Activity of LPO Processes in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Infertility

Impact of Comorbid Polycystic Ovary Syndrome on Clinical and Laboratory Parameters in Female Adolescents with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) share several pathophysiological mechanisms. While the prevalence of MASLD has been extensively studied in PCOS populations, the occurrence of PCOS among female adolescents with transient elastography (TE)-confirmed MASLD in pediatric hepatology settings remains poorly characterized. This cross-sectional study aims to address this knowledge gap and elucidate potential clinical and biochemical differences between female adolescents with MASLD and comorbid PCOS compared to those without PCOS. Methods: The study cohort included 45 female adolescents with TE-diagnosed MASLD. Comparative analyses of clinical and laboratory parameters were performed between those with (n = 19) and those without (n = 26) comorbid PCOS, diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria. Results: Adolescents with MASLD and comorbid PCOS exhibited significantly higher weight, lower height, and increased waist circumference compared to those without PCOS. Additionally, the prevalence of acanthosis nigricans was significantly higher in the PCOS group (68.4% versus 34.6%, p = 0.025). Regarding laboratory parameters, serum phosphorus levels and liver enzymes-including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase-were significantly lower in adolescents with comorbid PCOS. However, no significant differences were observed in lipid profiles, glucose metabolism, or novel non-invasive biomarkers of MASLD. Conclusions: This study reveals distinct clinical and biochemical profiles in female adolescents with MASLD and comorbid PCOS compared to those without PCOS. These findings have the potential to inform and refine future screening protocols and diagnostic algorithms for these interrelated conditions, specifically tailored to pediatric hepatology settings.

Oxidative Damage of DNA, Proteins and C-Reactive Protein Parameters in Girls and Boys with Exogenous Constitutional Obesity

The parameters of oxidative damage of DNA, proteins, as well as the parameters of the thiol-disulfide system and C-reactive protein in adolescent girls and boys with exogenous constitutional obesity (ECO) were evaluated. In girls and boys with obesity, the levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (marker of DNA destruction) were higher than in controls. Evaluation of the activity of the thiol-disulfide system revealed increased levels of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and decreased levels of the reduced glutathione (GSH) and GSSG ratio (GSH/GSSG) in adolescents with ECO regardless of the sex in comparison with the control. C-reactive protein was also higher in the ECO groups regardless of the sex. The levels of glutathione peroxidase in obese boys were higher than in girls. In view of the revealed shifts, corrective measures with the prescription of drugs with antioxidant properties are recommended in adolescents with ECO to stabilize the indices.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Oxidative Stress-From Bench to Bedside

Oxidative stress (OS) is a condition that occurs as a result of an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to detoxify and neutralize them. It can play a role in a variety of reproductive system conditions, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, preeclampsia, and infertility. In this review, we briefly discuss the links between oxidative stress and PCOS. Mitochondrial mutations may lead to impaired oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), decreased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and an increased production of ROS. These functional consequences may contribute to the metabolic and hormonal dysregulation observed in PCOS. Studies have shown that OS negatively affects ovarian follicles and disrupts normal follicular development and maturation. Excessive ROS may damage oocytes and granulosa cells within the follicles, impairing their quality and compromising fertility. Impaired OXPHOS and mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to insulin resistance (IR) by disrupting insulin signaling pathways and impairing glucose metabolism. Due to dysfunctional OXPHOS, reduced ATP production, may hinder insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, leading to IR. Hyperandrogenism promotes inflammation and IR, both of which can increase the production of ROS and lead to OS. A detrimental feedback loop ensues as IR escalates, causing elevated insulin levels that exacerbate OS. Exploring the relations between OS and PCOS is crucial to fully understand the role of OS in the pathophysiology of PCOS and to develop effective treatment strategies to improve the quality of life of women affected by this condition. The role of antioxidants as potential therapies is also discussed.

Oxidative Stress Reactions in Women of Reproductive Age with Metabolic Syndrome

We analyzed the levels of LPO products and antioxidant defense components in women with the metabolic syndrome. Women with the metabolic syndrome had higher values of substrates with unsaturated double bonds and final TBA-reactive substances in comparison with the control group and higher levels of unsaturated double bonds, primary and end products of LPO, and retinol in comparison with the reference group (women with less than 3 signs of metabolic syndrome). No statistically significant differences between the groups were revealed while estimating the coefficient of oxidative stress; however, there was a tendency to an increase in the median value of this parameter in the group with metabolic syndrome. Thus, the results of the study indicate the activity of LPO reactions at different stages in women of reproductive age with the metabolic syndrome, which points to the necessity to evaluate and monitor the content of these metabolites in the patients of this cohort for the purpose of prevention and treatment.

