Preimplantation factor (PIF), a 15 amino acid peptide secreted by viable embryos, is reported to play a crucial role in embryo implantation as well as achievement of maternal tolerance via local and systemic immunomodulation. Now, a recent genomic and proteomic study has provided further credence to the positive influence of PIF in embryo attachment and successful pregnancy. The findings have been published in the current edition of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Continue Reading

A recent study by Danish researchers has reported that the intake of psychotropic medications could pose serious adverse effects during pregnancy, including the possibility of birth defects in the offspring. The findings of the study are published in the recent issue of the open access journal BMC Research Notes. Continue Reading

A recent breakthrough study reports the development of a blood test that helps predict the approximate age at which a woman would attain menopause. The findings of this population-based cohort study were presented at the 26th annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) held at Rome from 27^th to 30^th June 2010. The researchers are hopeful that the test could help women determine the age at which they reach menopause and accordingly plan their motherhood. Continue Reading

Preterm birth (PTB), which may be associated with long-term liabilities, is identified as the leading cause of all deaths during the first month of fetal life, globally, and contributes to substantial medical, economic, and psychological burden. Such births are attributed to cost the US healthcare system more than $26 billion, annually. Now, a recent case-control study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology reports the identification of maternal and fetal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that enhance the risk for spontaneous preterm births (SPTB). Continue Reading

CXCR1 (CXC chemokine receptor 1) is an inflammatory receptor, which triggers the growth of cancer stem cells in response to tissue damage and inflammation. A study published in the recent online issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, reports that blockage of CXCR1, an interleukin-8 receptor, selectively destroys human breast cancer stem cell (CSC) lines in vitro and in xenografts. Blocking of the receptor was found to considerably hinder the growth of the tumor and reduce metastasis. Continue Reading

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) or menstrual pain is the most common gynecological condition, with the highest prevalence being reported among adolescents. Despite this, many prefer self-treatment through non-pharmacological or over-the-counter interventions, or avoid treatment instead of consulting a physician. There exists anecdotal belief that behavioral interventions, such as physical exercise, are effective in reducing the pain, as well as in eliminating the need for any pharmacologic treatments to control menstrual cramps and other related symptoms. In stark contradiction to this belief, a recent study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (BJOG), reports that there is no association between regular exercise, PD, and its associated symptomatology. Continue Reading

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a qualitative serum test termed OVA1, which can identify ovarian cancer in a pelvic mass prior to exploratory surgery. The test has been developed by the molecular diagnostics company, Vermillion Inc., in collaboration with scientists at the Johns Hopkins University. Continue Reading

Miscarriage occurs in 10%-25% of all clinically recognized pregnancies, with around <5% of women reporting 2 consecutive miscarriages and nearly 1% women experiencing ≥3 recurrent episodes of pregnancy loss. The etiology of miscarriage is unexplained in approximately 50%-75% of couples with recurrent pregnancy loss. Now a randomized controlled study, published in the recent issue of Human Reproduction, reports the potential of subcutaneous administration of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) as an effective strategy to improve the pregnancy outcome in patients with idiopathic recurrent miscarriages. Continue Reading

Central precocious puberty (CPP) is characterized by the early onset of puberty before the age of 8 in girls and 9 years in boys. Early, basal levels of gonadotropin using radioimmunoassays were measured to diagnose CPP. Owing to its inability to differentiate prepuberty from puberty, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and GnRH analog (GnRHa) stimulation testing were established as the gold standard for confirming central precocious puberty. Additionally, third-generation assays were found to be more specific and sensitive. However, the techniques are associated with increased time consumption and discomfort to the patient, validating the need for a simple and convenient laboratory method. Now, a study published in the online issue of Pediatrics, has shown that majority of girls with CPP can be diagnosed with a single basal (unstimulated) luteinizing hormone (LH) level, using either of the 2 third-generation assays: solid-phase 2-step fluoroimmunometric assay or microparticle 2-step immunoassay. Continue Reading

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), the most common vaginal infection affecting women of childbearing age, is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, spontaneous preterm birth, and enhanced risk for contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. According to a recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition, the deficiency of vitamin D is associated with the increased prevalence of BV during the first trimester of gestation. Continue Reading