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Biomedical subjects

V A Tzingounis

Publications and source records attributed to V A Tzingounis.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Increased activity of lysosomal enzymes in the peritoneal fluid of patients with gynecologic cancers and pelvic inflammatory disease.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the activity of lysosomal enzymes is increased in the peritoneal fluid of patients with gynecologic cancers compared to activity in the peritoneal fluid from normal subjects and those with pelvic inflammatory disease, and fluid from benign ovarian cysts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: beta-glucuronidase, beta-galactosidase, and alpha-mannosidase activity was measured in the peritoneal fluid from patients with gynecologic cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, and normal subjects, and fluid from benign ovarian cysts. RESULTS: The mean+/-SD of beta-glucuronidase, beta-galactosidase, and alpha-mannosidase activity in the gynecologic cancers was 120+/-50 nmol, 203+/-86 nmol, and 240+/-119 nmol 4-methylumbelliferone/ml/h, respectively; in the normal control subjects it was 22+/-9 nmol, 46+/-10 nmol, and 80+/-23 nmol, respectively (P=0.00003, 0.0001, and 0.0001, respectively). The activity was increased even in cases without malignant cells in the peritoneal fluid. In pelvic inflammatory disease it was 148+/-82 nmol, 278+/-112 nmol, and 291+/-140 nmol, respectively. The activity in the fluid of the ovarian cysts was similar to that of the normal peritoneal fluid. There was a significant positive correlation between enzyme activity and stage of cancer, that was stronger for beta-glucuronidase (r=0.889, P=0.003). CONCLUSION: The increased lysosomal enzyme activity in gynecologic cancers, without overlapping between patients and normal subjects or benign ovarian cyst fluid, indicates that such measurements might be applied for diagnostic purposes.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2002

Clinical experience with Norplant subdermal implant system as long-term contraception during adolescence.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to assess the efficacy, acceptability and side-effects of the Norplant (Leiras) contraceptive system during adolescence. METHODS: A total of 13 adolescents were implanted with Norplant immediately after menstruation. Adolescents were advised to present for follow-up visits at 3 days after implantation, at 3, 6 and 12 months and every 1 year thereafter. Blood pressure, menstrual disorders, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, glucose and side-effects were recorded at every visit. RESULTS: The follow-up period was 24 months with a continuation rate of 100% (13/13) for the first 6 months, 92.5% (12/13) for 12 months and 53.8% (7/13) for the whole period. No pregnancies were observed. No infections at the implant site or expulsions were observed. Menorrhagia was observed in 4/13 (30.76%) adolescents in the third month. Thereafter all adolescents were treated with tenoxicam (prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor), so that by the end of the sixth month of treatment menorrhagia was not present in any of the 13 adolescents. No increase of blood pressure was observed. A statistically significant increase (p < 0.01) of triglycerides at 6 months after implantation was found; however, no difference was observed in the values of serum glucose, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study has shown that Norplant is acceptable as a contraceptive method among adolescents in Greece and can be prescribed safely.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Ovulation induction with pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) or gonadotropins in a case of hypothalamic amenorrhea and diabetes insipidus.

Hypothalamic amenorrhea is a treatable cause of infertility. Our patient was presented with secondary amenorrhea and diabetes insipidus. Cortisol and prolactin responded normally to a combined insulin tolerance test (ITT) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) challenge, while thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) response to TRH was diminished, and no response of growth hormone to ITT was detected. Both luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels increased following gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) challenge. No response of LH to clomiphene citrate challenge was detected. Magnetic resonance imaging findings demonstrated a midline mass occupying the inferior hypothalamus, with posterior lobe not visible and thickened pituitary stalk. Ovulation induction was carried out first with combined human menopausal gonadotropins (hMG/LH/FSH) (150 IU/day) and afterwards with pulsatile GnRH (150 ng/kg/pulse). Ovulation was achieved with both pulsatile GnRH and combine gonadotropin therapy. Slightly better results were achieved with the pulsatile GnRH treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Comparative study of systemic interferon alfa-2a with oral isotretinoin and oral isotretinoin alone in the treatment of recurrent condylomata accuminata.

OBJECTIVES: We attempted to test the hypothesis that the combination of systemic interferon alfa-2a and oral isotretinoin is more effective than isotretinoin alone in the treatment of recurrent condylomata accuminata. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty seven women with recurrent condylomata accuminata were randomly assigned in two groups. Group A (n = 24) received isotretinoin alone (Roaccutan, Roche) 1 mg/kgr orally daily for 3 months or until a remission was achieved; Group B (n = 33) received Interferon alfa-2a (Roferon-A, Roche) 3 million units subcutaneously three times for 8 weeks plus isotretinoin 1 mg/Kg orally for 3 months or until a remission was achieved. RESULTS: There was no statistically significance in remission rates between the two groups (18/24 vs 28/33, p > 0.1). However the duration of treatment was statistically significantly shorter in Group B (1.9 vs 2.5 months, p < 0.01). Side effects were minimal.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

The effect of gestanone and ethynyl estradiol on benign breast disease.

The evidence related to the effects of Ocs on the breast benign diseases and their secondary relation to malignancy is studied. Our data are in concordance with other epidemiological studies, that showed no influence on breast mitosis and apoptosis and that there was a reduced incidence of benign breast disease; we also believe that it has a beneficial effect and that this method of contraception is the best.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Subcutaneous hormone replacement therapy.

It is estimated that 75% of women are in an acute estrogen deficiency state within a few years after the onset of the menopause. Every woman inevitably reaches this phase except for a fortunate few who have some source of endogenous estrogens available to them. We believe it would be prudent to offer hormone replacement therapy to every woman with symptoms of the menopause, and to those in whom symptoms are not patently manifest, if an estrogen deficit is present as indicated by vaginal cytology. Certainly even in the absence of symptoms, the presence of osteoporosis is sufficient reason to initiate small doses of estrogens (along with increased calcium and protein uptake, and exercise) for the remainder of the woman's lifetime. Crystalline pellets of 17 beta-estradiol offer excellent relief of symptoms for those postmenopausal women who fare poorly on oral estrogens or intramuscular injections. Although somewhat more expensive than other modes of therapy, pellet use is convenient, highly effective and associated with few side effects.

Aged↗
PubMed1986

Cervical dilation with prostaglandin F2 alpha for first trimester abortion.

Mechanical cervical dilation in the first trimester has been associated with some risk of cervical injury and incompetence of the cervix resulting in premature labor and spontaneous abortion. Several chemical agents have been used in trying to prevent this mishap in the last few years. Prostaglandins have been shown to soften and dilate the cervix gradually. We evaluated the efficacy of (15S)-15-methyl-prostaglandin F2 alpha-methyl-ester suppositories in the softening and dilatation of the cervix in patients having elective first trimester abortion (seven to 14 weeks' pregnancy). The mean cervical dilatation (internal os) was 8.7 mm in patients who were seven to ten weeks pregnant and 9.8 mm in the group who were 11 to 14 weeks pregnant. The mean cervical dilation before prostaglandin administration was 1.7 mm for the external os; the internal os was closed. The side effects were minimal and well tolerated. Blood loss was also reduced in these patients.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed1980

The fate of a large bolus of exogenous estrogen administered to postmenopausal women.

Seventeen postmenopausal women were given a bolus of conjugated estrogens (USP, Premarin), 17 beta-estradiol and estriol orally, intravenously or by pellet implantation, and circulating levels of estrone, estradiol and/or estriol were measured by radioimmunoassay at various intervals during a 48--72-h period. Oral administration resulted in a marked rise in serum estrone; parenteral administration resulted in a marked increased in serum estradiol. There was no significant fall in serum gonadotropins during this period. Following estriol administration orally, there was a decided elevation in estriol levels but minimal change in estrone and estradiol.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1980

The significance of oestriol in the management of the post-menopause.

