SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder, characterized by the dysregulation of ovarian angiogenesis. This alteration can be related to changes in the activities of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms have been observed in the promoter, intronic, and untranslated regions of the VEGF gene, and several studies have suggested that these polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome. This study aimed to investigate the association between rs2010963 and rs833061 polymorphisms and haplotypes of VEGF in the etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome. METHODS: A total of 210 women, 102 diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome and 108 controls, participated in this study. The genotyping of the samples was performed by PCR-RFLP and real-time PCR for rs2010963 and rs833061 polymorphisms, respectively. The statistical analyses were performed by the chi-square test and logistic regression model. RESULTS: The clinical characteristics of the patients showed that 75.8% of the patients did not become pregnant, 36.3% had a family history of polycystic ovary syndrome, 58.6% were obese, and about 60% had clinical characteristics of hyperandrogenism. There were no associations between the distribution of rs2010963 (OR 1.24; 95%CI 0.60–2.57; p=0.56) and rs833061 (OR 0.78; 95%CI 0.32–1.92; p=0.59) in patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: The patients with polycystic ovary syndrome have similar rates of VEGF polymorphisms rs2010963 and rs833061 on the general population.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar os polimorfismos de deleção dos genes da família glutationa S-transferase GSTT1 e GSTM1 em pacientes com síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP), comparando-as com uma população controle. MÉTODOS: Foi colhido sangue de 219 mulheres (110 com SOP e 109 controles) e extraído o DNA genômico. Para análise dos polimorfismos, a técnica empregada foi PCR multiplex. Na análise estatística foi utilizado o teste do qui-quadrado e regressão logística múltipla. RESULTADOS: Não há associação dos genótipos GSTM1 nulo e GSTT1 nulo com SOP quando analisados isoladamente (p=0,616 e p=0,188). A análise dos genótipos combinados mostrou diferenças entre os grupos (p<0,05), evidenciando que a combinação genotípica GSTT1 positivo e GSTM1 negativo é mais frequente entre as pacientes. Na análise multivariada, o hábito tabagista foi mais frequente no grupo controle (OR=0,22; IC 95% - 0,87-0,57; p=0,002), enquanto que a presença do histórico de SOP familiar (OR=2,96; IC 95% - 1,54-5,68; p=0,001) foi mais frequente nas mulheres com SOP. CONCLUSÕES: Na casuística estudada, os polimorfismos de deleção dos genes GSTT1 e GSTM1 isolados não estão associados a SOP, mas em combinação podem estar implicados na etiologia da condição.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the deletion polymorphisms of the genes of the glutathione S-transferase family GSTT1 and GSTM1 in patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), comparing them with a control population. METHODS: Blood was collected from 219 women (110 with PCOS and 109 controls) and genomic DNA was extracted. For the analysis of polymorphisms, the technique used was multiplex PCR. In the statistical analysis, the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used. RESULTS: There is no association between the GSTM1 null and GSTT1 null genotypes with PCOS when analyzed separately (P = 0.616 and P = 0.188). The analysis of the combined genotypes showed differences between the groups (P < 0.05), evidencing that the genotypic combination GSTT1 positive and GSTM1 negative is more frequent among patients. In the multivariate analysis, smoking was more frequent in the control group (OR = 0.22; 95% CI - 0.87-0.57; P = 0.002) while the presence of a family history of PCOS (OR = 2, 96; 95% CI - 1.54-5.68; P = 0.001) was more frequent in women with PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: In the studied sample, the deletion polymorphisms of the GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes isolated are not associated with PCOS, but in combination, they may be implicated in the etiology of the condition.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a frequência do polimorfismo de inserção (I)/ deleção (D) do gene VEGF (rs35569394) em pacientes com Síndrome dos Ovários Policísticos (SOP) e comparar com uma população controle para verificar sua associação com a patologia. MÉTODOS: Participaram desse estudo 206 mulheres sendo 103 com SOP (grupo de pacientes) e 103 sem a doença (grupo controle). Após extração do DNA genômico das amostras, a análise molecular foi realizada por Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase e eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida. Utilizou-se análise descritiva, análise univariada e modelo de regressão logística. Os resultados foram apresentados em odds ratio (OR) e intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC-95%), considerando a significância de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferenças estatísticas entre as pacientes e controles para as frequências alélicas (χ2 = 1,16, p = 0,56). A distribuição da frequência genotípica estava em equilíbrio de Hardy Weinberg para as pacientes (χ2= 2,42; p<0,12), mas não para o grupo controle (χ2= 7,26; p<0,05). Em relação aos fatores de risco para a síndrome, a história de SOP familiar é mais frequente entre as mulheres com a síndrome. CONCLUSÕES: Na casuística estudada, não há associação entre o polimorfismo I/D do gene da VEGF e a SOP.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The relationship between the clinicopathological and sociodemographics characteristics of acral melanomas diagnosed at BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the frequency of VEGF gene insertion (I) / deletion (D) polymorphism (rs35569394) in patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and to compare with a control population to verify its association with the pathology. METHODS: 206 women participated in this study, 103 with PCOS (group of patients) and 103 without the disease (control group). After extraction of genomic DNA from the samples, molecular analysis was performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and electrophoresis in polycrylamide. Descriptive analysis, univariate analysis and logistic regression model were used. Results were presented in odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI), considering the significance of p <0.05. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between patients and controls for allele frequencies (χ2 = 1.16, p = 0.56). The genotypic frequency distribution was in Hardy Weinberg equilibrium for the patients (χ2 = 2.42; p <0.05), but not for the control group (χ2 = 7.26; p <0.05). Regarding risk factors for the syndrome, a history of familial PCOS is more frequent among women with the syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, there is no association between VEGF gene I / D polymorphism and PCOS.

