1
|
Żak K, Starek E, Korga-Plewko A, Rasoul-Pelińska K, Abramiuk M, Michalczuk M, Rajtak A, Kotarski J, Frankowska K, Bis L, Ostrowska-Leśko M, Bobiński M. Assessment of the Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on the Sexual Function of Women, Levels of Oxytocin and Prolactin: A Prospective Cohort Study. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2230. [PMID: 38673504 PMCID: PMC11051359 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: There is a lack of direct evidence on whether SARS-CoV-2 affects women's sexual function through a biological-organic mechanism. Existing studies on the topic are few and have produced contradictory results. This study aims to explore the possible relationship between sex hormones and sexual function in patients who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, we aimed to determine whether these changes are related to the clinical course of COVID-19 and whether they are temporary or long-lasting. (2) Methods: A study was conducted on 104 women, including 64 women infected with COVID-19 and a control group of 40 healthy women, between January 2021 and August 2022. Blood samples were collected to measure prolactin and oxytocin levels, and a clinical assessment was performed 3 and 6 months later. Sexual function self-assessment was captured based on the FSFI scale. (3) Results: Our study found that patients with severe COVID-19 had better sexual satisfaction scores one month after recovery but no discernible difference after six months. High levels of serum prolactin were observed in patients with active COVID-19 but became similar to a control group after one month and remained stable over time. Higher prolactin levels were significantly associated with increased arousal and hydration. Individuals with severe COVID-19 had notably low levels of plasma oxytocin, but there was no correlation between oxytocin levels and sexual satisfaction. (4) Conclusions: The gynecologic symptoms, as well as disturbances in oxytocin and prolactin levels, might be observed in a short time after infection. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection has no lasting effect on sexual function, oxytocin, and prolactin levels among women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Żak
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Ernest Starek
- I Chair and Department of Oncologic Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (K.R.-P.); (M.A.); (A.R.); (K.F.); (M.B.)
| | - Agnieszka Korga-Plewko
- Independent Medical Biology Unit, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.K.-P.); (M.M.)
| | - Karolina Rasoul-Pelińska
- I Chair and Department of Oncologic Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (K.R.-P.); (M.A.); (A.R.); (K.F.); (M.B.)
| | - Monika Abramiuk
- I Chair and Department of Oncologic Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (K.R.-P.); (M.A.); (A.R.); (K.F.); (M.B.)
- Independent Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Gynecology and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mariola Michalczuk
- Independent Medical Biology Unit, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.K.-P.); (M.M.)
| | - Alicja Rajtak
- I Chair and Department of Oncologic Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (K.R.-P.); (M.A.); (A.R.); (K.F.); (M.B.)
| | - Jan Kotarski
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University in Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Karolina Frankowska
- I Chair and Department of Oncologic Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (K.R.-P.); (M.A.); (A.R.); (K.F.); (M.B.)
| | - Liliana Bis
- I Chair and Department of Oncologic Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (K.R.-P.); (M.A.); (A.R.); (K.F.); (M.B.)
| | - Marta Ostrowska-Leśko
- Chair and Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Marcin Bobiński
- I Chair and Department of Oncologic Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (K.R.-P.); (M.A.); (A.R.); (K.F.); (M.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Żak K, Satora M, Skrabalak I, Tarkowski R, Ostrowska-Leśko M, Bobiński M. The Potential Influence of Residual or Recurrent Disease on Bevacizumab Treatment Efficacy in Ovarian Cancer: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1063. [PMID: 38473419 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16051063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
There were high hopes for the new antiangiogenic medicament, bevacizumab, which could inhibit the creation of new blood vessels through binding to isoform A of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, it is not only blood vessels that are responsible for tumor cell spread. During the process of tumor growth, lymphangiogenesis is mediated by other members of the VEGF family, specifically VEGF-C and VEGF-D, which act independent to bevacizumab. Therefore, based on the mechanism of bevacizumab action and the processes of angio- and lymphangiogenesis, we formed three hypotheses: (1) if the lymph nodes in primary ovarian cancers are metastatic, the outcome of bevacizumab treatment is worsened; (2) concerning the second-line treatment, bevacizumab will act in a weakened manner if recurrence occurs in lymph nodes as opposed to a local recurrence; (3) patients treated by bevacizumab are more likely to have recurrences in lymph nodes. These hypotheses raise the issue of the existing knowledge gap, which concerns the effect of bevacizumab on metastatic lymph nodes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Żak
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Satora
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Student Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Ilona Skrabalak
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Rafał Tarkowski
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Ostrowska-Leśko
- Chair and Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marcin Bobiński
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Satora M, Żak K, Frankowska K, Misiek M, Tarkowski R, Bobiński M. Perioperative Factors Affecting the Healing of Rectovaginal Fistula. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6421. [PMID: 37835064 PMCID: PMC10573987 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rectovaginal fistula is rare, but a severe complication in gynecology, which despite the effort of clinicians is still not treated successfully in many cases. According to statistics, the healing rates of surgery in patients with RVF range from 20 to 100%. The treatment effectiveness depends on the etiology of fistula, the age of the patients, the presence of comorbidities, the type of surgery and many other factors. Considering the low efficiency of treatment and the high risk of recurrence, the question of possible methods to improve the results occurs. In our review, we analyzed both modifiable and non-modifiable factors which may influence the treatment, healing rate and future fate of the patients. Taking into account all analyzed risk factors, including age, comorbidities, smoking status, microbiology, medications, stoma and stool features, we are aware that rectovaginal fistula's treatment must be individualized and holistic. In cases of poorly healing RVF, the drainage of feces, the use of antibiotic prophylaxis or the implementation of estrogen therapy may be useful. Moreover, microbiome research in women with RVF and towards estrogen therapy should be performed in order to create treatment algorithms in women with fistulae. Those interventions, in our opinion, may significantly improve the outcome of the patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Satora
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Student Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.S.); (K.Ż.); (K.F.)
| | - Klaudia Żak
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Student Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.S.); (K.Ż.); (K.F.)
| | - Karolina Frankowska
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Student Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.S.); (K.Ż.); (K.F.)
| | - Marcin Misiek
- Department of Gynecology, Holy Cross Cancer Center, 25-734 Kielce, Poland;
| | - Rafał Tarkowski
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Marcin Bobiński
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Satora M, Grunwald A, Zaremba B, Frankowska K, Żak K, Tarkowski R, Kułak K. Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis-An Overview of Guidelines and the Latest Treatment Methods. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5376. [PMID: 37629418 PMCID: PMC10455317 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12165376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common condition associated with discomfort in affected women. Due to the presence of different forms of the disease, diverse treatment regimens are developed; the newest ones include oteseconazole and ibrexafungerp. Here, we focus on the most up-to-date recommendations regarding VVC treatment, as well as novel treatment options. Topical and oral azoles are the drugs of choice in uncomplicated mycosis. The efficacy of probiotics and substances such as TOL-463 and chlorhexidine is indicated as satisfactory; however, there are no relevant guidelines. Although the majority of researchers agree that the treatment of non-albicans VVC should be long-lasting, the recommendations are inconsistent. Another clinical problem is the treatment of VVC with azole intolerance or resistance, for which literature proposes the use of several drugs including oteseconazole, ibrexafungerp, and voriconazole. The treatment schedules for recurrent VVC include mainly fluconazole; however, alternative options such as immunotherapeutic vaccine (NDV-3A) or designed antimicrobial peptides (dAMPs) were also described. We also focused on VVC affecting pregnant women, which is a substantial challenge in clinical practice, also due to the heterogeneous relevant guidelines. Thus far, few precise recommendations are available in the literature. Future studies should focus on atypical VVC forms to elucidate the inconsistent findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Satora
- Student’s Scientific Association at the I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (A.G.); (B.Z.); (K.F.); (K.Ż.)
| | - Arkadiusz Grunwald
- Student’s Scientific Association at the I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (A.G.); (B.Z.); (K.F.); (K.Ż.)
| | - Bartłomiej Zaremba
- Student’s Scientific Association at the I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (A.G.); (B.Z.); (K.F.); (K.Ż.)
| | - Karolina Frankowska
- Student’s Scientific Association at the I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (A.G.); (B.Z.); (K.F.); (K.Ż.)
| | - Klaudia Żak
- Student’s Scientific Association at the I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (A.G.); (B.Z.); (K.F.); (K.Ż.)
| | - Rafał Tarkowski
- I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (R.T.); (K.K.)
| | - Krzysztof Kułak
- I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (R.T.); (K.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rajtak A, Ostrowska-Leśko M, Żak K, Tarkowski R, Kotarski J, Okła K. Integration of local and systemic immunity in ovarian cancer: Implications for immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1018256. [PMID: 36439144 PMCID: PMC9684707 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1018256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease that induces many local and systemic changes in immunity. The difficult nature of ovarian cancer stems from the lack of characteristic symptoms that contributes to a delayed diagnosis and treatment. Despite the enormous progress in immunotherapy, its efficacy remains limited. The heterogeneity of tumors, lack of diagnostic biomarkers, and complex immune landscape are the main challenges in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Integrative approaches that combine the tumor microenvironment - local immunity - together with periphery - systemic immunity - are urgently needed to improve the understanding of the disease and the efficacy of treatment. In fact, multiparametric analyses are poised to improve our understanding of ovarian tumor immunology. We outline an integrative approach including local and systemic immunity in ovarian cancer. Understanding the nature of both localized and systemic immune responses will be crucial to boosting the efficacy of immunotherapies in ovarian cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Rajtak
- 1st Chair and Department of Oncological Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Ostrowska-Leśko
- 1st Chair and Department of Oncological Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
- Chair and Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Klaudia Żak
- 1st Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Student Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Rafał Tarkowski
- 1st Chair and Department of Oncological Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jan Kotarski
- 1st Chair and Department of Oncological Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Karolina Okła
- 1st Chair and Department of Oncological Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Leziak M, Żak K, Frankowska K, Ziółkiewicz A, Perczyńska W, Abramiuk M, Tarkowski R, Kułak K. Future Perspectives of Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment-Review of Possible Pharmacological Methods. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph192114230. [PMID: 36361110 PMCID: PMC9656791 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Ectopic pregnancy, that is, a blastocyst occurring outside the endometrial cavity of the uterus, affects nearly 2% of pregnancies. The treatment of ectopic pregnancy is surgical or pharmacological. Since surgical management is associated with numerous serious side effects, conservative treatment is sought. The treatment of choice in the majority of cases is based on pharmacotherapy with methotrexate (MTX) in a single- or multi-dose regimen. Although the efficacy of methotrexate reaches between 70 and 90%, its use requires specific conditions regarding both the general condition of the patient and the characteristic features of the ectopic pregnancy. Moreover, MTX can cause severe adverse effects, including stomatitis, hepatotoxicity and myelosuppression. Therefore, clinicians and researchers are still looking for a less toxic, more effective treatment, which could prevent surgeries as a second-choice treatment. Some studies indicate that other substances might constitute a good alternative to methotrexate in the management of ectopic pregnancies. These substances include aromatase inhibitors, especially letrozole. Another promising substance in EP treatment is gefitinib, an inhibitor of EGFR tyrosine domain which, combined with MTX, seems to constitute a more effective alternative in the management of tubal ectopic pregnancies. Other substances for local administration include KCl and absolute ethanol. KCl injections used in combination with MTX may be used when foetal heart function is detected in cervical ectopic pregnancies, as well as in heterotopic pregnancy treatment. Absolute ethanol injections proved successful and safe in caesarean scar pregnancies management. Thus far, little is known about the use of those substances in the treatment of ectopic pregnancies, but already conducted studies seem to be promising.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milena Leziak
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Student Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Klaudia Żak
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Student Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Karolina Frankowska
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Student Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Ziółkiewicz
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Student Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Weronika Perczyńska
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Student Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Abramiuk
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Rafał Tarkowski
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kułak
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bekiesińska-Figatowska M, Sawicka E, Żak K, Szczygielski O. Age related changes in brain MR appearance in the course of neurocutaneous melanosis. Eur J Radiol 2016; 85:1427-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2016.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
8
|
Sawicka E, Szczygielski O, Żak K, Pęczkowski P, Michalak E, Bekiesińska-Figatowska M. Giant congenital melanocytic nevi: selected aspects of diagnostics and treatment. Med Sci Monit 2015; 21:123-32. [PMID: 25577155 PMCID: PMC4298998 DOI: 10.12659/msm.891279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment of giant melanocytic nevi (GMN) remains a multidisciplinary challenge. We present analysis of diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up in children with GMN to establish obligatory procedures in these patients. Material/Methods In 24 children with GMN, we analyzed: localization, main nevus diameter, satellite nevi, brain MRI, catecholamines concentrations in 24-h urine collection, surgery stages number, and histological examinations. The t test was used to compare catecholamines concentrations in patient subgroups. Results Nine children had “bathing trunk” nevus, 7 had main nevus on the back, 6 on head/neck, and 2 on neck/shoulder and neck/thorax. Brain MRI revealed neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM) in 7/24 children (29.2%), symptomatic in 1. Among urine catecholamines levels from 20 patients (33 samples), dopamine concentration was elevated in 28/33, noradrenaline in 15, adrenaline in 11, and vanillylmandelic acid in 4. In 6 NCM children, all catecholamines concentrations were higher than in patients without NCM (statistically insignificant). In all patients, histological examination of excised nevi revealed compound nevus, with neurofibromatic component in 15 and melanoma in 2. They remain without recurrence/metastases at 8- and 3-year-follow-up. There were 4/7 NCM patients with more than 1 follow-up MRI; in 1 a new melanin deposit was found and in 3 there was no progression. Conclusions Early excision with histological examination speeds the diagnosis of melanoma. Brain MRI is necessary to confirm/rule-out NCM. High urine dopamine concentration in GMN children, especially with NCM, is an unpublished finding that can indicate patients with more serious neurological disease. Treatment of GMN children should be tailored individually for each case with respect to all medical/psychological aspects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Sawicka
- Clinic of Surgery of Children and Adolescents, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Orest Szczygielski
- Clinic of Surgery of Children and Adolescents, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Klaudia Żak
- Clinic of Surgery of Children and Adolescents, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Pęczkowski
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Michalak
- Department of Pathomorphology, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|