@article {1938, title = {Role of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid in postmenopausal vaginal discomfort.}, journal = {Minerva Ginecol}, volume = {64}, year = {2012}, month = {2012 Aug}, pages = {321-9}, abstract = {

AIM: Aim of the present study was to quantify the intensity of vulvovaginal symptoms before and after treatment with high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA), to test the tolerability and safety of the product, to evaluate the effect on the quality of life and the compliance to the treatment.

METHODS: This was a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. In seven months we enrolled 36 post-menopausal women, equally distributed in placebo and active group. The evaluation was based on at least three atrophy-related signs and on the patient reported symptoms. After the written informed consent, the participants were instructed to apply the gel (drug or placebo) daily. Three days after the end of the treatment the patients received a final examination to evaluate the progress of symptoms, the presence of any adverse events and their correlation with the treatment.

RESULTS: Self-evaluation scales and investigator evaluation showed that the vaginal dryness was significantly reduced both in placebo and in the active group; however, high molecular weight HA was the only active treatment in reducing significantly itching and burning (P<0.02 and <0.04 respectively). Both treatments significantly reduced vaginal atrophy (P<0.001), erythema (P<0.01 placebo and P<0.001 HA) and vaginal dryness (P<0.001), but HA treatment was significantly more effective on the first two symptoms. Both treatments were very well tolerated and compliance of the treatment was very high.

CONCLUSION: High molecular weight HA could be effective in subjective and objective improvement of postmenopausal vaginal atrophy providing a good compliance. No adverse events occurred during the entire period of the study.

}, keywords = {Atrophy, Double-Blind Method, Female, Humans, Hyaluronic Acid, Middle Aged, Molecular Weight, Postmenopause, Vagina, Vaginal Diseases}, issn = {0026-4784}, author = {Grimaldi, E F and Restaino, S and Inglese, S and Foltran, L and Sorz, A and Di Lorenzo, G and Guaschino, S} } @article {1979, title = {Sexually transmitted infections and diseases: old and new challenges - part I - Introduction.}, journal = {G Ital Dermatol Venereol}, volume = {147}, year = {2012}, month = {2012 Aug}, pages = {327-8}, keywords = {Humans, Sexually Transmitted Diseases}, issn = {0392-0488}, author = {Guaschino, S and Zuccati, G} } @article {1608, title = {[Proteomic applications in gynecology-obstetrics].}, journal = {Minerva Ginecol}, volume = {63}, year = {2011}, month = {2011 Feb}, pages = {39-46}, abstract = {

Proteomics has recently emerged as a powerful approach both for discovering biomarkers as well as for understanding the physiopathology of unclear gynecological-obstetrical disorders. Currently, several biological fluids and fetal tissues were successfully tested, including maternal plasma, amniotic fluid, cervical-vaginal fluid, urine, saliva, placental trophoblast, amnio-chorionic membranes and cord blood. The potential of proteomics on the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) involves biomarkers discovery for a more accurate diagnosis of the syndrome and identification, within the patients with PCOS, those who respond more easily to treatment and those who will be at increased risk for future metabolic complications. The proteomic approach applied to patients with endometriosis would allow not only a non-invasive early diagnosis, but also a staging of the disease and a prediction of infertility risk. Proteomics also involves oncological field, in order to discover biomarkers that allow early diagnosis and prognosis of female genital malignancies. In addition to this, proteomics could be used to understand and predict obstetrical complications such as recurrent spontaneous abortion, preterm birth and preeclampsia. However, further studies are needed on a larger cohort of patients to introduce these biomarkers in clinical practice.

}, keywords = {Endometriosis, Female, Genital Diseases, Female, Genital Neoplasms, Female, Humans, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications, Proteomics}, issn = {0026-4784}, author = {De Seta, F and Banco, R and Guaschino, S and De Santo, D and Turrisi, A and Piva, C} }