a question remains, however, as to whether a further positive relationship can be detected between the intensity of acne and the levels of testosterone, androgen precursors and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). A procedure of interactive data analysis extracting relevant information from original data was applied. Exploratory data analysis (EDA) identifies basic statistical features and patterns of data using a variety of diagnostic displays. The need for this step is particularly acute in biochemical and clinical data, the distribution of which is mostly non-Gaussian and often corrupted by the outliers. The omission of EDA can lead to incorrect results and false conclusions. In the EDA (i) several graphical tools for summarizing data are applied, (ii) the peculiarities of a sample distribution are investigated, (iii) a construction of distribution is carried out, (iv) a graphical comparison of the sample distribution with selected theoretical distributions is employed. The proposed procedure is illustrated by typical case study in the evaluation of differences between mean values of serum levels of testosterone, androgen precursors and SHBG in a group of patients with mild and severe forms of acne. A knowledge of the interval estimate of the mean value in both groups enables their comparison at the chosen probability level. As will be apparent from the evaluation of inter-group SHBG differences, an incorrect approach to the determination of group mean values could result in a complete misinterpretation of the data. The results indicate that androgens are not significantly related to the intensity of acne, and that SHBG is higher in patients with more severe forms of acne.

Acne Vulgaris↗

The effects of long-term metformin treatment on adrenal and ovarian steroidogenesis in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate adrenal and ovarian steroidogenesis before and after long-term treatment with metformin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty-four women with PCOS were evaluated before and after treatment (27+/-4 weeks) with metformin (1000 mg/day) using adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH), GnRH analogue and oral glucose tolerance (oGTT) tests. For statistical evaluation, ANOVA and Wilcoxon's test were used. RESULTS: In 58% of the women a significant improvement in menstrual cyclicity was observed. No significant change in basal steroid levels was found. After ACTH stimulation, a significant decrease in the activity of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in C(21) steroids (P<0.05) and in 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (P<0.01) was observed, as was an increase in the activity of C17,20-lyase in the Delta(4) pathway (P<0.01). A significant growth in the dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)/DHEA-sulfate ratio (P<0.05) was detected. With regard to ovarian steroidogenesis, a significant decrease in the stimulated levels of testosterone (P<0.05), index of free testosterone (P<0.01), LH (P<0.05) and oestradiol (P<0.01), and an increase in the levels of 17-hydroxypregnenolone (P<0.05) were detected. In the indices of ovarian enzyme activities, we observed a significant decrease in 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in C21 steroids (P<0.01), in C17,20-lyase in the Delta 5 pathway (P<0.01), in 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (P<0.05) and in aromatase. In glucose metabolism, a tendency towards reduction in the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-R (for insulin resistance) and HOMA-F (for beta cell function) was detected. In addition, an increase in the levels of C peptide during oGTT was observed (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term metformin treatment reduced various steroid enzymatic activities both in the ovary and the adrenal glands, without apparent changes in basal steroid levels and in insulin sensitivity.

Adrenal Glands↗

Acute exacerbation of recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease. Laparoscopic findings in 141 women with a clinical diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis of recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and to determine the positive and negative predictive value of laboratory tests for the diagnosis of PID. STUDY DESIGN: According to a prospective study design, 141 consecutively hospitalized patients with the clinical diagnosis of PID were evaluated. The basic inclusion criterion was a history of at least one episode of PID. Standard laboratory tests were performed, specimens for aerobic and anaerobic culture and for Chlamydia trachomatis isolation were obtained, and temperature was regularly monitored. All patients underwent laparoscopy under general anesthesia within 24 hours of admission. RESULTS: The clinical diagnosis of PID was confirmed by laparoscopy in 30% of patients. In almost one-third of patients, at laparoscopy the pelvic organs were within normal limits. Adhesions without signs of PID were found in 16%. The third-most-frequent finding was endometriosis (14%). Neither the individual monitored parameters nor their combination reached satisfactory positive and negative predictive values for diagnosing PID. CONCLUSION: Recurrent clinical symptoms and laboratory signs of PID should be an indication for confirming or excluding the clinical diagnosis by laparoscopy.

Adnexal Diseases↗

[Conservative treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding].

OBJECTIVE OF STUDY: Analysis of contemporary knowledge of conservative treatment of dysfunctional bleeding. DESIGN: Review of literature. SETTING: Gynaecological and Obstetric Clinic, First Medical Faculty Charles University and General Faculty Hospital, Prague. METHOD: Evaluation and review of problem of DUB based on data from the literature. CONCLUSION: The development of new therapeutic surgical methods of uterine bleeding calls for a critical evaluation of a possible conservative approach. A few years ago failure of medicamentous treatment was an indication for hysterectomy. Thus conservative treatment was used very frequently. The development of many endoscopic techniques changed fundamentally the algorithm of treatment in women who do not plan another pregnancy. The article gives a critical account of contemporary knowledge of conservative treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

Female↗

Neuroactive steroids, their precursors, and polar conjugates during parturition and postpartum in maternal and umbilical blood: 1. Identification and simultaneous determination of pregnanolone isomers.

A rapid method for the identification and measurement of four pregnanolone isomers and their polar conjugates in human plasma was developed using a simple quadrupole GC/MS system with electron impact ionization. Steroid levels were measured in the plasma of 13 and three women at delivery with subarachnoidal and epidural analgesia, respectively, and in corresponding samples of umbilical plasma. A good correlation (r=0.94, P<0.001, n=8) was found between the allopregnanolone in maternal plasma determined by GC/MS and that measured by RIA. Epipregnanolone (3beta-hydroxy-5beta-pregnan-20-one) was identified and measured for the first time in human plasma; its concentration in both maternal and umbilical plasma was much lower than that of other pregnanolone isomers. The levels of 3beta-hydroxy-pregnanolone isomers were significantly higher in the umbilical plasma than in the maternal plasma, while the differences in 3alpha-hydroxy-isomers were insignificant. The differences in conjugates were insignificant except in the case of allopregnanolone, the levels of which were lower in umbilical plasma. In all of the pregnanolone isomers, a significantly lower conjugated/unconjugated steroid ratio was found in the umbilical plasma than in the maternal plasma. The possible role of the sulfatation of pregnanolone isomers around parturition is discussed.

Adult↗

The role of androgens in determining acne severity in adult women.

BACKGROUND: Although many arguments have been put forth supporting the role of androgens in the aetiology of acne, their part in determining the severity of the disease is not well established. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between acne severity and the clinical and laboratory markers of androgenicity in a large group of patients. METHODS: Ninety women over 17 years of age with acne were enrolled into the study. The levels of testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured. Menstrual cycle regularity, hirsutism score, acne severity and ultrasound evaluation of polycystic ovaries were recorded. One-way analysis of variance, chi(2)-test and correlation analysis were used for data processing. RESULTS: Hirsutism was documented in 19 (21%) subjects, elevated levels of at least one androgen in 73 (81%) subjects, an irregular cycle was reported by 43 (48%) women, and polycystic ovaries were found in 45 (50%) women. The patients were divided into three groups according to acne severity. Acne was graded using the Leeds technique as minor in 43 (48%) cases, mild in 27 (30%) and moderate in 20 (22%). We did not demonstrate a positive correlation between the grade of acne severity and any of the clinical or laboratory markers of androgenicity assessed. On the contrary, women with a higher grade of acne severity showed lower values of the index of free testosterone, a lower hirsutism score and higher SHBG levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the severity of acne manifestation in adult women is not determined by androgen production.

Acne Vulgaris↗

An analysis of the relationship between insulin resistance and the activity of steroid C17,20-lyase and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in ovaries and adrenals in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is connected with insulin resistance (IR), and often with the hypersecretion of adrenal androgens. Mutual relationships between IR and adrenal and ovarian steroidogenesis were investigated in the group of 19 oligo/amenorhoeic women with PCOS. The age and body mass index (BMI) of the patients were 21+/-4.7 years and 26.4+/-5 kg/m2 (average+/-SD), respectively. All underwent a 60-minute adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test, a gonadoliberin analogue (GnRHa) test with buserelin and an oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. When absolute stimulated steroid levels after GnRHa were studied, a significant positive correlation between DHEA and area under curve during oGTT for C peptide (AUC-CP) (r=0.477, p= 0.039) and a borderline negative correlation (r=-0.404, p= 0.087) between AUC-CP and 17-OH progesterone, were found. Considering steroid values after ACTH, a significant positive correlation of IR index was found only with 17-OH-progesterone (r=0.499, p= 0.03). When stimulated enzymatic activities (expressed as product/ precursor ratios) were analyzed using factor analysis, a positive relationship between IR and ovarian C17,20-lyase in both delta4 and delta5 pathway was revealed. On the other hand, no relationship was confirmed between IR and enzymatic activities in the adrenals. The authors conclude that insulin resistance and/or hyperinsulinemia is probably not the primary factor responsible for the exaggerated adrenal androgen secretion found in a great number of patients with PCOS.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗

Increased risk of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and coronary artery disease in perimenopausal women with a history of the polycystic ovary syndrome.

