Three-dimensional ultrasonic volume measurement of the ovary in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective To explore the ability of 3D volume measurement to evaluate the ovaries of normal women and women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods 3D images of the ovaries of 10 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 10 normal women with regular menstrual cycles were reconstructed. Three-dimensional ultrasonography was used to calculate ovarian volume, stromal volume, and follicular number in each patient. A Voluson 530D ultrasound system (Medison) with software version 4 was used to obtain the images. The trapezoid formula was used to measure ovary and follicle volume by outlining the areas of multiple parallel sections at different distances from the ovary and follicle. Stromal volume was determined by subtracting the sum volume of the follicles from ovarian volume. Results Ovarian volume in normal and PCOS women was 5.66±2.30 cm³ and 9.41±3.08 cm³, respectively (P=0.0002); stromal volume was 4.54±1.83 cm³ and 8.31±3.07 cm³, respectively (P=0.0005); and follicular number was 3.55±1.57 and 11.25±4.33, respectively (P=0.0001). Stromal volume and follicular number correlated closely with ovarian volume in PCOS patients (r²=0.944,P=0.0001 and r²=0.486,P=0.006, respectively). Conclusion Accurate volume measurement with 3D ultrasound allows quantitative evaluation of the ovary. The excellent reconstructive images and convenient volume measurement of 3D ultrasound support its use in obstetrics and gynecology.     

超声弹性成像诊断多囊卵巢综合征的价值探讨

目的探讨超声弹性成像对多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)的诊断价值。方法选取42例PCOS患者(PCOS组)和42例健康女性(对照组),于月经周期第7天测量卵巢体积、卵泡数、弹性成像模式及应变比值,比较两组间的差异。分析应变比值与卵巢体积和卵泡数间的相关性;绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析卵泡数、卵巢体积及应变比值对PCOS的诊断效能。结果 PCOS组患者平均卵巢体积显著大于对照组[(12.9±3.8)cm^3vs.(5.6±1.7)cm^3];卵泡数显著多于对照组[(18.6±5.2)个vs.(8.5±2.6)个],差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.001)。PCOS组弹性成像模式以1型为主,对照组以3型为主,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001);PCOS组应变比值为8.4±1.6,对照组为4.5±1.2,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。以卵泡数≥12个诊断PCOS的敏感性85.4%、特异性89.5%、阳性预测值89.1%、阴性预测值86.0%,曲线下面积0.959;以卵巢体积≥10 cm3诊断PCOS的敏感性100%、特异性70.8%、阳性预测值77.4%、阴性预测值100%,曲线下面积0.962;以应变比值5.7诊断PCOS的敏感性88.1%、特异性83.3%,阳性预测值84.1%、阴性预测值87.5%、曲线下面积0.883。应变比值与卵巢体积和卵泡数均呈正相关(r=0.565、0.653,均P<0.001)。结论超声弹性成像在PCOS诊断中具有较好的临床应用价值。     

阴道多普勒超声在多囊卵巢综合征治疗过程中的应用价值

目的分析阴道多普勒超声对多囊卵巢综合征（PCOS）不孕患者治疗过程中卵巢动脉血流动力学、卵泡发育的监测价值。方法选取2018年8月~2020年8月于医院诊治的267例PCOS不孕患者作为研究对象，所有患者均进行阴道多普勒超声检查，比较治疗前后患者卵巢动脉血流动力学指标:收缩期峰值血流速度、舒张末期血流速度、阻力指数、搏动指数，血清激素水平:促卵泡激素、促黄体生成素、雌二醇，以及卵泡发育（卵泡数量、卵泡大小、卵巢体积）的变化情况。结果治疗前，PCOS不孕患者超声表现为双侧卵巢增大，卵巢呈现蜂窝状变化，卵泡发育异常，一切面卵泡数量≥12个，直径均 < 10 mm，并且大小不等（直径大多为2~9 mm），呈现栅栏状排列，髓质部回声增强，包膜增厚，卵巢基质内血管清晰，血流丰富，血流信号呈现粗条状，血流频谱呈现高速、低阻状态；治疗后，患者超声表现为卵巢体积大、卵泡数量多，且一侧卵巢内出现优势卵泡，卵巢被膜呈现较强回声，卵巢基质内可见较丰富的血流；与治疗前比较，PCOS不孕患者治疗后卵泡数量增多（P < 0.05），卵泡大小、卵巢体积增大（P < 0.05）；与治疗前比较，PCOS不孕患者治疗后卵巢动脉血流动力学指标（即收缩期峰值血流速度、舒张末期血流速度）升高（P < 0.05），阻力指数、搏动指数降低（P < 0.05）；与治疗前比较，PCOS不孕患者治疗后促卵泡激素、促黄体生成素以及雌二醇水平升高（P < 0.05）。结论阴道多普勒超声可对PCOS不孕患者治疗过程中卵巢动脉血流动力学和卵泡发育情况进行监测，对指导治疗PCOS不孕患者具有重要的临床价值。      

