Abstract Objective The etiology of embryonic demise is multifactorial, with chromosomal abnormalities being the most common (40%). The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the correlation between a serum biomarker, progesterone, and an ultrasonographic parameter, the distance between yolk sac and embryo (DYSE) in assessing the prognosis of pregnancy outcome in the 1st trimester. Methods The present study is a prospective case-control analysis that includes 2 groups of patients: 81 patients with first-trimester normal evolutive pregnancy and 89 patients with embryonic demise, all of the patients having between 6 and 11 weeks of amenorrhea. Endovaginal ultrasonographic exploration was performed to evaluate the distance between the lower pole of the embryo and the yolk sac. From each subject enrolled in the study, 20ml of blood was collected for progesterone serum level measurement. Results Regarding the DYSE in the case group, lower values were observed compared with the control group, the difference being statistically significant. In the statistical analysis of serum progesterone values, statistically significant differences were observed between the 2 groups (p<0.05). Conclusion The DYSE has a high positive predictive value in identifying pregnancies with potentially reserved outcome, with the present study demonstrating that a DYSE<3mm causes an unfavorable evolution of the pregnancy. Low serum levels of progesterone are associated with an increased rate of nonviable embryos. The correlation between these two parameters increases the effectiveness of screening methods in prenatal monitoring and improves the diagnostic methods for the firsttrimester pregnancies whose outcome potential can be reserved.

Background: The association of obesity with endometrial cancer is supported by the presence of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the adipocyte. Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is a marker for ER stress. This protein is a central regulator of ER stress due to its major anti-apoptotic role. It plays an important role in tumor development, progression and chemoresistance. Aim: To look for an association between android and gynoid obesity, plasma GRP78 levels and endometrial cancer. Material and methods: Forty four patients with endometrial cancer aged 72 ± 6 years and 44 healthy women aged 55 ± 9 years were studied. Android and gynoid fat distribution were determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry and plasma GRP78 levels were measured. Results: GRP78 plasma levels were significantly higher in patients with endometrial cancer as compared to the control group. Android fat distribution had a positive correlation with plasma GRP78 levels (p<0.01). Gynoid fat had a negative correlation with plasma GRP78 levels (p<0.01). Conclusions: GRP78 levels are associated with the distribution of adipose tissue and are higher in patients with endometrial cancer.

Antecedentes: La asociación de obesidad con cáncer endometrial puede depender de la presencia de estrés del retículo endoplásmico (RE) en el adipocito. La proteína 78 regulada por glucosa (GRP78) es un marcador de estrés del RE. Esta proteína regula el estrés de RE gracias a su rol antiaopoptótico. Ella juega un rol en el desarrollo, progresión y quimio-resistencia de tumores. Objetivo: Buscar una asociación entre obesidad androide o ginoide, niveles plasmáticos de GRP78 y cáncer endometrial. Material y métodos: Se estudiaron 44 mujeres con cáncer endometrial de 72 ± 6 años and 44 mujeres sanas de 55 ± 9 años. La distribución androide o ginoide de la grasa fue determinada por densitometría radiológica de doble fotón (DEXA) y se midieron los niveles plasmáticos de GRP78. Resultados: Los niveles de GRP78 fueron significativamente más altos en mujeres con cáncer endometrial. Se observó una correlación positiva entre la distribución de grasa androide y los niveles de GRP78 (p< 0.01). Se observó una correlación negativa entre distribución de grasa ginoide y niveles de GRP78. Conclusiones: Los niveles de GRP78 se correlacionan con la distribución del tejido adiposo y son mayores en mujeres con cáncer endometrial.