Objetivo: Avaliar marcadores de reserva ovariana e a presença de anticorpo anti-corpo lúteo (anti-CoL) em pacientes com arterite de Takayasu (AT) e possível associação com parâmetros clínicos, laboratoriais e uso de imunossupressores. Métodos: 20 pacientes com AT e 24 controles saudáveis foram avaliados para anti-CoL (immunoblot). A reserva ovariana foi avaliada por: hormônio folículo estimulante (FSH), hormônio luteinizante (LH), estradiol, hormônio anti-Mülleriano (HAM) e contagem de folículos antrais (CFA). HAM foi dosado por ELISA utilizando dois diferentes testes. Dados demográficos, obstétricos, alterações menstruais, aspectos clínicos, imagens vasculares e tratamento foram também analisados. Resultados: A média da idade atual foi similar em pacientes e controles (31,2 ± 6,1 vs. 30,4 ± 6,9 anos, p = 0,69). As frequências de HAM baixo foram idênticas em pacientes com AT com ambos os testes de ELISA e maiores quando comparadas ao grupo controle (50% vs.17%, p=0,02, 50% vs. 19%, p=0,048). Observou-se uma correlação positiva entre os dois testes de ELISA em pacientes (r=0,93, p < 0,0001) e em controles saudáveis (r=0,93, p < 0,0001). Pacientes com AT apresentaram menor CFA (11 vs. 16, p=0,13) e maior frequência de CFA reduzida (41% vs. 22%, p=0,29), contudo sem significância estatística. Não foram encontradas diferenças entre os dois grupos em relação às outras características demográficas e clínicas, dados obstétricos e demais parâmetros da reserva ovariana (p > 0,05). Anti-CoL foi observado apenas em uma paciente com AT (5% vs. 0%, p = 0,45). Avaliação adicional das mulheres com AT comparando as com baixos níveis de HAM ( < 1,0 ng/mL) versus aquelas com níveis de HAM QRUPD ng/mL) não mostrou diferença entre os dois grupos em relação a duração da doença, atividade de doença, provas de fase aguda, exames de imagem vascular e tratamento (p > 0,05). Conclusão: O presente estudo foi o primeiro a sugerir que as pacientes com AT podem apresentar reserva ovariana diminuída / Objective: To assess ovarian reserve markers and anti-corpus luteum antibodies (anti-CoL) in Takayasu arteritis (TA) patients and a possible association with clinical and laboratory parameters and the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Methods: 20 TA and 24 healthy controls were evaluated for anti-CoL (immunoblot). Ovarian reserve was assessed by: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, antiMüllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC). AMH was measured by ELISA using two different kits. Demographical data, menstrual abnormalities, obstetric data, clinical features, vascular imaging and treatment were also analyzed. Results: The mean current age was similar in TA patients and controls (31.2 6.1 vs. 30.4 6.9 years, p=0.69). The frequencies of decreased levels of AMH in TA patients were identical using both kits and higher when compared to controls (50% vs. 17%, p=0.02; 50% vs. 19%, p=0.048). A positive correlation was observed between the two kits in TA patients (r=+0.93; p < 0.0001) and in healthy controls (r=+0.93; p < 0.0001). The apparent lower AFC (11 vs. 16, p=0.13) and the higher frequency of low AFC (41% vs. 22%, p=0.29) in TA compared to controls did not reach statistical significance. No differences between the two groups were found concerning other demographic and clinical characteristics, obstetric data and other parameters of ovarian reserve (p > 0.05). Anti-CoL was solely observed in TA patients (5% vs. 0%, p=0.45). Further evaluation of TA patients comparing patients with low AMH levels ( < 1.0ng/mL) versus normal AMH levels (.- 1.0ng/mL) revelead no differences regarding disease duration, disease activity, acute phase reactants, vascular imaging and treatment between these two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The present study was the first to suggest that TA patients may have diminished ovarian reserve