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the association of the genetic variants of the folate metabolism genes (MTHFR C677T; MTHFR A1298C; MTR A2756G; MTRR A66G and RFC-1 A80G) with the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Subjects and methods This study included 203 women (99 women with PCOS and 104 controls). The genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP. Chi-squared test and multiple logistic regression were used in the statistical analysis. Haplotype analysis was conducted using the SNPstat program. The results were presented in odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval of 95% (CI-95%), with a significance level of 5% (p ≤ 0.05). Results The genotypic distribution of the RFC-1 A80G polymorphism showed significant difference between the two groups, showing that the heterozygous genotype (AG genotype) was most frequent in controls. The polymorphic homozygous (GG genotype) of MTRR A66G polymorphism were most frequent in controls. The T-C haplotype MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms were more frequent in the control group (OR = 0.19; CI 95% — 0.04 to 0.93 e p = 0.042). The multivariate analysis evidenced that family history of PCOS was more frequent in the PCOS group (OR = 3.29; CI 95% — 1.48 to 7.31; p = 0.003). Conclusion In our casuistry, the polymorphic homozygous of MTRR A66G polymorphism gene and heterozygous of RFC-1 A80G polymorphism gene, the haplotype T-C C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of MTHFR gene, can be associated with protective factors for the disease.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Investigar a contribuição do polimorfismo de deleção e inserção (rs1799752) do gene enzima conversora de angiotensina (ECA) na etiologia da Síndrome dos Ovários Policísticos (SOP). MÉTODOS: Participaram deste estudo 97 mulheres diagnosticadas com SOP, atendidas no ambulatório de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia do Hospital de Clínicas da UFTM. O grupo controle foi constituído por 94 mulheres. Todas as participantes foram submetidas à coleta de 10 mL de sangue total e o DNA genômico foi obtido pelo método de extração salina. A genotipagem das amostras foi realizada por meio da Reação da Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR). A análise estatística foi realizada por análises descritivas, análise univariada e modelo de regressão logística. Os resultados foram apresentados em odds ratio (OR) e intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC – 95%). Foi considerado o nível de significância de 5% (p≤0,05). RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas entre pacientes e controles para as frequências genotípicas (χ2=1,52; p=0,47) e alélicas (χ2=0,21; p=0,76). A distribuição da frequência genotípica não está em equilíbrio de HWE para as pacientes (χ2=18,80; p<0,05) e para controles (χ2=6,85; p<0,05). Em relação aos fatores de risco para a síndrome, a história familial de SOP é mais frequente entre as pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: Na casuística estudada não há associação do polimorfismo I/D do gene ACE e SOP.