三维超声容积成像对多囊卵巢综合征的诊断价值

目的探讨三维超声容积成像对多囊卵巢综合征（PCOS）的诊断价值。方法检测60例PCOS患者和60例正常者的卵巢三维容积、二维面积、血流动力学指标。应用受试者工作特征曲线（ROC）比较以上指标的诊断价值。结果PCOS组的卵巢容积、间质容积、卵泡容积、卵巢面积、间质面积及间质面积与卵巢面积之比显著大于对照组；卵巢间质内动脉阻力指数显著低于对照组，收缩期峰值血流速度显著高于对照组；ROC曲线分析表明卵巢容积诊断PCOS的准确率最高。结论三维超声容积成像测量卵巢容积有重要的辅助诊断PCOS的价值，可以作为超声诊断PCOS的指标之一。     

超声检测PCOS患者卵巢血流动力学指标及其临床意义

目的探讨彩色多普勒超声检测多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者卵巢血流动力学指标的变化特点。方法选取PCOS患者95例,另选取同期体检健康育龄期女性50例作为对照组。均接受经阴道彩色多普勒超声检查及血清激素检测,对比PCOS患者与对照组卵巢血流动力学指标及激素水平差异,并分析PCOS患者子宫、卵巢基质动脉血流特征及血流参数的特征表现。结果PCOS组患者LH、LH/FSH、T、FSH水平与对照组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),但两组E2、P、PRL水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),PCOS组患者左、右双侧子宫动脉PI、RI明显高于对照组(P<0.05);Pearson相关性分析显示双侧子宫动脉PI、RI与PRL呈负性相关(P<0.05)。结论PCOS患者存在内分泌功能紊乱与卵巢血流参数异常的现象,通过超声检查能够在一定程度上反映PCOS患者病情,结合合并症情况能够间接评估患者内分泌功能,对诊断及指导PCOS临床治疗均具有重要意义。     

女性正常子宫内膜及卵巢对18F-FDG的生理性摄取特点

目的 观察女性正常子宫内膜及卵巢¹⁸F-FDG生理性摄取特点。方法 收集107名经临床、B超、CT及随访证实为子宫内膜、卵巢¹⁸F-FDG生理性摄取的女性受检者的PET/CT显像资料。按照是否绝经分为绝经组(29名)及未绝经组(78名)。应用目测法及半定量分析法分析PET/CT图像特征,测量ROI最大标准摄取值(SUV_max)与卵巢最大直径(T_max)。结果 绝经组无子宫内膜及卵巢生理性摄取。未绝经组25名存在子宫内膜生理性摄取,多在排卵期及月经期,其中排卵期10名,平均SUV_max为4.0±0.6;月经期8名,平均SUV_max为5.1±0.9;35名有卵巢生理性摄取,排卵期多见,有28名,平均SUV_max为4.2±0.8。左侧卵巢T_max为(2.4±0.7)cm,右侧为(2.5±0.5)cm。结论 已绝经女性无子宫内膜及卵巢生理性摄取;未绝经女性在月经周期各阶段子宫内膜及卵巢生理性摄取各具特点。     

超声检查对多囊卵巢综合征的诊断价值探讨

目的探讨超声检查对多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)的诊断价值。方法选择39例确诊的PCOS患者作为PCOS组,35例非PCOS者作为对照组,观察其卵巢的形态、大小和卵泡的数量及直径,并进行分析比较。结果 PCOS组患者卵巢体积增大(大于53cm3),卵泡个数增多(大于11个),卵泡直径减小(小于10mm)。非PCOS组卵巢体积、卵泡个数、卵泡直径分别为(20.04±4.52)cm3、(0.73±0.47)个、(11.79±2.85)mm,PCOS组分别为(53.31±9.64)cm2、(11.61±1.19)个、(6.42±1.33)mm,两组比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论超声能够明确卵巢外部特征、大小及内部结构,在PCOS诊断中应结合多项超声参数分析,以提高诊断的准确性。     