Objetivo: avaliar marcadores de reserva ovariana e a presença de anticorpo anti-corpo lúteo (anti-CoL) em pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) de início na infância. Métodos: A presença do anti-CoL foi avaliada através de immunoblot em cinquenta e sete mulheres com LES e 21 controles saudáveis. A reserva ovariana foi estimada através das dosagens do hormônio folículo estimulante (FSH), hormônio luteinizante (LH), estradiol, hormônio anti- Mülleriano (AMH) e da contagem de folículos antrais (CFA). Foram também avaliados dados demográficos, alterações menstruais, atividade da doença, dano cumulativo e tratamento. Resultados: a mediana da idade atual foi similar nos pacientes com LES em relação aos controles (27,7 vs. 27,7 anos, p=0,414). A mediana do AMH (1,1 vs. 1,5ng/mL, p=0,037) da CFA (6 vs. 16 p<0,001) forma significantemente menores nos pacientes com LES quando comparados aos controles, porém sem alterações menstruais significantes. A presença do anti-CoL foi observada apenas nos pacientes com LES (16% vs. 0%, p=0,103) e não foi relacionada com dados demográficos, parâmetros de reserva ovariana, atividade da doença, dano cumulativo ou tratamento. Avaliação dos pacientes tratados com ciclofosfamida mostrou níveis elevados de FSH quando comparados com os pacientes que não receberam ciclofosfamida e com controles (8,8 vs. 5,7 vs. 5,6IU/L, p=0,032) e níveis menores de AMH e CFA (0,4 vs. 1,5 vs. 1,5ng/mL, p=0,004; 4,0 vs. 6,5 vs. 16IU/L, p=0,001; respectivamente). Dezenove pacientes foram tratados com metotrexate sem histórico de uso de ciclofosfamida sendo evidenciada uma correlação negativa entre a dose cumulativa de metotrexate e os níveis de AMH (p=0,027, r=-0,507). Conclusões: este estudo identificou que altas doses ciclofosfamida e metotrexato são causas relevantes de disfunção ovariana subclínica durante a idade reprodutiva em mulheres com LES de início na infância / Objective: To assess ovarian reserve markers and anti-corpus luteum antibodies (anti-CoL) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with onset before adulthood. Methods: Fifty-seven SLE female patients and 21 healthy controls were evaluated for anti-CoL by immunoblot. Ovarian reserve was assessed by: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC). Demographic data, menstrual abnormalities, disease activity, damage and treatment were also analyzed. Results: The median of current age was similar in SLE patients and controls (27.7. vs. 27.7 years, p=0.414). The median of AMH (1.1 vs. 1.5ng/mL, p=0.037) and AFC (6 vs. 16, p<0.001) were significantly reduced in SLE patients versus controls without significant menstrual abnormalities. Anti-CoL was solely observed in SLE patients (16% vs. 0%, p=0.103) and not associated with demographic data, ovarian reserve parameters, disease activity/damage and treatment. Further evaluation of patients treated with cyclophosphamide revealed a higher median of FSH levels compared to SLE patients not treated with cyclophosphamide and controls (8.8 vs. 5.7 vs. 5.6IU/L, p=0.032) and a lower median AMH levels and AFC (0.4 vs. 1.5 vs. 1.5ng/mL, p=0.004; 4.0 vs. 6.5 vs. 16IU/L, p=0.001; respectively). Nineteen patients were treated with methotrexate without cyclophosphamide use, and a negative correlation was observed between cumulative methotrexate dose and AMH levels (p=0.027, r=-0.507). Conclusions: The present study identifies high doses of cyclophosphamide and methotrexate as relevant causes of subclinical ovarian dysfunction during reproductive ages in SLE patients with onset before adulthood