OXIDATIVE STRESS AND REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION: Oxidative stress in polycystic ovary syndrome

In brief

A genetic, epigenetic, and environmental association exists between oxidative stress (OS) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), expressed in a multifaceted clinical profile. This review summarizes and discusses the role of OS in the pathogenesis of PCOS syndrome, focusing on metabolic, reproductive, and cancer complications.

Abstract

Oxidative stress (OS), an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in cells, is one of many factors playing essential roles in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is described mainly as a disproportion of reproductive hormones, leading to chronic anovulation and infertility in women. Interestingly, OS in PCOS may be associated with many disorders and diseases. This review focuses on characteristic markers of OS in PCOS and the relationship between OS and PCOS related to insulin resistance (IR), hyperandrogenemia, obesity, chronic inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Interestingly, in patients with PCOS, an increase in oxidative status and insufficient compensation of the increase in antioxidant status before any cardiovascular complications are observed. Moreover, free radicals promote carcinogenesis in PCOS patients. However, despite these data, it has not been established whether oxygen stress influences PCOS development or a secondary disorder resulting from hyperglycemia, IR, and cardiovascular and cancer complications in women.

Preventive Behavior Intentions for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Young Students

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is among the most common, yet treatable causes of infertility. This study explored how South Korean female college students' health beliefs and knowledge of PCOS are associated with their preventive behavior intentions. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study were collected using an online survey of 328 female university students from July 25 to August 30, 2020. Data were analyzed using the chi-squared test and t-test, Pearson's r, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Results: The average age of participants was 21.67 years, 7.3% of whom had been diagnosed with PCOS. Perceived disability (β = 0.30, P < 0.001) and perceived benefit (β = 0.26, P < 0.001) of health behavior were associated with preventive behavior intentions. However, knowledge was not a significant factor. Conclusions: Health beliefs are related to the preventive behavior intentions of women with PCOS. Education to strengthen health beliefs should be provided to female university students.

Changes in the Lipid Peroxidation-Antioxidant Protection System in Women with Ovarian Hyperandrogenism at Different Periods of Reproductive Age

We studied changes in LPO processes and antioxidant protection system in women with ovarian hyperandrogenism at various periods of reproductive age 18-45 years. An age-related decrease in total antioxidant activity and accumulation of secondary LPO products, ketodiens and coupled trienes, were found; these changes were accompanied by an increase in the level of superoxide dismutase and a decrease in the concentrations of reduced glutathione, α-tocopherol, and retinol. Women of early reproductive age (18-35 years) with hyperandrogenism were characterized by increased content of oxidized glutathione accompanied by a decrease in the level of α-tocopherol and retinol in comparison with the control group. In women of late reproductive age (35-45 years) with hyperandrogenism, increased superoxide dismutase activity in comparison with the control group was revealed.

Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes in the Regional Blood Flow during Pelvic Venous Disorders in Women

Activity of some antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathionedependent enzymes), as well as the level of LPO products in the region regional blood flow (collateral branches of the main trunks of ovarian veins) in women with pelvic venous disorders were studied. A compensatory increase in activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase during stage I of the disease was found; during stage II, superoxide dismutase activity decreased and glutathione peroxidase increased, while during stage III, pronounced decrease in activities of all studied enzymes was observed. The level of lipid peroxidation products in the regional blood flow increased as the disease progressed, with maximum values in the third stage.

Ascorbic Acid and Alpha-Tocopherol Contribute to the Therapy of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Mouse Models

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 10% of women within reproductive ages and has been a cause of infertility and poor quality of life. Alteration in the oxidant-antioxidant profile occurs in PCOS. This study, therefore, investigates the contribution of ascorbic acid (AA) and alpha-tocopherol(ATE) on different PCOS parameters. The mifepristone and letrozole models were used, and young mature female mice were randomly assigned to groups of six per group. On PCOS induction with either mifepristone or letrozole, mice were administered AA and ATE at doses ranging from 10-1000mg/kg to 0.1-1000 mg/kg in the respective models. Vaginal cytology, body weights, and temperature, as well as blood glucose, testosterone, and insulin levels, were measured. Total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde levels were analyzed. Determination of gene expression of some reactive oxygen species and histomorphological analysis on the ovaries and uteri were performed. At the end of the experiments, AA and ATE restored reproductive cycling, with AA being more effective. AA and ATE increased fasting blood glucose but had no significant effect on serum insulin levels. AA decreased testosterone levels, but ATE caused slight increases. AA and ATE both increased total antioxidant capacity and decreased malondialdehyde levels. AA and ATE also slightly upregulated the mRNA expressions of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and heme oxygenase 1 mainly. AA and ATE also decreased ovarian weight and mostly resolved cysts in the ovaries and congestion in the uterus. This study has shown that AA and ATE are beneficial in the therapy of PCOS.

