<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><xml><records><record><source-app name="Biblio" version="7.x">Drupal-Biblio</source-app><ref-type>17</ref-type><contributors><authors><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Russo, R</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Karadja, E</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">De Seta, F</style></author></authors></contributors><titles><title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Evidence-based mixture containing Lactobacillus strains and lactoferrin to prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis: a double blind, placebo controlled, randomised clinical trial.</style></title><secondary-title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Benef Microbes</style></secondary-title><alt-title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Benef Microbes</style></alt-title></titles><dates><year><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">2019</style></year><pub-dates><date><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">2019 Feb 08</style></date></pub-dates></dates><volume><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">10</style></volume><pages><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">19-26</style></pages><language><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">eng</style></language><abstract><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">&lt;p&gt;Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal discomfort in women. It is characterised by abnormal vaginal microbiota with a depletion of lactobacilli and predominance of anaerobic microorganisms, mainly Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae. Although antibiotics represent an effective therapeutic option in the short-term, recurrent infections still remain a serious problem. Nowadays, evidence exists about the efficacy of probiotics for the management of BV. The aim of the current double blind, randomised clinical trial was to assess the efficacy of a probiotic mixture, including Lactobacillus acidophilus GLA-14 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, in combination with bovine lactoferrin, as adjuvant therapy to metronidazole in women with recurrent BV. In particular, normalisation of Nugent score, remission of symptoms and recurrences during a six-months follow-up were assessed. 48 adult women received metronidazole (500 mg twice daily) for 7 days and randomly assigned to take simultaneously either probiotics plus lactoferrin or placebo (2 capsules/day for 5 days followed by 1 capsule/day for 10 consecutive days; induction phase). The verum or placebo administration (1 capsule/day for 10 consecutive days) was repeated each month (maintenance phase) during the six months of follow-up starting the first day of menstrual cycle since the menstrual blood increases the vaginal pH and contributes to increase the risk of recurrences. The results showed that symptoms (vaginal discharge and itching), Nugent score and recurrence rate were significantly improved by probiotics mixture in association with lactoferrin. This alternative approach may represent a safe and effective remedy for the restoration of healthy vaginal microbiota in preventing recurrent BV.&lt;/p&gt;</style></abstract><issue><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">1</style></issue><custom1><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30525953?dopt=Abstract</style></custom1></record><record><source-app name="Biblio" version="7.x">Drupal-Biblio</source-app><ref-type>17</ref-type><contributors><authors><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Agostinis, C</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Zorzet, S</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">De Leo, R</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Zauli, G</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">De Seta, F</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Bulla, R</style></author></authors></contributors><titles><title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">The combination of N-acetyl cysteine, alpha-lipoic acid, and bromelain shows high anti-inflammatory properties in novel in vivo and in vitro models of endometriosis.</style></title><secondary-title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Mediators Inflamm</style></secondary-title><alt-title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Mediators Inflamm.</style></alt-title></titles><dates><year><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">2015</style></year><pub-dates><date><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">2015</style></date></pub-dates></dates><volume><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">2015</style></volume><pages><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">918089</style></pages><language><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">eng</style></language><abstract><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">&lt;p&gt;To evaluate the efficacy of an association of N-acetyl cystein, alpha-lipoic acid, and bromelain (NAC/LA/Br) in the treatment of endometriosis we set up a new in vivo murine model. We explored the anti-inflammatory and proapoptotic effect of this combination on human endometriotic endothelial cells (EECs) and on endothelial cells isolated from normal uterus (UtMECs). We implanted fragments of human endometriotic cysts intraperitoneally into SCID mice to evaluate the efficacy of NAC/LA/Br treatment. UtMECs and EECs, untreated or treated with NAC/LA/Br, were activated with the proinflammatory stimulus TNF-α and their response in terms of VCAM1 expression was evaluated. The proapoptotic effect of higher doses of NAC/LA/Br on UtMECs and EECs was measured with a fluorogenic substrate for activated caspases 3 and 7. The preincubation of EECs with NAC/LA/Br prior to cell stimulation with TNF-α prevents the upregulation of the expression of the inflammatory &quot;marker&quot; VCAM1. Furthermore NAC/LA/Br were able to induce EEC, but not UtMEC, apoptosis. Finally, the novel mouse model allowed us to demonstrate that mice treated with NAC/LA/Br presented a lower number of cysts, smaller in size, compared to untreated mice. Our findings suggest that these dietary supplements may have potential therapeutic uses in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases like endometriosis.