Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine-metabolic disorder in reproductive-aged women, often associated with obesity and dyslipidemia. Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), improves glycemic co...Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine-metabolic disorder in reproductive-aged women, often associated with obesity and dyslipidemia. Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), improves glycemic control and weight, but its effects on PCOS remain unclear. This meta-analysis evaluates semaglutide's impact on BMI and blood lipids in PCOS patients. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP, and gray literature sources for RCTs (2010-2025) comparing semaglutide vs. placebo/conventional treatment in PCOS patients. The outcomes included BMI, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, and HDL-C. The data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4, with mean differences (MD) and 95% CIs were calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed via I². Eight RCTs (526 patients) were included. Semaglutide significantly reduced BMI (MD: -2.20 kg/m², 95% CI: -2.42 to -1.97, < 0.001), TC (MD: -0.42 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.46 to -0.39, < 0.0001), TG (MD: -0.35 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.38 to -0.32, < 0.0001), and LDL-C (MD: -0.31 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.35 to -0.27, < 0.0001), but not HDL-C ( = 0.8524). Subgroup analysis showed greater efficacy at doses ≥ 1.0 mg/week and in patients with a baseline BMI > 28 kg/m². Overall evidence quality was moderate to low based on GRADE assessment. Semaglutide significantly improves BMI and lipid profiles in PCOS, particularly at higher doses, and in obese patients. Further long-term studies are needed to confirm safety and reproductive outcomes.
OBJECTIVE: To expand the clinical phenotype associated with MYRF mutations in disorders of sex development (DSDs). METHODS: We present a case of a 17-year-old patient with a female phenotype who presented with primary am...OBJECTIVE: To expand the clinical phenotype associated with MYRF mutations in disorders of sex development (DSDs). METHODS: We present a case of a 17-year-old patient with a female phenotype who presented with primary amenorrhea. RESULTS: The patient's external genitalia was entirely female in appearance, though there was no opening of vagina below the orifice of urethra. The karyotype was determined to be 46, XX. Hormonal analysis showed ovarian function failure. Pelvic ultrasound and MRI revealed the absence of visible uterus, cervix, vagina, and bilateral ovaries. Although MRKH syndrome combined with 46, XX pure gonadal dysgenesis was initially suspected, subsequent whole exome sequencing identified a novel heterozygous variation c.1468C > G in the gene. Further investigations revealed only hypoplasia of Mullerian derivatives and ovaries, along with a malformation of left kidney duplication, as evidence of MYRF deficiency as part of the cardiac-urogenital-diaphragm-lung (CUDL) syndrome. CONCLUSION: This case report describes a patient with MYRF-associated 46, XX DSDs, exhibiting atypical or subtle phenotypic features without significant cardiac, pulmonary, or diaphragmatic abnormalities, but with urogenital anomalies including absent uterus, vagina, and ovaries, and left kidney duplication malformation. This expands the clinical phenotype associated with mutations and identifies as a novel pathogenic gene for 46, XX DSDs.
Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) during pregnancy is a common endocrine disorder, and miR-142-3p has been widely reported to be involved in thyroid function and pregnancy-related diseases. This study aimed to investigate...Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) during pregnancy is a common endocrine disorder, and miR-142-3p has been widely reported to be involved in thyroid function and pregnancy-related diseases. This study aimed to investigate the expression of miR-142-3p in SCH patients during the second trimester of pregnancy and clarify its clinical significance. A total of 135 healthy individuals and 161 SCH patients were included in the study. The expression level of miR-142-3p was detected by RT-qPCR, and its diagnostic efficacy was evaluated by ROC curve. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the potential risk factors for SCH. The results showed that the expression level of miR-142-3p was significantly increased in SCH patients and had a high diagnostic value. This indicator was positively correlated with thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, and was a risk factor for SCH during pregnancy. In addition, both SCH and abnormally elevated miR-142-3p were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially depression and preterm birth. In conclusion, the increase in miR-142-3p has a high diagnostic value in differentiating SCH patients from healthy individuals, is a risk factor for SCH, and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes (such as depression and preterm birth).