Objetivo: avaliar marcadores de reserva ovariana e a presença de anticorpo anti-corpo lúteo (anti-CoL) em pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) de início na infância. Métodos: A presença do anti-CoL foi avaliada através de immunoblot em cinquenta e sete mulheres com LES e 21 controles saudáveis. A reserva ovariana foi estimada através das dosagens do hormônio folículo estimulante (FSH), hormônio luteinizante (LH), estradiol, hormônio anti- Mülleriano (AMH) e da contagem de folículos antrais (CFA). Foram também avaliados dados demográficos, alterações menstruais, atividade da doença, dano cumulativo e tratamento. Resultados: a mediana da idade atual foi similar nos pacientes com LES em relação aos controles (27,7 vs. 27,7 anos, p=0,414). A mediana do AMH (1,1 vs. 1,5ng/mL, p=0,037) da CFA (6 vs. 16 p<0,001) forma significantemente menores nos pacientes com LES quando comparados aos controles, porém sem alterações menstruais significantes. A presença do anti-CoL foi observada apenas nos pacientes com LES (16% vs. 0%, p=0,103) e não foi relacionada com dados demográficos, parâmetros de reserva ovariana, atividade da doença, dano cumulativo ou tratamento. Avaliação dos pacientes tratados com ciclofosfamida mostrou níveis elevados de FSH quando comparados com os pacientes que não receberam ciclofosfamida e com controles (8,8 vs. 5,7 vs. 5,6IU/L, p=0,032) e níveis menores de AMH e CFA (0,4 vs. 1,5 vs. 1,5ng/mL, p=0,004; 4,0 vs. 6,5 vs. 16IU/L, p=0,001; respectivamente). Dezenove pacientes foram tratados com metotrexate sem histórico de uso de ciclofosfamida sendo evidenciada uma correlação negativa entre a dose cumulativa de metotrexate e os níveis de AMH (p=0,027, r=-0,507). Conclusões: este estudo identificou que altas doses ciclofosfamida e metotrexato são causas relevantes de disfunção ovariana subclínica durante a idade reprodutiva em mulheres com LES de início na infância / Objective: To assess ovarian reserve markers and anti-corpus luteum antibodies (anti-CoL) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with onset before adulthood. Methods: Fifty-seven SLE female patients and 21 healthy controls were evaluated for anti-CoL by immunoblot. Ovarian reserve was assessed by: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC). Demographic data, menstrual abnormalities, disease activity, damage and treatment were also analyzed. Results: The median of current age was similar in SLE patients and controls (27.7. vs. 27.7 years, p=0.414). The median of AMH (1.1 vs. 1.5ng/mL, p=0.037) and AFC (6 vs. 16, p<0.001) were significantly reduced in SLE patients versus controls without significant menstrual abnormalities. Anti-CoL was solely observed in SLE patients (16% vs. 0%, p=0.103) and not associated with demographic data, ovarian reserve parameters, disease activity/damage and treatment. Further evaluation of patients treated with cyclophosphamide revealed a higher median of FSH levels compared to SLE patients not treated with cyclophosphamide and controls (8.8 vs. 5.7 vs. 5.6IU/L, p=0.032) and a lower median AMH levels and AFC (0.4 vs. 1.5 vs. 1.5ng/mL, p=0.004; 4.0 vs. 6.5 vs. 16IU/L, p=0.001; respectively). Nineteen patients were treated with methotrexate without cyclophosphamide use, and a negative correlation was observed between cumulative methotrexate dose and AMH levels (p=0.027, r=-0.507). Conclusions: The present study identifies high doses of cyclophosphamide and methotrexate as relevant causes of subclinical ovarian dysfunction during reproductive ages in SLE patients with onset before adulthood