Oestrogen replacement therapy relieves many post-menopausal symptoms and has been successfully employed clinically for this purpose for more than four decades. Recently the alleged relationship between oestrogens and cancer has stimulated a re-evaluation of an old oestrogen preparation, oestriol (E3). The dosages of E3 employed appear to vary considerably, and the need was felt to establish the dosage on a scientific basis. Accordingly in the study reported here E3 was administered in various dosages (2, 4, 6, and 8 mg/d) to 52 symptomatic post-menopausal women as oestrogen replacement therapy for a six-month period. Assays of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), oestrone (E1) and oestradiol (E2) were performed before and during therapy and vaginal cytology, cervical mucus and endometrial studies were performed during the period of administration. The clinical effectiveness of E3 was found to be directly related to dosage. E3 did not induce endometrial proliferation and proved a poor suppressor of FSH and LH. The ability of oestriol to relieve vasomotor instability and to improve vaginal maturation without inducing notable side effects is sufficient reason for it to be included in the management of the post-menopausal syndrome.

Aged↗
PubMed1979

Hyperprolactinemia and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Prolactin and pituitary gonadotropin levels were studied in eight patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. All women were of reproductive age and had had menstrual disorders since menarche. Three patients had hyperprolactinemia with or without galactorrhea and tomograms of the sella turcica revealed pituitary microadenomas. The remaining five patients with normal baseline prolactin levels had a prolactin stimulation test which used 25 mg of thorazine per os, and a prolactin suppression test using l-dopa 500 mg per os. Analysis of the results of these tests and a comparison with tests performed in five normal individuals used as controls showed significantly different responses in the two groups of women. The preliminary information obtained indicates that an abnormal prolactin secretion status may exist in the polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Estriol in the management of the menopause.

Estriol was administered for a six-month period as estrogen replacement therapy to 52 symptomatic postmenopausal women. Assays of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrone, and estradiol were performed before and during therapy. During this period of administration, vaginal cytology, cervical mucus, and endometrial studies were performed. Clinical effectiveness was directly related to dosage (2 to 8 mg/day). Estriol (8 mg/day) failed to induce endometrial proliferation and proved a poor suppressor of FSH and LH. This agent's capacity to relieve vasomotor instability and improve vaginal maturation without notable side effects is sufficient reason to include this drug in the management of the postmenopausal syndrome.

Endometrium↗
PubMed1978

Tubal patency: hysterosalpingography compared with laparoscopy.

Laparoscopy was done about three months after hysterosalpingography (HSG) in 121 patients complaining of infertility. Normal patency was found with both technics in 71 patients (58.6%). In 23 of the 97 patients with a normal HSG, however, peritubal or tubal disease was observed at the time of laparoscopy (false-negative results, 19%). Twenty-four tubal obstructions (19.8%) were detected by HSG (16 distal and eight proximal) but five distal and four proximal obstructions were not confirmed by laparoscopy (false-positive results, 7.4%). In addition, laparoscopic evaluation demonstrated endometriosis in 31 cases, polycystic ovaries in six, and uterine fibroids in five.

Adnexal Diseases↗
PubMed1978

Treatment of benign breast disease with danazol: a follow-up report.

One hundred thirty-five women with benign breast disease (BBD) were treated with danazol, an impeded androgen. Their ages ranged from 19 to 60 years (mean age, 30). The dose varied from 100 to 800 mg per day for 90 to 180 days, depending upon the severity of the disorder. Overall relief of pain was observed in 97% and of tenderness in 90.5%. There was complete or marked improvement of nodosities in 73%. Seventy-eight patients were followed every six months for two to four years. The recurrent symptoms were pain in 6%, tenderness in 6% and nodosities in 10%. Incidentally, we found that 29.3% of infertile women with BBD conceived within 24 months after cessation of a course of therapy. The side effects, when present, were trivial.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The significance of adrenal and ovarian catheterization in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

A previously unreported series of 15 anovulatory hirsute women with polycystic ovaries made up this study. Each underwent left adrenal and left ovarian vein catherization. Blood samples were obtained from the ovarian, adrenal and peripheral veins to test the levels of testosterone, delta 4 androstenedione (delta 4A), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), estradiol and/or total estrogens, before and after administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (ten cases) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (five cases). Following intravenous human chorionic gonadotropin administration, the only response seen was a slight rise in ovarian levels of delta 4A and DHEA; after intravenous adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation, the adrenal levels of delta 4A, testosterone and DHEA rose significantly. Peripheral concentrations of testosterone and delta 4A were in the high normal range and DHEA levels were high normal or slightly above normal range.

Adolescent↗