Özge Özkaya, PhD
Özge has a Phd in Molecular Biology and several years experience working as a bench scientists. She has been working in science communication since 2014.
Menstrual Blood Biomarkers for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Endometriosis
Aromatase, steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1), and 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (HSD17B2) levels in the menstrual blood can differentiate between patients with endometriosis and those without, according to a new study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. While this finding suggests that aromatase, SF-1, and HSD17B2 could be biomarkers for the non-invasive diagnosis of the disease, more research is needed to validate their reliability. Reliable non-invasive biomarkers are still lacking in endometriosis. As a result many women still…
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New Model Could Help in the Diagnosis of Endometriosis
Researchers from China established a diagnostic model of endometriosis based on disulfidptosis-related genes. They said that their diagnostic model was a good predictor of endometriosis. The team led by Dr. Yaoyao Zhao from the Department of Gynecology, Zhuji People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province in China, used the mRNA expression data from endometriosis patients in the gene expression omnibus database to develop a model. They subjected the data to differential analysis and conducted a co-expression analysis based on 10 disulfidptosis genes.They then…
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Integrating Virtual Reality Modeling for Enhanced Surgical Management of Endometriosis
Transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conducted by experts are generally sufficient for the surgical planning and management of endometriosis, as noted in a recent study published in the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology. However, incorporating novel techniques such as 3D printing and virtual reality modeling can enhance these standard imaging modalities. The authors reported that these advanced approaches significantly improved patients' understanding and experience. Additionally, they provided medical learners with a clearer grasp of traditional imaging techniques and their relation to…
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Study Sheds Light on the Role of Programmed Cell Death in Endometriosis
Three genes, TNFSF12, AP3M1, and PDK2 could be key biomarkers of programmed cell death in endometriosis, according to a new study published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Frontiers in Endocrinology. “These findings provide new directions for the early diagnosis and personalized treatment of [endometriosis],” the study authors said. It is already known that programmed cell death plays a key role in the development of endometriosis. However, it is not well-understood how this relates to the formation of endometrial lesions, which…
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Appendiceal Endometriosis Associated With Ovarian and Bladder Endometriosis
There is a significant association between appendiceal, ovarian, and bladder endometriosis, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics. This could be explained by the spread of the disease via the shedding of endometrioma fluid. “Given the prevalence of appendiceal involvement, counseling regarding the potential need for appendectomy during endometriosis surgery should be considered,” the authors of the study said. In order to assess the prevalence of appendiceal endometriosis and its association with…
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Nerve-Sparing Surgery Safe in DIE
Robot-assisted nerve-sparing modified radical hysterectomy is associated with longer operative times and lower estimated blood loss compared to the conventional laparoscopic approach to treat deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), according to a new study published in the scientific journal Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics. On the contrary, the number of hospitalization days and complications were similar between the two approaches. “Our results imply that nerve-sparing surgery can be safely and reproducibly performed using conventional or robotic laparoscopic modalities to treat [deep…
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Preterm Birth Risk Higher Among Women With Endo
Pregnant women with endometriosis have a higher risk of having a premature baby and other poor pregnancy outcomes compared to those without the disease, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Fertility and Sterility. This finding highlights the importance of promptly treating the disease and monitoring and counseling women with the disease during pregnancy. The present study had 3 main objectives: to explore the possible link between endometriosis and premature birth; to explore the association between endometriosis and…
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What are Patients with Endometriosis Discussing Online?