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease and the risk factors for these diseases in perimenopausal women with a history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treatment. A group of 28 women was selected from a large group of patients who had undergone wedge ovarian resection. A total of 752 controls was selected by age (45-59 years) from a random female population sample. There was no difference between the two groups in body mass index, waist circumference or waist-hip ratio. Both groups were found to have identical family histories of NIDDM, hypertension, and coronary artery disease and identical smoking habits. We did not find a difference between the mean concentrations of lipids and fasting glucose. The two groups did not differ in the proportions of women with elevated lipid concentrations. The prevalence of NIDDM and coronary artery disease was significantly higher in PCOS women. In conclusion, women in the general population have the same level of risk factors at perimenopausal age as PCOS women. Patients with markedly expressed clinical symptoms of PCOS made up a subgroup in the general population at high risk for developing NIDDM and coronary artery disease.

Coronary Disease↗

Towards a public health approach to bioethics.

In this paper we examine the central commitments of bioethical enquiry and reasoning from a public health perspective. We argue that a core element of American national culture is individualism, which resonates in scholarly and popular debates. Our contention is that the habitus of bioethical debate is in large measure animated by an overriding concern with the individual, and the resulting social practice of the community has been to downplay the importance and legitimacy of group-level health care dilemmas. This paper calls for re-focusing of bioethics by employing a public health perspective, which would include a population focus, evidence-based research topics, and engagement of the ethical dilemmas that arise from decisions concerning prevention. Racial and ethnic health disparities throughout the life span of a population in central New York State are used to illustrate the need for a public health focus in bioethics.

Bioethics↗

The best correlation of the new index of hyperandrogenism with the grade of increased body hair.

OBJECTIVE: Hyperandrogenemia is the most frequent endocrine disorder in fertile women causing a variety of negative metabolic disturbances. Establishing the diagnosis of androgen overproduction has important implications for the follow-up and treatment of patients. The aim of our study was to identify the optimal laboratory marker of androgen production by correlating the markers to the presence or grade of increased body hair as a clinical sign of hyperandrogenism. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. METHODS: A total of 62 women with acne were included into the study. The serum concentrations of testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were evaluated. The index of free testosterone (IFT) and a new index of hyperandrogenism (IHA) were calculated. The monitored laboratory markers were correlated to the presence or grade of increased body hair using several statistical methods. RESULTS: The statistical significance of differences between the average levels of laboratory markers between hirsute and non-hirsute women decreased in the following order: IHA, androstenedione and DHEA. Of all the above laboratory markers, only increased IHA was present significantly more often in hirsute women. The significance of correlation between the grade of increased body hair and the tested variables decreased in the following order: IHA, IFT, DHEA, androstenedione, DHEAS and testosterone. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical marker of hyperandrogenism correlates most closely to IHA, reflecting the levels of all commonly determined androgens or androgen precursors and SHBG. Its simple calculation makes IHA a suitable tool for determining total production of androgens in clinical practice, especially in cases with borderline elevations of values.

Acne Vulgaris↗

[Pharmacology of progestins used in oral hormonal contraceptive preparations].

OBJECTIVE: Review of the pharmacology of progestins used in combined oral contraceptives. DESIGN: Review article. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, General Teaching Hospital, Charles University, Prague. CONCLUSION: The author presents a review of pharmacology of progestins used in combined oral contraceptives. He compares important pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of different progestins. The paper includes comparison of the influence of progestins on lipids, carbohydrates, steroid transport capacity and coagulation. The different pharmacology of progestins is an important factor in the process of pill selection.

Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal↗

[Results from the Registry of Complications in Users of Hormonal Contraception in 1998].

OBJECTIVE: To collect data on the use of hormonal contraception in the Czech Republic in 1998. SETTING: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Charles University School of Medicine and General University Hospital Prague. METHODS: A total of 2,134 questionnaires were sent to Czech gynaecologists in spring 1999. A total of 418 answers were processed. RESULTS: The estimated number of users presenting in gynaecologist's offices participating in our project was 237,099 women. The most often prescribed contraceptives were monophasic products (54.38%) containing 30-35 micrograms of ethinyl-estradiol (55.21%) with new progestins (53.8%) (norgestimate, gestoden, desogestrel). Regular follow-up of hormonal contraceptive users included the following examinations/tests: blood count in 8.5% offices, ultrasound examination in 8.0% offices, lipid spectrum in 49.8% offices, blood pressure in 74% offices, colposcopy in 97.6% offices, oncological cytology in 98.4% offices and liver tests in 77.1% gynecologist's offices. Only 10.85% of the gynaecologists did not perform lipid tests, almost 20% gynaecologists measured blood pressure only selectively in some users. 80 cases of cardiovascular disease were diagnosed, a figure consistent with an 0.0325% incidence of users. The most frequent complication was deep venous thrombosis (58 cases). The subgroup of women experiencing a cardiovascular event was not characterized by older age, higher body weight, more frequent smoking, or use of products with a higher oestrogen contents. CONCLUSION: There were major differences among gynaecologists in the follow-up of hormonal contraception users. The pattern of the products used varied markedly by regions. The number of diagnosed cardiovascular diseases was very low. Users with a previous a cardiovascular event were only exceptionally carriers of a risk factor.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗

[Prediction of the effect of a triphasic contraceptive agent with norgestimate on acne].

OBJECTIVE: Prediction of complexion changes in users of triphasic oral contraceptive containing norgestimate. DESIGN: Analysis of data from a prospective multicentre open study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Charles University, Prague. METHODS: Acne severity was evaluated in users of a triphasic norgestimate-containing contraceptive within a six month period. Based on subjective evaluation of acne, three subgroups of patients were selected: A) users where acne improved or disappeared; B) users in whom acne deteriorated, C) users who newly developed acne. Differences between group A and the other groups were established in the proportion or distribution of parameters related to the etiology of acne: age, weight, weight changes during the study, presence of hirsutism, presence of a regular menstrual cycle prior to the start of hormonal contraception use, and smoking. RESULTS: The effect of the pill use on acne was assessed in a total of 3,990 women. Out of 1,201 women with acne before the start of the study, improvement or disappearance of acne during the study was reported by 940 users (subgroup A) (78.27%). In 221 women (18.40%), the extent of acne remained unaltered whereas it increased (subgroup B) in only 30 women (2.50%). Acne newly developed during the study in 49 women (subgroup C), i.e., in 1.2% of the whole group. Users showing deterioration of acne (subgroup B) were found to have hirsutism less frequently. The subgroup even showed a decrease in mean weight during the study. Users with newly developed acne were--compared with subgroup A--significantly older, had a lower weight at the start of the study, and showed a higher frequency of regular menstrual cycles prior to starting hormonal contraception. The differences in the incidence of clinical parameters in the subgroups reached only borderline statistical significance and, hence, are not relevant. CONCLUSION: An extensive multicentric study confirmed the beneficial effect of a triphasic norgestimate-containing contraceptive on complexion. The presence of clinical parameters related to the etiology of acne does not allow to predict the individual response of the skin to hormonal therapy.

Acne Vulgaris↗

[Premature ovarian failure syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: A review of the premature ovarian failure syndrome. DESIGN: Review article. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. SUMMARY: The incidence of premature ovarian failure (POF) is reported to vary between 0.9% and 3%. Most often, the syndrome is manifested by amenorrhoea followed by typical postmenopausal symptoms caused by oestrogen deficiency. The only diagnostic criteria of the syndrome are FSH levels > 40 IU/L obtained twice at least one month apart in women below 40 years of age. The cause of the disease remains obscure in most women. The most often identifiable cause is an autoimmune disorder of the follicular apparatus with a genetic cause established less frequently. All POF women should be examined for other possible autoimmune diseases and women below 30 years of age should have their karyotype identified. Despite the possibility of preserved follicular activity, the probability of pregnancy is very low in those women. Induction of ovulation is virtually ineffective. The diagnosis of POF is a clear indication for long-term oestrogen-progestagen replacement therapy even in the absence of symptoms of oestrogen deficiency.

Adult↗

[The factor V Leiden mutation in users of hormonal contraceptives].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of factor V Leiden in oral contraceptive users and to define possible anamnestic data that could predict the presence of factor V Leiden. METHODS: Between 1997 and 1998, 583 users of oral estrogen-progestin contraceptives with no history of thrombotic disease were examined. Factor V Leiden was assessed by PCR after isolating DNA from a peripheral venous blood sample. Among other factors, such things as a family history of thromboembolic disease, myocardial infarction and/or stroke in a first-degree relative were monitored. In 448 users cardiovascular complications were evaluated during six months of oral contraceptive use. The data were analyzed using a MS Excel program. P-values were assessed by pair-tests and chi-square tests. SETTING: 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Medical Faculty, Masaryk University, Brno. RESULTS: Factor V Leiden frequency was 6.5% in the study group. There were no differences between carriers and others in age, body weight, body mass index and blood pressure. Carriers had significantly more frequently positive family histories of thromboembolic disease or myocardial infarction or stroke. There were no cardiovascular complications observed in a group of 448 users. The positive family histories of any of the above-mentioned conditions have high specificity (97-99%) and a negative predictive value (0.94) with a low sensitivity (2.6-15.8%) in predicting factor V Leiden presence. CONCLUSION: We found a relatively high incidence of Factor V Leiden among oral contraceptive users without a history of thrombotic disease. Through a positive family history of thromboembolic disease or myocardial infarction or stroke, we can predict a Factor V Leiden presence with high specificity but low sensitivity.

Adolescent↗