Current Women's Health Reviews - Volume 8, Issue 3, 2012

Augmented levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that overpower the body's antioxidant defenses result in oxidative stress (OS). Physiologically balanced levels of ROS and antioxidants maintain homeostasis in the body and allow for normal physiological processes to proceed. Physiological processes that involve oxygen consumption inevitably produce ROS. However, an overabundance of ROS leads to widespread injury to c Read More

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the diplococcus Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The infection is usually limited to the genital area, but it may also affect the pharyngeal or rectal mucosa, depending on sexual practices and can sometimes disseminate. This infection can also be vertically transmitted from a pregnant mother to the foetus at the time of delivery. Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of gonorrhoea are Read More

Fertility-sparing surgery in the treatment of early cervical cancer is gaining acceptance in the gynecologic oncology community as a safe alternative to radical hysterectomy. In women who desire future child-bearing, more conservative treatments, such as radical trachelectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy, have led to the achievement of successful pregnancies, and viable deliveries, while maintaining equivalent on Read More

Syphilis is a chronic sexually transmitted disease that is caused by a spirochete, Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum. Syphilis infection can evolve to tertiary stages that affect all organs of the body. Additionally, syphilis can be transmitted from mother to fetus, resulting in congenital syphilis. Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of syphilis are rapid, inexpensive and simple and have high sensitivity and specificity. Syphilis t Read More

Introduction: Lynch syndrome was first described in the 1950s however until recently it was rarely included in medical school curricula. As a result, many practicing physicians have limited exposure, potentially contributing to significant under diagnosis. As identification of Lynch syndrome prior to malignancy allows for intensified screening, prophylactic surgery and improved patient outcomes, all physicians should be aware of t Read More

Adolescence is life stage typical of Homo sapiens. Reproduction during adolescence, i.e. teenage pregnancies is still listed among the most important public health problems of the 21rst century, although low maternal age may be a marker for social rather than biological or medical disadvantage. Data from developed countries indicate that an optimal prenatal program eliminates obstetrical risks among adolescent Read More

Nicotine and the related oxidant/antioxidant imbalance cause point mutations in the DNA molecule thereby changing the program that controls lung growth and maintenance. It has also been shown that maternal nicotine exposure during gestation and lactation induces a persistent inhibition of glycolysis. These changes are thought to contribute to the faster aging of the lungs of the offspring of mothers that were exposed to Read More