[The relationship of hemodynamic parameters of periodontal microvascular bed and lipid peroxidation products in adolescents with arterial hypertension]

THE AIM

Of the study was to establish the relationship of hemodynamic parameters of periodontal tissues and lipid peroxidation products in adolescents with arterial hypertension (AH).

METHODS

The study included 132 adolescents (average age 14.51±1.91 years), from which 2 clinical groups (1 - the group with AH without periodontal disease (n=19, average age - 15±1.53 years) and 2 - the group with AH with periodontal diseases (n=57, average age - 14.7±1.89 years)) and 2 comparison groups (3 - the comparison group without AH and periodontal diseases (n=19, average age - 13.82±1.89 years) and 4 - comparison group without AH and with periodontal diseases (n=37, mean age - 14.57±2.01 years)) were formed. Hemodynamic analysis of the periodontal microcirculatory bed using the Doppler ultrasound method and the level of lipid peroxidation products using spectrophotometric and fluorometric methods was performed.

RESULTS

In adolescents with hypertension without and with inflammatory periodontal diseases as a whole, unidirectional changes in the hemodynamics of the vascular bed of the periodontium were observed in the form of increased values of the maximum blood flow velocity in systole and an increase in the peripheral resistance index. At the same time, the group with hypertension and periodontal disease was distinguished by lower values of these indicators. In the system of lipid peroxidation, increased values of ketodienes and conjugated trienes occurred in patients with hypertension without periodontal disease and end products that actively reacting with thiobarbituric acid in patients with hypertension and periodontal disease. Correlation analysis showed the presence of intersystem relationships between the hemodynamic parameters of the vascular bed of periodontal adolescents with hypertension without periodontal disease. In the group of adolescents with arterial hypertension and periodontal disease, there was a decrease in the correlation coefficients between intersystem parameters by almost two times, as well as the appearance of pathological dependencies between toxic metabolites of the lipid peroxidation process - products that actively reacting with thiobarbituric acid and vascular blood flow indicators.

CONCLUSION

It has been noted that in adolescent patients with hypertension and periodontal diseases on the background of lower vascular blood flow and accumulation of end toxic metabolites, pathological dependencies occur between them, which may contribute to more intense damage to the tissues of the periodontal complex in the presence of hypertension.

On the Opportunities of Using the Indices of Lipid Peroxidation – Antioxidant Defense System in the Diagnostics of Varicose Veins of Small Pelvis in Women

Background: The prevalence of varicose veins of small pelvic veins in women of reproductive age varies widely – from 5.4 to 80 %, due to the low specificity and low sensitivity of clinical diagnostic techniques, and the absence of biomarkers that can be used to identify the formation and progression of varicose veins of small pelvic veins in women.

Aims: To identify changes in the levels of parameters of the system “lipid peroxidation – antioxidant protection” with the development of varicose veins of the pelvis in women, as well as the possibility of their diagnostic use.

Materials and methods: We examined 200 women with clinical signs of varicose veins of small pelvis. Control group included 30 women without any pathology of venous system. Treatment group included 137 women with varicose veins of small pelvis: with mild degree of severity – 39 women, with moderate degree of severity – 65 women, with severe degree of severity – 33 women. We performed comparative analysis of lipid peroxidation – antioxidant defense system in women with and without varicose veins of small pelvis taking into account the severity degrees of pathological process.

Results: We obtained the most informative indices for lipid peroxidation – antioxidant defense processes in blood of women with varicose veins of small pelvis: concentration of diene conjugate (DC) for the mild degree of severity of pathological process, lipid hydroperoxide (LHP), DC and malonic dialdehyde (MDA) – for the moderate and severe degree of severity, and also changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes with increase of the severity of the disease. Assessment of the level of catalase (Cat) and glutathione peroxidase (GP) showed their highest informative value at the mild degree of severity. Concentrations of glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and reduced glutathione (GSH) are more statistically significant markers for severe forms of pathological process.

Conclusions: Our research showed the relevance and advisability of the studying the levels of lipid peroxidation – antioxidant defense indices in women with varicose veins of small pelvis. We registered the highest diagnostic value of DC, Cat and GP in the beginning of the disease and of LHP, DC, MDA, GR, GST and GSH – at severe forms of the pathological process. We obtained reference values for DC, MDA, Cat, SOD and GP concentration that can be considered as the predictors of the development of varicose veins of small pelvis.

