Two methods for the cryopreservation of human ovarian tissue were compared using a xenotransplantation model to establish a safe and effective cryopreservation method. Ovarian tissues were obtained from women who underwent benign ovarian surgery in the gynecology research unit of a university hospital. The tissues were transplanted into 112 ovariectomized female severe combined immunodeficient mice 4 weeks after slow freezing or vitrification cryopreservation. Tissues were retrieved 4 weeks later. Primordial follicular counts decreased after cryopreservation and xenotransplantation, and were significantly higher in the slow freezing group than in the vitrification group (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry and TUNEL assay showed that the Ki-67 and CD31 markers of follicular proliferation and angiogenesis were higher in the slow freezing group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively) and DNA damage was greater in the vitrification group (p < 0.001). Western blotting showed that vitrification increased cellular apoptosis. Anti-Müllerian hormone expression was low in transplanted samples subjected to both cryopreservation techniques. Electron microscopy revealed primordial follicle deformation in the vitrification group. Slow freezing for ovarian tissue cryopreservation is superior to vitrification in terms of follicle survival and growth after xenotransplantation. These results will be useful for fertility preservation in female cancer patients.

Background: The aim of this study is to compare the surgical outcomes of single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) and single-port robotic surgery (SPRS). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent a hysterectomy, ovarian cystectomy, or myomectomy with SPLS or SPRS from January 2020 to July 2022. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS chi-square test and student’s t-test. Results: A total of 566 surgeries including single-port laparoscopic hysterectomy (SPLH; n = 148), single-port robotic hysterectomy (SPRH; n = 35), single-port laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy (SPLC; n = 207), single-port robotic ovarian cystectomy (SPRC; n = 108), single-port laparoscopic myomectomy (SPLM; n = 12), and single-port robotic myomectomy (SPRM; n = 56). The SPRH, SPRC, and SPRM groups had a shorter operation time than the SPLS group, although the results were not statistically significant (SPRH vs. SPLH, p = 0.134; SPRC vs. SPLC, p = 0.098; SPRM vs. SPLM, p = 0.202). Incisional hernia occurred as a postoperative complication in two patients only in the SPLH group. Postoperative Hb changes were lower in the SPRC and SPRM groups than in the SPLC and SPLM groups (SPRC vs. SPLC, p = 0.023; SPRM vs. SPLM, p = 0.010). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that the SPRS had comparable surgical outcomes when compared to the SPLS. Therefore, the SPRS should be considered a feasible and safe option for gynecologic patients.

Ryu KJ, et al. J Korean Med Sci. 2021 Apr;36(17):e122. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e122

Ryu KJ, et al. J Korean Med Sci. 2022 Nov;37(45):e330. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e330

ObjectiveTo evaluate menopause-related changes in body fat distribution and their relationship with insulin resistance in middleaged Korean women.MethodsWe analyzed women aged 40-60 years using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 2008 to 2011. Body fat was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).ResultsAmong 3,468 participants, menopausal women (n=1,489) had a higher body mass index (BMI) and higher trunk, arm, and head fat percentages than premenopausal women (n=1,979). However, no significant difference was found in the leg fat percentage according to menopausal status. Multivariable regression analysis for HOMA-IR showed that trunk fat percentage, BMI, and waist circumference positively correlated with insulin resistance and leg fat percentage negatively correlated after adjusting for several confounding factors, whereas menopausal status was not associated with HOMAIR.ConclusionMiddle-aged women not only have different body weights and BMI but also have different body fat distributions according to menopausal status. Each fat percentage change in the trunk and leg is differently associated with metabolic health, particularly insulin resistance. To evaluate the metabolic health of middle-aged women, BMI is generally noted; however, body fat distribution, which can be easily assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, should also be considered.