SUMMARY PURPOSE: To investigate the contribution of the deletion polymorphism and insertion (rs1799752) of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene in the aetiology of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). METHODOLOGY: 97 women diagnosed with PCOS who received care at the Gynaecology and Obstetrics clinic of the Hospital das Clínicas of UFTM, participated in this study. The control group consisted of 94 women. All participants were submitted to the collection of 10 mL of whole blood and the genomic DNA was obtained by the saline extraction method. The genotyping of the samples was performed by means of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The statistics analyses were performed by descriptive analysis, univariate analysis and logistic regression model. The results were presented in odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval of 95% (CI-95%), with a significance level of 5% (p≤0.05). RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between patients and controls for the genotypic (χ2 = 1.52, p = 0.47) and allelic frequencies (χ2 = 0.21, p = 0.76). The distribution of the genotypic frequency is not in HWE for patients (χ2 = 18.80, p <0.05) and for controls (χ2 = 6.85, p <0.05). In relation to the risk factors for the syndrome, the history of familial PCOS is more frequent between women with the syndrome. CONCLUSION: In the study population, there was no association between I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene and PCOS.

A apendicite crônica pode simular diversas situações clínicas, dificultando a conduta clínica. Descrevemos neste trabalho um caso de uma menina de 9 anos com dor abdominal há 13 meses, sendo visualizada massa expansiva no baixo ventre após exames de ultra-som e tomografia computadorizada abdominal e laparoscopia diagnóstica. Houve enorme dificuldade diagnóstica, pois o quadro clínico, laboratorial e imaginológico não foi conclusivo, levando a várias hipóteses diagnósticas. O diagnóstico definitivo de plastrão apendicular ocorreu somente após laparotomia exploradora. Discutem-se neste estudo vários diagnósticos diferenciais quando da presença de massa formada por plastrão apendicular com enfoque nas malformações ginecológicas, endometriose, neoplasias e pseudotumores.

Chronic appendicitis might simulate several diseases, making clinical management difficult. We report the case of a 9-year-old girl with an abdominal pain for 13 months. Ultrasound and tomography showed an expansive mass in the lower abdomen. It was extremely difficult to establish the diagnosis because the symptoms, laboratory results and images were inconclusive. The definitive diagnosis occurred only after laparotomy. We discuss in the present article several differential diagnoses for chronic appendicitis, mainly gynecological malformations, endometriosis, neoplasias and pseudotumors.