Change of Lipid Peroxidation System – Antioxidant Protection Parameters in Adolescents with Obesity and Fatty Hepatosis

Background. Spread of childhood obesity is associated with social and economic factors of modern lifestyle that alter food preferences and lead to sedentary life. Nowadays fatty hepatosis is considered a hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, which is linked to the rising prevalence of obesity among the population. There is evidence of a correlation between metabolic disorders and oxidative stress reactions.

Aims. To study characteristics of lipid peroxidation system and antioxidant defense processes in adolescents with fatty hepatosis.

Materials and methods. We examined 15 adolescents with obesity and fatty hepatosis, 20 adolescents with obesity and without fatty hepatosis, and 20 apparently healthy adolescents, who formed the control group. Spectrophotometric and fluorometric methods were used in the research.

Results. We found that some components of antioxidant status of adolescents with obesity and fatty hepatosis were decreased, both in comparison with the group with obesity without hepatosis and control group.

Conclusions. It is recommended that patients with obesity and fatty hepatosis take antioxidants in addition to metabolic therapy.

EVALUATION OF LIPID PROFILE COMPONENTS IN FOREIGN STUDENTS STUDYING AT THE IRKUTSK STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

Background. A socially significant order for the training of foreign specialists, including the promotion of Russian education on the international market, certainly requires the organization of the process of students’ adaptation to the educational and information environment of the university. Particular attention deserves the components of the lipid profile, which are part of the overall adaptation syndrome.

Aim: to study the features of the lipid profile in foreign students studying at the Irkutsk State Medical University.

Methods. In total, 100 students of the medical profile of the Irkutsk State Medical University were enrolled in full-time study: 58 students (36 males and 22 females) were students of Russian nationality and 42 students (32 males and 11 females) – Indian students. Levels of lipid status indicators were determined with the help of Cormay kits on the automatic analyzer BTS-330 using the photometry method.

Results. Hindu young men had statistically significantly higher values of triacylglycerols, very low-density lipoproteins and lower levels of high-density lipoproteins in comparison with young Russians. In the groups of girls of Indian origin, the changes concerned increased levels of triacylglycerols and very low-density lipoproteins in comparison with Russians. Gender differences were found only among Russian students – in the form of increased values of cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins in the group of girls compared to boys.

Conclusion. The established functional changes in lipid metabolism in foreign students characterize the stress of the adaptive resources of the body, which, probably, can be due to the irrationality of nutrition.

THE INTENSITY OF LIPID PEROXIDATION PROCESSES IN WOMEN WITH PRIMARY VARICOSE VEINS OF THE PELVIC DEPENDING ON THE STAGE OF THE DISEASE

Background: Information about involvement of general nonspecific reactions, in particular lipid peroxidation processes, in the progression of varicose veins of the pelvic (VVP) in women is still too scarce. Aims: To study the intensity of processes of lipid peroxidation and the activity of components of the antioxidant system in women with primary varicose veins of the pelvic at different stages of the disease. Materials and methods: 167 women of reproductive age were examined ― 137 with VVP and 30 made up a control group. All patients with VVP were divided into 3 groups depending on stages of the disease. Spectrophotometric and fluorometric methods of investigation were used. The study was conducted during 2012−2017. Results: It was revealed that the level of primary products of lipid peroxidation, diene conjugates, increased statistically significantly according to the stage of the disease by 1.25 times (in the 1st stage), 1.51 times (in the II stage) and 1.59 times (in the III stage) values. Changes in the content of final TBA-active products showed similar changes-an increase in the mean values for all stages of the disease relative to control (in 1.24, 1.17, and 1.77 times, respectively). Activity of glutathione peroxidase increased in stage 2 of VVP (1.19 times), with the maximum increase in stage III (1.42 times); activity of glutathione-S-transferase increased 1.18 times in the II stage of the disease. The concentration of GSH in the clinical groups was characterized by lower values with respect to the control (by 1.22 times in the 1st stage, in 1.64 times in the II stage), with the maximum decrease of this parameter in the III stage of VVP (3.67 times). The level of catalase activity increased in the I stage of VVP ― by 1.18 times and decreased in the III stage ― by 1.14 times with respect to the control. The activity of SOD showed similar changes with catalase ― in the form of increased activity at the 1st stage (1.35 times higher) and decreased values for II (1.35 times lower) and III (1.65 times lower) for the stages of VVP to the values of control. Conclusions: At progression of primary VVP in women (from the initial stage to the 3rd stage of the disease), there is an increase in imbalance in the lipid peroxidation − antioxidant defense system. Moreover, if the compensatory increase in activity of antioxidant enzymes is registered at stage 1 of the disease, then the most of the antioxidant defense factors decreases as relative to control values, and the initial stages of the disease.