OBJECTIVE: Observational studies have suggested associations between premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and immunological abnormalities or dyslipidemia, but causal evidence remains unestablished. METHODS: We conducted...OBJECTIVE: Observational studies have suggested associations between premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and immunological abnormalities or dyslipidemia, but causal evidence remains unestablished. METHODS: We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to evaluate causal relationships of POI with immune cell traits (CD4+ regulatory T cell [Treg], and its subtype CD39 + CD4+ Treg, CD33 expression) and lipid metabolism markers (low-density lipoprotein [LDL] and intermediate-density lipoprotein [IDL] subfractions). Genetic instruments were derived from three independent sources: immune cell data from 3,757 Sardinians, lipid traits from 21,559 Europeans, and POI cases ( = 655) with population-matched controls ( = 267,780) from FinnGen R12. Primary causal estimates were generated using inverse-variance weighted regression, complemented by sensitivity analyses (MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO). RESULTS: CD39+ Treg subpopulations showed robust protection against POI in proportional analyses: secreting (%CD4 Treg: OR = 0.889, = 0.015), activated (%CD4 Treg: OR = 0.881, = 0.021). CD39+ resting Treg absolute count was significant (OR = 0.861, = 0.027), while CD39 expression on activated/secreting Treg reduced risk (OR = 0.917-0.904, < 0.05). Elevated CD33 expression on 9 of 12 myeloid cell subsets (e.g. granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor Cells, CD33+ monocytes), and plasma CD33 protein (OR = 0.877, 0.030) were inversely associated with POI risk. Dyslipidemia traits demonstrated causal associations: total cholesterol (OR = 1.328, p = 0.028), large LDL-free cholesterol (OR = 1.28, p = 0.030), and IDL components-total cholesterol, free cholesterol, phospholipids, particle concentration, and total lipids (OR = 1.287-1.345, all p < 0.05). DYSLIPIDEMIA TRAITS DEMONSTRATED CAUSAL ASSOCIATIONS: Total cholesterol (OR = 1.328, = 0.028), large LDL-free cholesterol (OR = 1.28, 0.030), and IDL components-total cholesterol, free cholesterol, phospholipids, particle concentration, and total lipids (OR = 1.287-1.345, all < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes POI as an immunometabolic disorder driven by Tregs deficiency, CD33-mediated protection, and lipid dysregulation, advocating targeted therapies for ovarian protection.
This study was aim to investigate the oxylipins profile in the follicular fluid (FF) of women with PCOS and examine their associations with embryo quality. We conducted a targeted lipidomic study involving sixty-two case...This study was aim to investigate the oxylipins profile in the follicular fluid (FF) of women with PCOS and examine their associations with embryo quality. We conducted a targeted lipidomic study involving sixty-two cases of PCOS and age-matched controls (Cohort 1) UHPLC-MS. Cohort 2 included sixty cases of PCOS and age-and-BMI-matched controls who were recruited for validation targeted lipidomics. The associations between these oxylipins and baseline hormones as well as embryo quality in PCOS patients were analyzed. A total of 59 oxylipins were identified in the FF of PCOS patients. In the FF of PCOS patients in Cohort 1, the level of 16(17)-EpDPE, a product derived from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), was greater than that in the control group, even after adjustment for age, BMI and multiple comparisons ( < 0.001, adjusted = 0.032). An increased concentration of 16(17)-EpDPE in women with PCOS was further validated in Cohort 2 ( < 0.001, adjusted = 0.044). In addition, compared with the control group, the PCOS group in Cohort 2 presented significantly lower levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-derived oxylipins (18-HEPE), DHA-derived oxylipins (4-HDoHE, 16-HDoHE), linoleic acid(LA)-derived oxylipins (12,13-EpOME, 13-HODE and 9-oxoODE), and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid(DGLA)-derived oxylipins (15-HETrE). Correlation analyses between oxylipin metabolites and clinical features revealed that 16(17)-EpDPE was negatively associated with the number of D3 good-quality embryos and positively associated the blood lymphocyte count. Three LA-derived oxylipins were associated with the serum AMH and leptin levels in the FF. Our study revealed distinct metabolic signatures in women with PCOS and identified 16(17)-EpDPE as a novel biomarker for PCOS and their D3 good-quality embryos count.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women, yet its underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study investigated the role of hsa_circ_0020491 in PCOS pathogenesis, focusi...Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women, yet its underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study investigated the role of hsa_circ_0020491 in PCOS pathogenesis, focusing on granulosa cells (GCs). Analysis of GCs from PCOS patients and controls revealed significant upregulation of both hsa_circ_0020491 and IGF2BP2, with their expression levels positively correlated. In a dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-treated KGN cell model of PCOS, silencing either circ_0020491 or IGF2BP2 mitigated autophagy dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction, evidenced by altered autophagy-related proteins, mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP levels, mtDNA content, and reactive oxygen species. Mechanistically, circ_0020491 binds to and stabilizes IGF2BP2, amplifying its effects. Overexpression of IGF2BP2 counteracted the improvements induced by circ_0020491 knockdown. In vivo, a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS mouse model confirmed that circ_0020491 suppression attenuated disease progression, improved mitochondrial function, and reduced excessive autophagy. These findings demonstrate that hsa_circ_0020491 exacerbates PCOS by interacting with IGF2BP2 to disrupt autophagy and mitochondrial homeostasis in GCs, offering a potential therapeutic target.
Graziano Custodio M, Arab H, da Silva van der Laan A
… +9 more, Pedachenko N, Tian Q, Osorio Wender MC, Piha T, Sohail R, Pineda F, Neves J, Dhillon Pai R, Simoncini T
BACKGROUND: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) impacts the quality of life of women globally. While international classifications and frameworks exist, there are still critical unmet needs in awareness, diagnosis, treatment...BACKGROUND: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) impacts the quality of life of women globally. While international classifications and frameworks exist, there are still critical unmet needs in awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. To better understand these, the lived experiences of patients with AUB shared on social media can offer valuable insights. OBJECTIVE: To identify and analyze unmet needs in the management of AUB as expressed during social media discussions. METHODS: Using the social media listening tool Sprinklr Social (Sprinklr Inc.), public posts from X (X Corp.) related to AUB from seven countries (Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine) over a 10-year period (2014-2024) were analyzed. Posts were categorized by topic, sentiment, and emotion; further analyses assessed patients' unmet needs and feelings. RESULTS: A total of 926 posts were included. Analysis revealed five critical unmet needs: lack of awareness and understanding (41.8%), impact on wellbeing (27.6%), diagnosis issues (10.9%), dissatisfaction with treatment options (9.7%), and undervalued impact and advocacy (8.6%). Posts about diagnosis and symptoms carried the most negative sentiments; many patients expressed frustration over delayed diagnoses and dissatisfaction with treatment options. Additionally, the emotional and psychological burden of AUB was a recurring theme, suggesting the need for more holistic care approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Gaps in AUB management were identified, with strong emphasis on the need for better patient education, more effective diagnostic processes, and personalized treatment strategies. Incorporating patient voices during the development of treatment guidelines and healthcare policies is crucial for addressing these unmet needs and improving patient outcomes.
BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore the value of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in combination with angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8) in evaluating the ovarian function of infertile patients. METHODS: A total of 213...BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore the value of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in combination with angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8) in evaluating the ovarian function of infertile patients. METHODS: A total of 213 infertile patients who sought treatment in our hospital from January 2023 to July 2024 were included. Transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound assessed antral follicle count and ovarian reserve. Patients were divided into a0 control group (116 cases with normal ovarian reserve) and a research group (97 cases with decreased ovarian reserve). Serum levels of AMH, ANGPTL8, and sex hormones were measured for all patients, and results were compared between groups to analyze the combined assessment's value. RESULTS: In the control group, AMH levels were (4.44±2.36) ng/ml, ANGPTL8 (17.81±7.79) ng/ml, and estradiol (E2) (37.21±17.78) pg/ml. In the research group, AMH was (0.64±0.61) ng/ml, ANGPTL8 (12.04±5.04) ng/ml, and E2 (32.80±10.10) pg/ml. The research group showed significantly lower AMH, ANGPTL8, and E2 levels (P<0.05) and higher FSH and LH levels (P<0.001). The combined AMH and ANGPTL8 assessment demonstrated a sensitivity of 94.0%, specificity of 95.9%, and an area under the curve of 0.988. CONCLUSION: The combined assessment of AMH and ANGPTL8 holds significant value in evaluating ovarian function in infertile patients.
Obesity-related polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with infertility and metabolic dysfunction. While bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP-15) plays a recognized role in ovarian funct...Obesity-related polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with infertility and metabolic dysfunction. While bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP-15) plays a recognized role in ovarian function, its specific impact on infertility in obese PCOS patients remains unclear This study aimed to investigate the influence of BMP-15, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) on infertility in this population and to evaluate their predictive clinical value. Clinical data from 185 obese PCOS patients were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and logistic regression analyses identified infertility-related factors. Results showed an infertility rate of 34.43%, with significant differences in BMP-15, NLRP3, IL-18, Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) scores between infertility and non-infertility groups. NLRP3, IL-18, and MMAS-8 emerged as risk factors, while BMP-15 and CD-RISC were protective.In an obese PCOS mouse model, BMP-15 administration improved metabolic parameters, restored hormonal balance, reduced ovarian inflammation, and preserved fertility. These findings suggest that BMP-15 plays a protective role in PCOS-related infertility by modulating metabolic and inflammatory pathways. BMP-15 may serve as a valuable biomarker and therapeutic target for early identification and intervention in obese PCOS patients at risk of infertility.
Pregnant women with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often experience exacerbated endocrine and metabolic dysfunction. While existing studies lack prospective data exist for Chinese populations. Our study aimed to charac...Pregnant women with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often experience exacerbated endocrine and metabolic dysfunction. While existing studies lack prospective data exist for Chinese populations. Our study aimed to characterize endocrine profiles in Chinese PCOS pregnancies using a prospective cohort. Ninety-one participants (33 PCOS, 58 non-PCOS) were enrolled. Endocrine and metabolic parameters were measured at three trimesters (12-16, 24-28, 32-36 weeks). Primary outcomes included total testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and free androgen index (FAI). Secondary outcomes covered fasting insulin (FINS), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), LDL, and HDL. Logistic regression models adjusted for confounders were used for group comparisons. Women with PCOS exhibited higher T and FAI levels compared to women without PCOS across all gestational windows, even after adjusting for factors including pre-pregnancy BMI. Women with PCOS exhibited elevated FINS levels and HOMA-IR at 12-16 weeks and 32-36 weeks of gestation. After adjustment for pre-pregnancy BMI, initial glucose metabolism differences were attenuated and no longer statistically significant. Women with PCOS displayed minor lipid metabolic differences in lipid metabolism. This study highlights complex metabolic changes in PCOS pregnancies, characterized by persistent hyperandrogenism and altered glucose metabolism. Pre-pregnancy BMI might emerge as the key driver of exacerbated glucose dysregulation.
The aim of this study was to compare pregnancy, obstetrical outcomes and number of visits between patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer in artificial vs modified natural cycle. A total of 1207 frozen single embryo t...The aim of this study was to compare pregnancy, obstetrical outcomes and number of visits between patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer in artificial vs modified natural cycle. A total of 1207 frozen single embryo transfer cycles performed in 2022 were retrospectively studied. Patients older than 40, with recurrent implantation failure, and recurrent pregnancy loss were excluded. Patients were divided according to their age, BMI, AMH, and type of embryo transfer protocol. Patients in the modified natural cycle group were followed by ultrasound until triggering criteria met, then HCG trigger was scheduled, and the embryo transferred 7 days later. In the artificial cycle group, patients received estrogen supplementation after downregulation, and when the endometrium reached a thickness ≥ 7 mm an embryo transfer was scheduled following intramuscular progesterone administration for 5 days. A total of 649 patients were included in the study. A higher percentage of patients in the artificial cycle group had an initial positive B-hCG test result. The modified natural group had significantly better clinical pregnancy and live birth rates, mainly due to the significantly higher miscarriage rate observed in the artificial cycle group. There was no difference in the mean endometrial thickness between both groups. The number of visits was higher in the m-NC group. Patients with a m-NC protocol had a lower risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), but a higher risk of gestational diabetes, though the results were non-significant. In conclusion embryo transfer in m-NC yielded a higher live birth rate, more frequent clinic visits, and lower chances of miscarriage.
This retrospective cohort study examined the association between first-trimester triglyceride-to-HDL cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk among 2,356 pregnant women from Shanghai Gene...This retrospective cohort study examined the association between first-trimester triglyceride-to-HDL cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk among 2,356 pregnant women from Shanghai General Hospital between October 2019, and June 2021. Using logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models, we found the TG/HDL-C ratio was an independent GDM predictor (OR:1.37, 95%CI:1.16-1.62, p<0.001), persisting after adjustment (aOR:1.65, 95%CI:1.27-2.13, p<0.001). Nonlinear dose-response relationships were observed (p-interaction<0.05), with stronger associations in women >35 years (OR:1.60, 95%CI:1.12-2.28) and those with BMI≥25kg/m² (OR:1.78, 95%CI:1.25-2.54). First-trimester TG/HDL-C ratio elevation significantly increases GDM risk, suggesting its potential for early risk stratification and targeted prevention.
Menopause is an inevitable event in the life of women who live long enough to reach this milestone. The experience of menopause varies amongst individuals. Menopause has a negative impact on women's life and is associate...Menopause is an inevitable event in the life of women who live long enough to reach this milestone. The experience of menopause varies amongst individuals. Menopause has a negative impact on women's life and is associated with symptoms including vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as hot flushes and night sweats, sleep disturbances and low mood. VMS are bothersome and may have a long duration. Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) is recommended in women with symptoms; however, its use is limited. The recent approval of fezolinetant offers a new therapeutic option for women who suffer from VMS and are unsuitable or averse to MHT. Fezolinetant is a precision drug as it targets the pathological mechanism of VMS showing some effect also on sleep disturbances. Given how variable the experience of menopause is, it is important to offer individualized treatment options to women who suffer from menopause-related symptoms and let them be part of the shared decision making.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to investigate therapeutic effects of metformin on improving PCOS and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: PCOS modeling and metformin treatment in rats was performed by subcutaneous...OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to investigate therapeutic effects of metformin on improving PCOS and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: PCOS modeling and metformin treatment in rats was performed by subcutaneous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) daily, high-fat diet feeding, and intragastric administration of metformin for 21 consecutive days. PCOS modeling and metformin treatment in KGN cells was performed by DHEA treatment at a concentration of 10mol/l for 48 h and metformin treatment (10 M) for 24 h. RESULTS: After PCOS modeling, rats showed more weight gain, improved glucose tolerance, disrupted estrous cycles, characteristic polycystic ovary morphology, more apoptotic cells in the ovary with enhanced oxidative stress, and declined Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions. Metformin treatment effectively alleviated characteristic polycystic ovary morphology, prevented apoptosis and oxidative stress, and decreased Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions of PCOS rats. Similarly, metformin treatment reduced the apoptosis and oxidative stress in DHEA-treated KGN cells, but anti-apoptotic and antioxidant effects of metformin were partially reversed by Nrf2 knockdown in DHEA-treated KGN cells. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study suggest that metformin protects ovarian granulosa cells against oxidative stress and apoptosis in the context of PCOS activation of Nrf2-HO-1 pathway.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive and metabolic disorder causing infertility in women of childbearing age.Circular RNAs are known to be involved in PCOS development, but their regulatory mechanism...Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive and metabolic disorder causing infertility in women of childbearing age.Circular RNAs are known to be involved in PCOS development, but their regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. This study explored the role of circ_BMPR2 in PCOS to advance early diagnosis and treatment.It found elevated circ_BMPR2 expression in ovarian granulosa cells of PCOS patients. Knocking down of circ_BMPR2 inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in KGN cell. Mechanistically, we confirmed that circ_BMPR2 acts as a sponge to bind miR-619-5p, which could specifically target Rab43 gene.PCOS tissues showed upregulated Rab43, and silencing circ_BMPR2 reduced Rab43 levels, rescued by a miR-619-5p inhibitor. Further experiments confirmed that overexpression of Rab43 reversed the effects of circ_BMPR2 knockdown on cell proliferation and apoptosis in KGN cells. Thus,our findings implicate circ_BMPR2 acts as a key player in PCOS process, by modulating growth and cell cycle progression of GCs through regulating the miR-619-5p/Rab43 axis. This suggests that circ_BMPR2 could be a prospective biomarker for the early diagnosis of PCOS. By understanding its molecular mechanisms, we can pave the way for more effective interventions to treat this complex disease.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its associated factors among women attending women's health clinics at a university medical center in Lebanon. METHODS: We retrospective...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its associated factors among women attending women's health clinics at a university medical center in Lebanon. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical and obstetric data, including 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25OHD] serum levels and vitamin D3 supplementation, from 873 healthy singleton pregnancies delivered between 2006 and 2017. Women with preexisting comorbidities or prior gestational complications were excluded. VDD was defined as a 25OHD serum level <20 ng/ml. RESULTS: At baseline, 63% of participants were vitamin D deficient. Poisson regression was used to identify independent predictors of deficiency. In early gestation, 25OHD levels varied significantly by age, pre-pregnancy BMI, parity, smoking status, and season of presentation (all < 0.05). At late gestation, vitamin D levels were associated with pre-pregnancy BMI, hemoglobin status at delivery, and vitamin D status at early gestation. Women with 25OHD <20 ng/ml at late gestation were more likely to be anemic compared to those with levels ≥20 ng/ml (adjusted odds ratio 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1-2.5). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among pregnant Lebanese women. Identified risk factors including higher BMI, younger age, multiparity, and anemia should prompt consideration of more aggressive vitamin D supplementation strategies for women planning pregnancy. SYNOPSIS: Vitamin D deficiency is quite prevalent among pregnant women in the Middle East. We aim to report the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency and its associated predictors during pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE: While advances in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) have improved survival rates, the impact on reproductive function in Chinese female pediatric survivors remains underexplored. T...OBJECTIVE: While advances in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) have improved survival rates, the impact on reproductive function in Chinese female pediatric survivors remains underexplored. This study evaluated the incidence and factors influencing ovarian function impairment in these survivors. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 104 children who survived allo-HSCT between 2018 and 2021 at Beijing Children's Hospital. Data on hematologic disease, age, and ovarian function were collected. Statistical analyses assessed changes in sex hormone levels and identified factors linked to gonadal damage. RESULTS: Post-transplant, follicle-stimulating hormone levels rose significantly ( = 0.013 for girls ≥10 years old), while anti-Müllerian hormone levels decreased ( < 0.001). The incidence of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) was 26.92% at 1 year, 47.44% at 2 years, and 70.18% at 3 years post-transplant. Risk factors for POI included transplantation age ≥10 years, weight >20 kg at transplantation, myeloablative conditioning, and total body irradiation (OR = 6.76, = 0.005; OR = 6.63, = 0.003; OR = 17, = 0.017; OR = 15.03, = 0.026). Only 3.85% of patients received ovarian function protection before transplantation. Among patients aged ≥12 years at follow-up, 86.36% developed POI, with 26.32% receiving oral estrogen replacement therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Hypogonadal function significantly declines in pediatric patients after allo-HSCT. Fertility protection and hormone replacement therapy were rarely used.