The efficacy of Tung’s acupuncture for sex hormones in polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and heterogeneous endocrine disorder in reproductive-age women. Tung's acupuncture, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment, is widely used for PCOS in East Asia, but evidence on its efficacy is rare. The aim of this RCT study was to examine whether the Tung’s acupuncture could be a complementary treatment method for PCOS.MethodsA total of 60 PCOS patients were randomly assigned to a Tung's acupuncture group (n = 30) or a cyproterone acetate/ethinylestradiol (CPA/EE) group (n = 30). Each participant received treatments for 12 weeks to assess the short-term treatment efficacy and then followed up for another 12 weeks to assess the long-term treatment efficacy. The primary outcome examined was change in the ratio of luteinizing hormone (LH) to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); the secondary outcomes examined were changes in body mass index (BMI), LH, FSH, total testosterone (TT), ovarian volume, polycystic ovary number and menstrual frequency.ResultsBoth groups showed significant reductions in the LH/FSH ratio, LH and TT after 12-week treatment (p < 0.001) and 12-week follow-up (p < 0.05). No significant differences existed between the two groups (p > 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in BMI, menstrual frequency and polycystic ovary number after 12-week treatment (p < 0.05).ConclusionCompared with CPA/EE, Tung’s acupuncture showed no better improvement on LH/FSH ratio for PCOS although it could reduce the ratio. Tung's acupuncture might have some effect on long-term weight control and menstruation frequency. Further studies addressing this study’s limitations are recommended.     

Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index and troponin testing for the selection of low‐risk patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism

Summary. Background: The combination of the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) and troponin testing could help physicians identify appropriate patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) for early hospital discharge. Methods: This prospective cohort study included a total of 567 patients from a single center registry with objectively confirmed acute symptomatic PE. On the basis of the PESI, each patient was classified into one of five classes (I–V). At the time of hospital admission, patients had troponin I (cTnI) levels measured. The endpoint of the study was all‐cause mortality within 30 days after diagnosis. We calculated the mortality rates in four patient groups: group 1, PESI class I–II plus cTnI < 0.1 ng mL^?1; group 2, PESI classes III–V plus cTnI < 0.1 ng mL^?1; group 3, PESI classes I–II plus cTnI ≥ 0.1 ng mL^?1; and group 4, PESI classes III–V plus cTnI ≥ 0.1 ng mL^?1. Results: The study cohort had a 30‐day mortality of 10% [95% confidence interval (CI), 7.6–12.5%]. Mortality rates in the four groups were 1.3%, 14.2%, 0% and 15.4%, respectively. Compared with non‐elevated cTnl, the low‐risk PESI had a higher negative predictive value (NPV) (98.9% vs. 90.8%) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) (0.1 vs. 0.9) for predicting mortality. The addition of non‐elevated cTnI to low‐risk PESI did not improve the NPV or the NLR compared with either test alone. Conclusions: Compared with cTnl testing, PESI classification more accurately identified patients with PE who are at low risk of all‐cause death within 30 days of presentation.     

Midterm Outcome of Ultrasound‐Guided Alcohol Gel Sclerotherapy for Symptomatic Leiomyoma

Objective. The purpose of this study was to describe the outcome of ultrasound‐guided ethanol gel sclerotherapy of myomatous nodules 1 to 18 months after treatment. Methods. A total of 118 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of symptomatic leiomyomas referred for ethanol gel sclerotherapy were studied between November 2005 and July 2007. Clinical (self‐administered symptom questionnaire) and ultrasound follow‐ups were done 1 to 2, 6 to 8, and 12 to 18 months after the procedure. Results. The mean baseline volumes ± SD were 223.3 ± 158.3 cm³ for the uterus and 68.4 ± 110.5 cm³ for the dominant fibroid. The most common adverse reaction in the immediate postoperative period was pelvic pain in 27.1% of the patients, but 58.4% had no reactions. After 12 months, a 29.5% reduction in uterine volume was observed in 64.7% of the patients. A 55.5% reduction in dominant fibroid volume was observed in 82.8% of the patients. Pelvic pain improved in 29.8% of the sample, dysmenorrhea in 51.7%, and menstrual flow in 39%. Most patients (77%) reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment. Conclusions. The results suggest that ethanol gel sclerotherapy is a safe, conservative alternative for treating symptomatic uterine leiomyomas. Further randomized studies are necessary to determine the suitability and indications of this procedure in comparison to other minimally invasive techniques.     