Objetivos: testar a atividade supra-renal por meio de um estímulo potente sobre sua camada reticular com o intuito de aferir a atividade da 3b-hidroxiesteróide desidrogenase (3beta-HSD) e da 21-hidroxilase (21OH). Métodos: concentrações plasmáticas de 17alfaOH-pregnenolona, 17alfaOH-progesterona, cortisol, progesterona, androstenediona, deidroepiandrosterona (DHEA), sulfato de deidroepiandrosterona (SDHEA) e testosterona livre foram determinadas em 39 mulheres, sendo 13 normais (2 utilizadas como piloto) e 26 com hirsutismo idiopático nos tempos 0, 12 e 24 horas após injeção de ACTH-depot. Resultados: entre as mulheres hirsutas, identificamos respostas que permitem indicar qualquer bloqueio nas diversas etapas da esteroidogênese, conduzindo ao diagnóstico de função supra-renal diminuída em graus leve/moderado. As concentrações de 17aOH-pregnenolona partiram de 2,0 para 24,6 ng/ml, as de cortisol aumentaram de 2,1 para 45,3 e 38,4mig/dL, as de 17alfaOH-progesterona sofreram incremento de 50,7 para 346 e 218 ng/dL e os níveis de progesterona se elevaram de 0,3 para 4,4 e 2,2 ng/ml. Entre os hormônios da camada reticular verificamos aumento do SDHEA de 274,7 para 495,5 e 505,8 ng/dL, os de androstenediona de 1,1 para 4,0 e 4,5 ng/mL, os de testosterona livre de 1,3 para 1,8 e 2,7 pg/mL e os de DHEA de 2,4 para 4,7 e 8,5 ng/mL. Na avaliação individualizada uma paciente revelou defeito de 3beta-HSD e duas outras, provável defeito de 21OH. Conclusões: estes achados sugerem que o teste com ACTH-depot pode ser utilizado para excluir a supra-renal como possível fonte hiperandrogênica em mulheres com hirsutismo, com ou sem anovulação crônica.

Purpose: to test the adrenal function by a potent stimulus to its reticular layer verifying 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehy-drogenase (3beta-HSD) and 21-hydroxylase (21OH) enzymatic activities. Methods: plasma concentrations of 17alphaOH-pregneno-lone, 17alphaOH-progesterone, cortisol, progesterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (SDHEA) and free testosterone were determined in 39 women, 13 of whom were normal (2 of them used in a pilot study) and 26 had idiopathic hirsutism, 0, 12 and 24 h after injection of ACTH-depot. Results: among hirsute women, we identified different responses that could diagnose any blockage in the steroid pathways leading to the diagnosis of a mild/moderate decreased adrenal function. The 17alphaOH-pregnenolone concentrations varied from 2.0 to 24.6 ng/mL, cortisol values increased from 2.1 to 45.3 and 38.4 mug/dL, 17alphaOH-progesterone levels varied from 50.7 to 346 and 218 ng/mL and progesterone increased from 0.3 to 4.4 and 2.2 ng/mL. Among the reticular layer hormones a rise of SDHEA from 274.7 to 495.5 and 505.8 mg/dL, and of androsterone from 1.1 to 4.0 and 4.5 ng/mL was observed, the levels of free testosterone increased from 1.3 to 1.8 and 2.7 pg/mL and the DHEA levels from 2.4 to 4.7 and 8.5 ng/mL. One patient showed 3beta-HSD deficiency and two others a possible 21OH deficiency. Conclusions: these findings suggest that the ACTH-depot test could be used to exclude the adrenal gland as the possible source of hyperandrogenism in women with idiopathic hirsutism.

O teste com ACTH tem sido utilizado para diagnosticar patologias como a insuficiência supra-renal, e as formas clássica e não-clássica de hiperplasia supra-renal em decorrência de deficiências enzimáticas. Revisou-se vários aspectos históricos envolvendo o uso do ACTH no diagnóstico do hirsutismo e são analisadas suas principais indicações. Apesar dos novos avanços em biologia molecular no diagnóstico das deficiências enzimáticas das supra-renais, o uso do teste com ACTH pode ajudar o clínico a predizer o genótipo e fenótipo dos indivíduos que apresentam manifestações hiperandrogênicas devido à hiperplasia congênita da supra-renal na sua forma não-clássica.

The ACTH test has been used to confirm the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency and the classic and the non-classic adrenal hyperplasia due to the 3-HSD, 21 OH e 110H deficiencies. This article reviews the historical aspects of the use of ACTH in the diagnosis of hirsutism and points out its mains indications. In spite of new biological molecular advances in the diagnosis of adrenal enzymatic deficiencies, the use of the ACTH test can help the physician to predict both genothipus and fenothipus in populations with hyperandrogenic manifestations due to non-classical or late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia.