Li H et al., 2026 · International journal of women's health
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is closely associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) based on complete blood cell count has shown superior discriminative value in a variety of diseases, but its role in PCOS is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between SII and PCOS in women undergoing their first in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol. A total of 334 women undergoing their first IVF treatment with a GnRH antagonist protocol from January 2019 to December 2025 were included in this study. They were divided into the PCOS group (n=160) and the non-PCOS group (n=174). Demographic and physical indicators, reproductive endocrine indicators, systemic inflammatory indicators, infertility situation, ovulation induction treatment parameters, and trigger day indicators were collected. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the independent associated factors of PCOS. The results of the multivariate analysis indicated that anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) (OR=1.437, 95% CI: 1.222-1.690, P<0.001), basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (OR=0.718, 95% CI: 0.519-0.993, P=0.046), luteinising hormone (LH) (OR=1.293, 95% CI: 1.100-1.519, P=0.002), testosterone (T) (OR=14.533, 95% CI: 2.162-97.677, P=0.006), SII (OR=2.030, 95% CI: 1.079-3.819, P=0.028), and LH level on the trigger day (OR=1.284, 95% CI: 1.061-1.554, P=0.010) were independently associated with PCOS. Among patients undergoing their first IVF treatment, SII was independently associated with PCOS. This further supported the crucial role of chronic low-grade inflammation in the pathophysiology of PCOS. In the future, its efficacy needs to be verified through large-scale studies. Before it is fully confirmed, it is not recommended to use it as an independent clinical tool.
Environmental Exposures · Textiles and Dyes
Wang M et al., 2023 · Environmental Science & Technology
Microplastic fibers from textiles have been known to significantly contribute to marine microplastic pollution. However, little is known about the microfiber formation and discharge during textile production. In this study, we have quantified microfiber emissions from one large and representative textile factory during different stages, spanning seven different materials, including cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics, to further guide control strategies. Wet-processing steps released up to 25 times more microfibers than home laundering, with dyeing contributing to 95.0% of the total emissions. Microfiber release could be reduced by using white coloring, a lower dyeing temperature, and a shorter dyeing duration. Thinner, denser yarns increased microfiber pollution, whereas using tightly twisted fibers mitigated release. Globally, wet textile processing potentially produced 6.4 kt of microfibers in 2020, with China, India, and the US as significant contributors. The study underlined the environmental impact of textile production and the need for mitigation strategies, particularly in dyeing processes and fiber choice. In addition, no significant difference was observed between the virgin polyesters and the used ones. Replacing virgin fibers with recycled fibers in polyester fabrics, due to their increasing consumption, might offer another potential solution. The findings highlighted the substantial impact of textile production on microfiber released into the environment, and optimization of material selection, knitting technologies, production processing, and recycled materials could be effective mitigation strategies.
Premenstrual Disorders · Cyclical Symptom Patterns
Sveinsdóttir H et al., 2000 · Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand
The prevalence of significant symptom change (symptom cyclicity) prospectively rated over multiple menstrual cycles has not been established in a non-clinical population. Seventy-three women charted 57 symptoms over 2-6 menstrual cycles each. Symptoms, and summarized symptom scores within seven symptom groups, were tested for changes between the follicular phase and the luteal phase of each cycle. Recurrent symptom cyclicity over multiple cycles within individuals was ascertained and the stability between cycles of mean symptom scores for both the follicular phase and the luteal phase. Forty-five percent of the participants experienced cyclicity over multiple cycles in at least one symptom and 23% in at least one symptom group. Eighteen percent of the participants consistently reported a higher symptom score during the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase (a PMS-like pattern) in all symptoms in which they experienced a change. The remaining 27% experienced a varying direction of change in the same symptom between cycles, or consistently experienced a lower symptom score during the luteal phase (a reverse PMS-like pattern) of the cycles they charted. Recurrent cyclicity was experienced by 16% of the participants in one symptom; in two symptoms by 15%; in 3 8 symptoms by 14%; in one symptom group by 19% and in two symptom groups by only 4% of participants. Average symptom severity did not vary significantly between cycles. Due to the varied direction of symptom severity change over multiple cycles, prospective daily ratings are necessary to achieve a true picture of menstrual related symptom cyclicity in the general population.
Luteal Phase · Corpus Luteum Function
Hammarbäck S et al., 1988 · Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand
A treatment with the GnRH-agonist, buserelin, was given intranasally in a dosage of 400 micrograms once daily, to induce anovulation in 26 women with premenstrual tension syndrome; 23 patients completed the study course. The design was double-blind and cross-over. Daily symptom ratings were made for two pretreatment, diagnostic cycles and continued for up to six cycles or 6 months. The rating scale used was an earlier described visual analogue scale. Blood samples for estradiol and progesterone radio-immunoassay were taken once weekly throughout the study. Results show beneficial effects of both placebo and GnRH-agonist, compared with the pretreatment situation. The GnRH-agonist was, however, significantly better than placebo. At the end of the treatment periods the patients while still taking placebo, still showed cyclical symptom changes, whereas during the GnRH-agonist treatment the cyclical changes had disappeared. The results indicate that a factor from the corpus luteum must be involved in the etiology of cyclical mood changes. The results also show that inhibition of ovulation by mean of GnRH-agonists is one possible way to treat premenstrual tension syndrome.