Abstract Mammalian female sex development was considered a default developmental pathway. However, the deletion of the Wnt4 gene, a member of the Wnt family of secreted signals, was shown to reverse the sex of XX female mouse embryo and caused exhibition of certain male characteristics. This indicated that the female sexual development cannot be default but depends on active signaling and cell-cell interaction. The aim of the current study was to reveal the functional role of the Wnt4 gene in the control of sex determination, ovariogenesis and female sex duct formation. This study demonstrates that testosterone is produced by the ovary of Wnt4-deficient female embryos. The inhibition of androgen action by an antiandrogen, flutamide, during gestation leads to complete degeneration of the Wolffian ducts in 80% of the Wnt4 mutant females. This suggests that testosterone is the possible mediator of the masculinization phenotype in Wnt4-deficient females. Wnt4 is expressed by ovarian somatic cells, which are vital for the control of female germline development. This work has shown that Wnt4 is the factor maintaining germ cell cysts, cell-cell interaction and early follicular gene expression. In addition, the findings indicate a critical role for Wnt4/5a signaling in meiosis. Our research has proven that Wnt4 has roles during postnatal ovary development as its defective signaling leads to premature ovarian failure associated with diminished Amh levels, defective basement membrane and cell polarization. The Mullerian duct, the anlagen of oviduct, uterus and upper part of vagina, does not form in Wnt4-deficient females. This study indicates that Wnt4 is needed for migration initiation and maintenance during Mullerian duct formation prenatally. During the postnatal uterine differentiation Wnt4 is essential for endometrial gland formation. The present study provides new evidence for Wnt4 function during embryonic and adult female sexual differentiation. / Tiivistelmä Nisäkkäiden naaraspuolista kehitystä pidettiin aiemmin sukupuolisen erilaistumiskehityksen oletusarvona. Signaloivien proteiinien Wnt-perheeseen kuuluvan Wnt4-geenin puutteen todettiin kuitenkin johtavan XX naarasalkion sukupuolen kääntymisen koiraaksi sekä aiheuttavan tiettyjä koiraille ominaisia piirteitä. Tämä osoitti, ettei naaraspuolinen kehitys ole oletusarvo, vaan se riippuu aktiivisesta signaloinnista ja solujen välisestä interaktiosta. Tämän väitöstutkimuksen tarkoitus oli selvittää Wnt4-geenin roolia sukupuolen määräytymisessä, munasarjojen kehittymisessä sekä naaraan sukupuolitiehyitten muodostumisessa. Tutkimuksessa osoitettiin, että munasarjat tuottavat testosteronia niillä naaraspuolisilla alkioilla, joilta puuttuu Wnt4-geeni. 80 prosentilla naaraista, joilla on Wnt4-geenin puute, androgeenivaikutuksen esto raskauden aikana annettavalla antiandrogeenilla, flutamidilla, estää sukupuolen vaihtumisen fenotyypin. Tämä viittaa siihen, että testosteroni toimii mahdollisena koiraan fenotyypin välittäjänä naarailla, joilta puuttuu Wnt4-geeni. Wnt4 ilmentyy munasarjojen somaattisissa soluissa, jotka ovat tärkeitä naaraspuolisen ituradan kehityksen säätelyn kannalta. Väitöstutkimus osoittaa, että Wnt4 on itusoluryppäitä, solujen välistä interaktiota sekä varhaista follikkeligeeni-ilmentymistä ylläpitävä tekijä. Tulokset osoittavat myös, että Wnt4/5a -signaloinnilla on tärkeä rooli meioosissa. Tutkimus osoittaa lisäksi, että Wnt4 vaikuttaa munasarjojen kehitykseen myös syntymän jälkeen. Puutteellinen signalointi alentaa Anti-Müllerian hormonin tasoa, heikentää tyvikalvoa ja vähentää solujen polarisaatiota, joka johtaa ennenaikaiseen munasarjojen toiminnan hiipumiseen. Müllerin tiehyet, joista myöhemmin kehittyvät munanjohtimet, kohtu ja vaginan yläosa, jäävät kokonaan muodostumatta naarailla, joilta puuttuu Wnt4-geeni. Tulokset viittaavat siihen, että Wnt4 on tarpeen alkioaikaiseen Müllerin tiehyen muodostavien solujen liikkeellelähtöön ja ylläpitoon. Wnt4:llä on myös keskeinen rooli kohturauhasten muodostumisessa sukukypsyyden saavuttamisen aikana ja sen jälkeen.