&lt;/p&gt;</style></abstract><custom1><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25960622?dopt=Abstract</style></custom1></record><record><source-app name="Biblio" version="7.x">Drupal-Biblio</source-app><ref-type>17</ref-type><contributors><authors><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Maso, G</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Piccoli, M</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">De Seta, F</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Parolin, S</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Banco, R</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Camacho Mattos, L</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Bogatti, P</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Alberico, S</style></author></authors></contributors><titles><title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring interpretation in labour: a critical appraisal.</style></title><secondary-title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Minerva Ginecol</style></secondary-title><alt-title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Minerva Ginecol</style></alt-title></titles><dates><year><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">2015</style></year><pub-dates><date><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">2015 Feb</style></date></pub-dates></dates><volume><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">67</style></volume><pages><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">65-79</style></pages><language><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">eng</style></language><abstract><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">&lt;p&gt;Electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) has been introduced in the obstetrics practice as a test to identify the first signs of fetal deterioration, allowing a prompt intervention to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, results from clinical trials fail to demonstrate a clear benefit with the use of EFM. No decrease in the incidence of cerebral palsy due to intrapartum asphyxia has been achieved and a significant increase in the rate of operative deliveries and in medico-legal litigations has been observed instead. Despite the lack of evidence supporting its safety and effectiveness, this method is routinely used in the clinical practice and periodical updated guidelines to standardize the method of interpretation and proper actions are proposed. However, limitations still exist and the unavoidable consequences are the increasing rate of caesarean delivery, partly due to a defensive attitude in medical choices, and medico-legal litigations for presumed inappropriate evaluation in case of perinatal adverse event. While Obstetrics Societies are trying to &quot;fight&quot; the rise in caesarean section rates, intrapartum EFM tracings are taken in the court proceedings as one of the main evidences in case of adverse event. The aim of this review is to discuss the limitations of guidelines dealing with intrapartum EFM and the pathophysiological basis to assess the suspicious tracings which represent the most observed and critical issue of EFM interpretation.&lt;/p&gt;</style></abstract><issue><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">1</style></issue><custom1><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25411863?dopt=Abstract</style></custom1></record><record><source-app name="Biblio" version="7.x">Drupal-Biblio</source-app><ref-type>17</ref-type><contributors><authors><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">De Seta, F</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Parazzini, F</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">De Leo, R</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Banco, R</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Maso, G P</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">De Santo, D</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Sartore, A</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Stabile, G</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Inglese, S</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Tonon, M</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Restaino, S</style></author></authors></contributors><titles><title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Lactobacillus plantarum P17630 for preventing Candida vaginitis recurrence: a retrospective comparative study.</style></title><secondary-title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol</style></secondary-title><alt-title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Eur. J. Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol.</style></alt-title></titles><keywords><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Administration, Intravaginal</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Adolescent</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Adult</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Antifungal Agents</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Clotrimazole</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Female</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Humans</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Lactobacillus plantarum</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Microbiota</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Middle Aged</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Probiotics</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Recurrence</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Retrospective Studies</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Secondary Prevention</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Vagina</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Young Adult</style></keyword></keywords><dates><year><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">2014</style></year><pub-dates><date><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">2014 Nov</style></date></pub-dates></dates><volume><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">182</style></volume><pages><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">136-9</style></pages><language><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">eng</style></language><abstract><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;BACKGROUND: &lt;/b&gt;Recurrence is a frequent complaint of patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Although the pathogenesis of VVC remains a controversial issue, disruption of the balance between the vaginal microbiota may facilitate overgrowth by Candida. Some probiotic bacterial strains can suppress Candida albicans; Lactobacillus plantarum P17630 is able to attach to vaginal epithelial cells and significantly reduce the adhesion of C. albicans.