The influence of ovarian sonication on fetal development in the rat

This study was undertaken to determine whether sonication of the ovaries on day 8 of pregnancy would alter fetal development in the rat. Mating was confirmed by the presence of sperm (day 1 of gestation) in the vaginal smear, and the rats were grouped and treated on day 8 as follows: Group I (controls) had both ovaries surgically exposed to sonic gel for 10 min/ovary; group II received 10 watts/cm² temporal peak intensity of pulsed ultrasound through the body wall for 10 min/ovary; group III received 100 watts/cm² in a similar manner as group II; group IV was treated the same as group III except the ultrasound was applied directly to the surgically exposed ovaries. The frequency employed was 1.9 mHz. The animals were sacrificed on days 15–17, implantation sites and resorptions were counted, and fetal viability was determined. There were no statistically significant differences in the percentage of resorptions among any of the groups. The data indicated that the ovaries were functional with regard to fetal development.     

超声引导卵泡穿刺电凝打孔治疗多囊卵巢综合征的临床应用

目的探讨介入超声下穿刺电凝未成熟卵泡对改善无排卵多囊卵巢(PCOS)患者内分泌状态的价值。方法对39例PCOS不孕症患者进行经阴道实时超声引导下未成熟卵泡穿刺抽吸卵泡液,同时电凝打孔,观察术前、术后黄体生成素(LH)、卵泡刺激素(FSH)、睾酮(T)、泌乳素(PRL)、雌激素(E1)水平,术后排卵及妊娠情况等。结果39例患者中,36例术后月经情况明显改善,术后外周血清LH、LH/FSH、T、PRL及E1水平较术前降低,而FSH明显升高,术前术后具有显著性差异。术后妊娠率69%(27/39)。结论超声引导下穿刺电凝未成熟卵泡,可以显著改善PCOS患者体内激素紊乱状态,提高妊娠率,并发症少,是药物治疗无效的PCOS患者安全有效的治疗方法。     

Three‐Dimensional Power Doppler Angiography of Cyclic Ovarian Blood Flow

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the vascular indices generated by 3‐dimensional (3D) power Doppler angiography by evaluating the cyclic changes in the vascularity of normal ovaries, including those that were ovulating, nonovulating, and hormonally suppressed. Methods. In this prospective longitudinal observational study, a cohort of premenopausal regularly menstruating women with no known ovarian disease underwent 3D power Doppler imaging every 2 to 3 days for the duration of 1 menstrual cycle. Four indices were generated: vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), vascularization‐flow index (VFI), and mean grayness. Comparisons of vascularity were made between ovulating, nonovulating, and hormonally suppressed ovaries. Normal ranges were established and graphed longitudinally. Results. Eighteen participants (36 ovaries) ages 28 to 45 years underwent an average of 10 examinations, yielding 368 acquired ovarian volumes for analysis. Seven participants used hormonal contraception. The VI, FI, and VFI were closely correlated (Pearson product moment correlation coefficients, 0.52–0.95). The vascular indices of ovulating ovaries were significantly higher than those of nonovulating ovaries (VI, FI, and VFI, all P < .001), with the largest discrepancies during the luteal phase. Hormonally suppressed ovaries had significantly lower vascularity throughout the cycle (VI, P < .002; FI, P < .001; VFI, P < .007). The vascular indices of all groups appeared to drop during the late follicular period and then rise again. Conclusions. The VI would suffice as the principal vascular parameter for 3D power Doppler analysis. Preovulatory scans may be more useful for distinguishing pathologic vascularization. Hormonally suppressed ovaries have significantly lower vascularity throughout the cycle. Normal‐appearing ovaries with vascular indices above the normal ranges established by these data may warrant further investigation.     

经阴道彩色多普勒诊断多囊卵巢综合征的价值及超声表现

目的探究经阴道彩色多普勒诊断多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)的价值及超声表现。方法将我院28例PCOS患者纳入观察组,同期20例健康体检女性纳入对照组。比较两组经阴道超声参数以及卵巢间质内动脉血流动力学指标,经ROC曲线评估上述指标对PCOS的诊断效能,并分析PCOS患者超声表现。结果观察组卵巢面积、卵巢体积、髓质面积大于对照组,RI低于对照组,EDV、PSV高于对照组(P<0.05)。卵巢面积、卵巢体积、髓质面积、RI、EDV、PSV诊断的ROC曲线下面积分别为0.935、0.963、0.972、0.972、0.979、0.937。观察组间质血流信号以粗状为主,对照组以星点状为主,两组间质血流信号表现比较,差异显著(P<0.05)。PCOS患者超声可见双侧卵巢增大,窦卵泡数目增多。结论经阴道彩色多普勒超声可清晰地显现卵巢内部结构,有效显示卵巢血流动力学信息,在PCOS的诊断中具有重要价值。     

3D Freehand Ultrasound for in vivo Determination of Human Skeletal Muscle Volume

Skeletal muscle volume is an important indicator of muscle function. Three-dimensional (3D) freehand ultrasound provides a noninvasive method for determining muscle volume and is acquired using a standard clinical ultrasound machine and an external tracking system to monitor transducer position. Eleven healthy volunteers were scanned with a 3D freehand system that uses an optical tracking device. Interest was concentrated on one of the muscles of the quadriceps group, rectus femoris and volume measurements performed on 30 mm cross-sections were compared with measurements derived from magnetic resonance imaging. Measured muscle volumes ranged from 5 cm³ to 28 cm³. The mean difference between measurements from 3D freehand ultrasound and magnetic resonance was 0.53 cm³ with 95% limits of agreement of ±2.14 cm³. Muscle volume measurements obtained using 3D ultrasound were within ±16% of the corresponding value from magnetic resonance imaging. We have shown for the first time that 3D freehand ultrasound can be used to determine human skeletal muscle volume accurately in vivo. (E-mail: T.J.MacGillivray@ed.ac.uk)     

Ultrasound criteria in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Not all women with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on ultrasound (US) will have the syndrome, and clinical and biochemical features of PCOS may be present without US features. The sensitivity of US in detecting PCOS was, therefore, prospectively determined in 72 women (32 PCOS and 40 controls). The most sensitive features were the presence of 10 or more follicles (82% and 69% in the left and right ovary) and a peripheral distribution of follicles (81.8% and 71.9% in the left and right ovary). Although ovarian enlargement and stromal brightness were not as sensitive as the previous criteria, stromal brightness was most specific. Combining all the criteria predicted a diagnosis of PCOS or control correctly in 86.4% of cases. This study shows that established US criteria of polycystic ovaries remain of value in the diagnosis of PCOS; however, the discrepancy between the left and right ovaries is an interesting but unexplained finding.     

胰岛素抵抗对PCOS患者内分泌代谢及卵巢超声指标的影响

[目的]探讨胰岛素抵抗(IR)对多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者内分泌代谢及卵巢超声指标的影响,并分析二者的相关性.[方法]120例PCOS患者以是否伴IR分为IR-PCOS组(n=65)和NIR-PCOS组(n=55).检测并比较两组血清雌二醇(E2)、黄体生成激素(LH)、卵泡刺激素(FSH)、胆固醇(TC)、空腹胰岛素(Fins)等内分泌代谢指标;阴道超声检查囊泡数量、卵巢体积(OV)、卵泡数目(NF)等.分析内分泌代谢及卵巢超声指标的相关性.[结果]IR-PCOS组空腹血糖(FPG)、甘油三酯(TG)、Fins、TC、LH水平明显高于NIR-PCOS组,FSH水平明显低于NIR-PCOS组(P＜0.05),两组其他内分泌代谢指标比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).与NIR-P-COS组相比,IR-PCOS组囊泡数量、NF显著较多,血管化-血流指数(VFI)、OV显著增大(P＜0.05),两组卵巢间质面积(SA)及卵巢间质面积/总面积比值(SA/TA)比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).相关性分析显示囊泡数量、NF、OV与PFG、Fins、TC、LH均呈正相关(P＜0.05),与FSH均呈负相关(P＜0.05);IR-PCOS组其他超声特征指标与其余内分泌指标无相关性.[结论]IR可增加PCOS患者内分泌代谢紊乱发生风险,改变卵巢超声指标,且伴IR-PCOS患者的内分泌代谢指标与卵巢超声指标具有一定的相关性.     