People mostly use online health communities about endometriosis to learn about the symptoms of the disease and share their own medical experiences, according to a new study published in the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology. The posts and comments of the users underscore the need for more empathy in the clinic as well as easier access to high-quality information about the disease. In order to characterize the content of the online community about endometriosis, a team of researchers led by Dr.…
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Endometriosis May Be Identified Using a Standardized Questionnaire
Screening adolescents and young adult women with a questionnaire can identify clinical symptoms associated with histologically proven endometriosis, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Human Reproduction. “Combined with imaging and clinical examination, this approach will enable earlier diagnosis and treatment, while remaining non-invasive and rapid,” the authors of the study said. The authors conducted an observational cross-sectional study using prospectively recorded data from January 2005 to January 2020. They aimed to understand whether adolescents and young adult…
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GP Records May Hold Information About Possible Endometriosis in Adolescents
The prevalence of coded dysmenorrhoea in the records of general practitioners (GP) is significantly lower than what is suggested in community surveys, according to a new study published in the British Journal of General Practice. However, menstrual symptoms in adolescents are commonly seen in primary care and deserve specific guidance and resources. Moreover, there seem to be demographic patterns that need to be explored further. To document the incidence of adolescent endometriosis and symptoms associated with it such as period pain in English…
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Conventional Laparoscopy as Good as Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopy
Both conventional laparoscopy and robotic-assisted laparoscopy are associated with significant long-term symptom relief in patients with endometriosis involving the sacral plexus and sciatic nerve, according to a new study published in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics. “Although surgeons found that [robotic-assisted laparoscopy] improved the quality of excision of these specific [deep endometriosis] localizations, our study did not reveal significant advantages in terms of its outcomes,” the authors said. To compare the outcomes during and after surgery of both…
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Endometriosis Prevalence High Among Women With Unexplained Infertility
The prevalence of endometriosis and tubal abnormalities is still high among patients with unexplained infertility, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Reproductive BioMedicine Online. “The high prevalence of endometriosis in this population is important for decision-making in patients who also suffer from pain symptoms suggestive of endometriosis,” the authors of the study said. To investigate the prevalence of endometriosis among patients with unexplained infertility who undergo diagnostic laparoscopy, a team of researchers led by Dr. Arne…
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Ovarian Endometrioma Does Not Affect Egg Quality, Study Suggests
Ovarian endometrioma could decrease oocyte yield in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), according to a new literature review and meta-analysis published in the scientific journal Reproductive BioMedicine Online. However, it does not seem to have an adverse effect on oocyte quality. “These groundbreaking findings hold significant implications for counseling patients with [ovarian endometriomas]”, said the authors of the study. “The evidence presented suggests that individuals with [ovarian endometriomas] can confidently pursue IVF before surgery,…
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Effect of Endometriosis Pain in Women Living in Similar Socio-Economic Conditions
Endometriosis-associated pelvic pain is associated with reduced health-related quality of life including impaired mental and sexual functioning among women in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and the US, according to a new study published in the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology. It is also associated with reduced work performance and productivity. According to the study authors, each of the above “may contribute to the societal burden of endometriosis”. The study aimed to assess the burden of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain on health-related quality…
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Impact of Endometriosis Subtypes on Increased Ovarian Cancer Risk
The risk of ovarian cancer is markedly increased in patients with ovarian endometriomas and/or deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), according to a new study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association. These patients should be offered counseling about the risk of ovarian cancer and its prevention. They could also take part in targeted screening and prevention studies. In 1925, Sampson first linked endometriosis with epithelial ovarian cancer. Since then, research has shown that women with endometriosis have an elevated risk of ovarian cancer. While…
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What Factors Affect the Chance of Being Diagnosed With Endometriosis?
There are demographic disparities in the diagnosis of endometriosis among women in the US, ages 15 to 50 according to a new study published in the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology. These disparities suggest that intersecting barriers may prevent some people from accessing timely diagnosis and management. To compare the demographic characteristics of women who did receive a diagnosis of endometriosis and those who did not a team of researchers from the US led by Benjamin P Brown, MD from…
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Study Sheds Light on Effect of Endometriosis and Infertility on Couples
Endometriosis and infertility are significantly associated with partnership and sexuality satisfaction, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics. However, the large overlap between endometriosis and infertility underscores the fact that more research is needed to differentiate between the effects of the two on couples’ satisfaction. To identify the link between different predictors of partnership and sexual satisfaction and endometriosis and infertility on both members of the couple, a team of researchers led…
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Study Identifies Factors Associated With the Risk of Adenomyosis Progression
The disease progression rate of adenomyosis at one-year follow-up is 21.3%, according to a new study published in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics. For hormonally untreated patients this rate is 30.77% while for those who were hormonally treated, it is 18.34%. The presence and/or worsening of painful symptoms like severe period pain, pain during defecation, chronic pelvic pain, and the presence of focal adenomyosis in the outer myometrium (the middle layer of the uterine wall) may help identify patients who…
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Endometriosis and PCOS Share Common Risk Genes
There is a genetic correlation and shared risk genes between endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), found a new study published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Endocrinology. “These findings provide insights into the potential mechanisms behind their comorbidity and the future development of therapeutics,” according to the authors. Previous research has already highlighted the similarities between the two conditions. However, the underlying genetic mechanisms between endometriosis and PCOS are lacking. Here, a team of researchers led by Dr. Hongmei…
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Study Sheds Light on Molecular Mechanism of Endometriosis Development
Cell adhesion molecule 2 (CADM2) may inhibit the development of endometriosis, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Reproductive Sciences. It may do so by suppressing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. A better understanding of the mechanism underlying the development of the condition may help researchers develop new therapeutic strategies in the future. To better understand the potential role of CADM2 – a molecule that plays a role in maintaining cell adhesion and polarity, and suppressing tumors – in the development…
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