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;OBJECTIVE: &lt;/b&gt;To evaluate the effect of the application of Lactobacillus plantarum P17630 in restoring the vaginal microbiota and prevention of relapses among women with acute VVC undergoing conventional (azole) local and main therapy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;METHODS: &lt;/b&gt;Retrospective comparative study. We recruited 89 women with a diagnosis of VVC, who were placed into two groups on the basis of reported treatment. The control group was treated with a daily dose of 2% clotrimazole vaginal cream at bedtime for 3 days, followed by vaginal application of a capsule containing lubricant once a day for 6 days and then once a week for another 4 weeks. The probiotic group was treated with the same azole-based protocol but followed by vaginal application of a capsule containing Lactobacillus plantarum P17630 (&gt;10₈ CFU) once a day for 6 days and then once a week for another 4 weeks beginning the day following clotrimazole discontinuation. Clinical and diagnostic patterns were monitored for three months of follow-up.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;RESULTS: &lt;/b&gt;At the end of study the probiotic-treated women showed a statistically significant increase in Lactobacillus values &quot;+++&quot; (80% versus 40%, p&lt;0.001) and a better subjective resolution of symptoms such as vaginal discomfort described as burning or itching (90% versus 67.5%, p&lt;0.03). Among controls there was a non-significant increase at 3 months of recurrence of infection, but a significant increase of women with value of pH=5 or &gt;5.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;CONCLUSION: &lt;/b&gt;Although the results of different studies are controversial, most have suggested use of probiotics in the prevention or treatment of VVC, and no adverse effects have been reported. Our data with L. plantarum P17630 (Gyno-Canesflor - Bayer) confirm the role of this specific strain as a potential empirical preventive agent for reducing vaginal discomfort after conventional treatment of acute VVC and shifting the vaginal milieu toward a predominance of lactobacilli with an improvement of the vaginal pH value.&lt;/p&gt;</style></abstract><custom1><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25305660?dopt=Abstract</style></custom1></record><record><source-app name="Biblio" version="7.x">Drupal-Biblio</source-app><ref-type>17</ref-type><contributors><authors><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">De Seta, F</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Banco, R</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Turrisi, A</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Airoud, M</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">De Leo, R</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Stabile, G</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Ceccarello, M</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Restaino, S</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">De Santo, D</style></author></authors></contributors><titles><title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) from Chlamydia trachomatis versus PID from Neisseria gonorrhea: from clinical suspicion to therapy.</style></title><secondary-title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">G Ital Dermatol Venereol</style></secondary-title><alt-title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">G Ital Dermatol Venereol</style></alt-title></titles><keywords><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Chlamydia Infections</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Chlamydia trachomatis</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Female</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Gonorrhea</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Humans</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Neisseria gonorrhoeae</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Pelvic Inflammatory Disease</style></keyword></keywords><dates><year><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">2012</style></year><pub-dates><date><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">2012 Oct</style></date></pub-dates></dates><volume><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">147</style></volume><pages><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">423-30</style></pages><language><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">eng</style></language><abstract><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">&lt;p&gt;Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is the most significant complication of sexually transmitted infections in childbearing-age women and it represents an important public health problem because of its long-term sequelae (chronic pelvic pain, tubal infertility, ectopic pregnancy). Prior to the mid 1970s PID was considered a monoetiologic infection, due primarily to Neisseria gonorrhea. Now it is well documented as a polymicrobial process, with a great number of microrganisms involved. In addition to Neisseria gonorrhea and Chlamydia trachomatis, other vaginal microrganisms (anaerobes, Gardnerella vaginalis, Haemophilus influenzae, enteric Gram negative rods, Streptococco agalactie, Mycoplasma genitalium) also have been associated with PID. There is a wide variation in PID clinical features; the type and severity of symptoms vary by microbiologic etiology. Women who have chlamydial PID seem more likely than women who have gonococcal PID to be asymptomatic. Since clinical diagnosis is imprecise, the suspicion of PID should be confirmed by genital assessment for signs of inflammation or infection, blood test and imaging evaluation. Laparoscopic approach is considered the gold standard. According to the polymicrobial etiology of PID, antibiotic treatment must provide broad spectrum coverage of likely pathogens. Early administration of antibiotics is necessary to reduce the risk of long-term sequelae.