应用超高分辨力小动物超声影像系统三维重建技术测量严重联合免疫缺陷小鼠卵巢体积

目的 探讨超高分辨力小动物超声影像系统三维成像技术测量严重联合免疫缺陷（SCID）小鼠卵巢体积的方法及应用价值。方法 选用11只C.B17/SCID纯系雌性小鼠,应用超高分辨力小动物专用超声影像系统及45 MHz探头,以三维成像体积测量技术测量SCID小鼠卵巢的体积,将所得卵巢体积与二维成像进行比较和相关分析。结果 应用超高分辨力小动物超声影像系统获得了清晰的SCID小鼠卵巢的二维平面及三维立体图像。二维超声与三维超声测量的SCID小鼠卵巢体积分别为（5.26±0.51）mm³和（5.47±0.58）mm³（P>0.05）,二者呈高度正相关（r=0.84,P<0.05）。结论 超高分辨力小动物三维超声成像体积测量技术无创,操作简便,能够精确测量小鼠卵巢体积,可作为在体研究卵巢癌小动物模型的重要实验工具。     

Comparison of 3‐ and 2‐Dimensional Sonographic Techniques for Counting Ovarian Follicles

Objective. The purpose of this study was to compare 3‐dimensional (3D) and 2‐dimensional (2D) ovarian follicle counts and 3D counts using stored volumes between experienced and inexperienced operators. Methods. Follicles larger than 5 mm were counted on 1 randomly selected ovary. Two‐dimensional follicle counts were compared with stored 3D volumes by the same experienced operator (registered diagnostic medical sonographer [RDMS]). Counts using 3D stored data were compared between the experienced operator and inexperienced operator (principal investigator [PI]). The mean difference in follicle counts was computed, and a 1‐sample Student t test was performed to test the hypothesis that the mean of the differences was 0. Comparison of the 2 methods and observers by Bland‐Altman plots was used to determine any systematic differences based on the total number of follicles per selected ovary. Results. Mean differences differed from 0 (P < .005) for all 3 comparisons: 2D RDMS versus 3D RDMS, 2D RDMS versus 3D PI, and 3D RDMS versus 3D PI. For the comparison of 2D versus 3D counts done by the RDMS, 5 ovaries (10%) had a difference of more than 5 follicles counted; for the 2D RDMS versus 3D PI, 11 ovaries (22%) had a difference of more than 5 follicles; for the 3D RDMS versus 3D PI, 8 ovaries (16%) had a difference of more than 5 follicles. Mean differences in counts ranged 0.29 to 1.04 for ovaries with 10 or fewer follicles compared with 3.94 to 9.00 for ovaries with more than 10 follicles. Conclusions. Follicle counts using 3D volumes were similar to 2D counts, and 3D follicle counts done by an inexperienced operator were similar to counts done by an experienced sonographer.     

DNA damage,DNA susceptibility to oxidation and glutathione level in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Recent studies have addressed the possibility of an association between polycystic ovaries and ovarian cancer. DNA damage is the first step of the carcinogenesis, and susceptibility to cancer, in general, is characterized by high DNA damage. Free radical‐mediated DNA damage and impaired antioxidant defence have been implicated as contributory factors for the development of cancer. This study evaluates DNA damage (strand breakage, base oxidation, formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (Fpg) sensitive sites), H₂O₂‐induced DNA damage, a marker of DNA susceptibility to oxidation and glutathione (GSH) level, a powerful antioxidant, in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS showed a significant decrease in GSH level, a significant increase in DNA strand breakage and H₂O₂‐induced DNA damage. Although Fpg‐sensitive sites were higher in the PCOS group compared to the control group, the difference did not reach a statistically significant level. Significant correlations were found between free testosterone and DNA strand breakage (r = 0.46, p<0.01) and free testosterone and H₂O₂‐induced DNA damage (r = 0.41, p<0.05). The data indicate that DNA damage and susceptibility of DNA to oxidative stress are increased in women with PCOS and may explain the association between PCOS and ovarian cancer.