S.Y. Moon

Atherogenic changes in low-density lipoprotein particle profiles were not observed in non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

STUDY QUESTION Is a preponderance of small dense low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) observed in non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? SUMMARY ANSWER Non-obese Korean women with PCOS have no quantitative or qualitative changes in LDL-C profiles. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Small dense LDL particles (sd-LDL) are more atherogenic than large buoyant ones and are strongly associated with coronary artery disease independent of other risk factors. Many investigators have found an increased proportion of atherogenic sd-LDL or a decreased mean LDL particle size in women with PCOS, but all of these studies have been based primarily on obese or overweight women with PCOS. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a case-control study evaluating complete lipid and lipoprotein profiles in 64 PCOS patients and 64 age- and BMI-matched controls. All women with PCOS in our study population were not obese. To determine the differences in the LDL particle profiles between PCOS phenotypes, the patients with PCOS were divided into two subgroups according to the presence of clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Using the Rotterdam criteria, we recruited 64 women (18-40 years) with PCOS who were attending a tertiary university hospital. A total of 64 premenopausal control women were matched with patients based on exact age and BMI (± 1.0 kg/m(2)). All the participants fell within the non-obese range of the BMI (<25 kg/m(2)) according to the definition of obesity for Asians. The LDL subfraction was analyzed by 3% polyacrylamide gel tube electrophoresis. Seven LDL subclasses were quantified and LDL subclasses 3-7 were small LDL subfractions. LDL subfraction scores were calculated based on the following weighted scoring system developed by the manufacturer: scores of <5.5 were categorized as phenotype A (large, buoyant LDLs), and those >5.5 were categorized as non-A phenotype (sd-LDLs). The system also determined the mean LDL particle size diameter. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE There were no differences in the absolute level of LDL-C, mean LDL diameter or percentage of atherogenic sd-LDLs between PCOS patients and controls or between hyperandrogenic and non-hyperandrogenic PCOS subgroups. Also, none of the subjects showed a non-A LDL phenotype. The most notable finding of our study was the difference in the lipoprotein (a) levels and prevalence of its elevation in PCOS patients versus controls (P = 0.002 and P = 0.004, respectively), and between PCOS subgroups (P = 0.030 and P = 0.047, respectively). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Inclusion of only non-obese subjects, small sample size and lack of information on other potential confounding factors, such as differences in diet and/or exercise patterns. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Although our findings suggest that non-obese women with PCOS have no significant quantitative or qualitative changes in LDL-C profile, data on obese Korean women with PCOS could offer complementary findings about the possible relationship between the magnitude of obesity and LDL phenotype. Further investigations are needed to determine whether a change in lipoprotein (a) in non-obese women with PCOS is also found in other ethnic groups. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No conflict of interest exists. This study was supported by a grant of the Korean Health Technology R&D Project, Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (A100624). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.

FACTORS AFFECTING PENETRATION OF ZONA-FREE HAMSTER OVA

The sperm penetration assay is an expensive, time-consuming test to assess male fertility in vitro. Although some investigators are enthusiastic in its application, others feel that it is not sensitive or specific enough to be used as part of the routine infertility evaluation. Indeed, this bioassay is not a faithful reproduction of in vivo conditions. However, if the SPA is abnormal, it is unlikely that sperm will fertilize a human ovum in vivo. Conversely, a normal SPA does not guarantee successful in vivo fertilization. No bioassay can be absolute in its predictive value, but false-negative results must be kept to a minimum for this bioassay to be of any clinical significance. Each laboratory performing the SPA should optimize the assay for sensitivity, reproducibility, and minimization of false-negative results and then establish normal and abnormal ranges of its own. If the limitations of the SPA are kept in mind, and if we employ it very selectively, it may still be useful.

Association of the interferon‐γ gene (CA)n repeat polymorphism with endometriosis

Please cite this paper as: Kim J, Choi Y, Hwang S, Yoon S, Lee G, Chae S, Hwang K, Moon S. Association of the interferon‐γ gene (CA)n repeat polymorphism with endometriosis. BJOG 2011;118:1061–1066.

Discrepancies between the percentage of plasma cells in bone marrow aspiration and BM biopsy: Impact on the revised IMWG diagnostic criteria of multiple myeloma

Discrepancies between the percentage of plasma cells in bone marrow aspiration and BM biopsy: Impact on the revised IMWG diagnostic criteria of multiple myeloma

Serum CA 19-9 levels in patients with endometriosis

목적 : 자궁내막증의 진단에 있어 혈중 CA19-9를 측정하는 것의 유용성을 알아보기 위함. 연구 방법: 수술적 또는 조직학적으로 자궁내막증이 진단된 53명의 환자들의 수술전 혈중 CA19-9와 CA125 농도를 측정하여 비교하였으며, 자궁내막증의 중증도는 revised American Fertility Society (1985)의 자궁내막증 병기를 적용하였다. 결과 : 자궁내막증 환자 53명 중 13명 (24.5%)에서 혈중 CA19-9가 상승되어 있