&lt;/p&gt;</style></abstract><issue><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">5</style></issue><custom1><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23007248?dopt=Abstract</style></custom1></record><record><source-app name="Biblio" version="7.x">Drupal-Biblio</source-app><ref-type>17</ref-type><contributors><authors><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">De Seta, F</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Banco, R</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Guaschino, S</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">De Santo, D</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Turrisi, A</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Piva, C</style></author></authors></contributors><titles><title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">[Proteomic applications in gynecology-obstetrics].</style></title><secondary-title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Minerva Ginecol</style></secondary-title><alt-title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Minerva Ginecol</style></alt-title></titles><keywords><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Endometriosis</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Female</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Genital Diseases, Female</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Genital Neoplasms, Female</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Humans</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Polycystic Ovary Syndrome</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Pregnancy</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Pregnancy Complications</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Proteomics</style></keyword></keywords><dates><year><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">2011</style></year><pub-dates><date><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">2011 Feb</style></date></pub-dates></dates><volume><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">63</style></volume><pages><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">39-46</style></pages><language><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">ita</style></language><abstract><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;</style></abstract><issue><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">1</style></issue><custom1><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21311419?dopt=Abstract</style></custom1></record><record><source-app name="Biblio" version="7.x">Drupal-Biblio</source-app><ref-type>17</ref-type><contributors><authors><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Bulla, R</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">De Seta, F</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Radillo, O</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Agostinis, C</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Durigutto, P</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Pellis, V</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">De Santo, D</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Crovella, S</style></author><author><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Tedesco, F</style></author></authors></contributors><titles><title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Mannose-binding lectin is produced by vaginal epithelial cells and its level in the vaginal fluid is influenced by progesterone.</style></title><secondary-title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Mol Immunol</style></secondary-title><alt-title><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Mol. Immunol.</style></alt-title></titles><keywords><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Adolescent</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Adult</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Body Fluids</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Epithelial Cells</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Female</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Humans</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Immunohistochemistry</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Mannose-Binding Lectin</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Menstrual Cycle</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Progesterone</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Vagina</style></keyword><keyword><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">Young Adult</style></keyword></keywords><dates><year><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">2010</style></year><pub-dates><date><style  face="normal" font="default" size="100%">2010 Nov-Dec</style></date></pub-dates></dates><volume><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">48</style></volume><pages><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">281-6</style></pages><language><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">eng</style></language><abstract><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">&lt;p&gt;Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a recognition molecule of the complement (C) system and binds to carbohydrate ligands present on a wide range of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. MBL has been detected in the cervico-vaginal cavity where it can provide a first-line defence against infectious agents colonizing the lower tract of the reproductive system. Analysis of the cervico-vaginal lavage (CVL) obtained from 11 normal cycling women at different phases of the menstrual cycle revealed increased levels of MBL in the secretive phase. Part of this MBL derives from the circulation as indicated by the presence of transferrin in CVL tested as a marker of vascular and tissue permeability. The local synthesis of MBL is suggested by the finding that its level is substantially higher than that of transferrin in the secretive phase. The contribution of endometrium is negligible since the MBL level did not change before and after hysterectomy. RT-PCR and in situ RT-PCR analysis showed that the vaginal tissue, and in particular the basal layer of the epithelium, is a source of MBL which binds to the basal membrane and to cells of the outer layers of the epithelium. In conclusion, we have shown that MBL detected in CVL derives both from plasma as result of transudation and from local synthesis and its level is progesterone dependent increasing in the secretive phase of the menstrual cycle.&lt;/p&gt;</style></abstract><issue><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">1-3</style></issue><custom1><style face="normal" font="default" size="100%">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20728220?dopt=Abstract</style></custom1></record></records></xml>