Psychological Preconditions of the Staff Stability During Work at Facilities after Radiation Accidents

2018 ◽  
pp. 12-17
Author(s):  
А. Косенков ◽  
A. Kosenkov
Keyword(s):  
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Psychological Characteristics ◽  
Personality Factor ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Radiation Accidents ◽  
Psychological Examination ◽  
Chernobyl Npp ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Purpose: Identification of the psychological preconditions of the staff stability during work at facilities after radiation accidents. Material and methods: This paper includes the comparative analysis of findings of psychological examination of the personnel of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) over the aftermath period (July 1986 – April 1987) and those of the control group consisted of the workers of the Smolensk NPP (102 persons). The psychological examination was based on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF). To achieve the purpose of this study, additional information was collected concerning the time of dismissal of previously examined employees of the Chernobyl NPP. Two groups of the surveyed workers were selected on the basis of the obtained information: – individuals who continued to work at the Chernobyl NPP after the accident until 1995 (group 1) – 74 persons; – individuals who resigned voluntary from the plant within a year and a half following the accident (group 2) – 29 persons. Results: The results of the examination using MMPI and 16-PF revealed significant differences in the generalized psychological portraits of group 1, group 2 and the control group. Individuals of the group 2 were more different in psychological parameters from the control group than those of group 1. So, according to the MMPI data, significant differences were found on the L (Lie) scale and on seven clinical scales: scale 1 (Hypochondriasis), scale 2 (Depression), scale 3 (Hysteria), scale 4 (Psychopathic Deviate), scale 6 (Paranoia), scale 7 (Psychasthenia) and scale 8 (Schizophrenia). The values in the group 2 were significantly higher than in the control group for all listed above scales. In addition, the group 2 had lower levels of 16PF factors: the Q1 (Openness to Change/Radicalism) and the secondary F4 factor (Independence). Also, a large proportion of individuals with abnormally pronounced personality traits (more than 70 T-score) were obtained in this group according to the MMPI data (41.4 %). The most frequently anomalous peaks were met on the scales 2 (Depression) and 1 (Hypochondriasis). The anomalous peaks on the MMPI profiles in the group 2 have been detected more than three times often than in the group 1. In addition, the group 2 had lower levels of 16PF factors: C (Emotional Stability) and F (Liveliness) than these factors of the group 1. Comparison of the examination results of the group 1 and the control group revealed the similarity of their generalized psychological portraits. At the same time, the group 1 demonstrated much higher values (p < 0.05) on MMPI scales: 1 (Hypochondriasis) and 2 (Depression) in comparison with the control group, however, these values were a bit higher than the general population standards (50 T-scores). Conclusion: The group of employees who quitted the job shortly after the accident was characterized by a pronounced uniqueness according to indicators of psycho-diagnostic tests, in comparison both with the control group, and with those who remained working at the plant for a long time. Apparently, these differences confirm our assumption about the existence of psychological characteristics that can be considered as preconditions for workers to make the decision to leave or continue working at the enterprise under changed conditions. This demonstrates the importance of taking into account the psychological characteristics of workers and the need for psychological support for personnel working under the exposure of harmful and hazardous factors after major radiation accidents.

scholarly journals Experience of using plant complexes in physiological completion of lactation

2021 ◽  
pp. 54-58
Author(s):  
N. V. Kosei ◽  
O.V. Zanko ◽  
L.А. Vasylchenko ◽  
N.V. Iarotska
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Disorders ◽  
Emotional State ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mammary Glands ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Breast Pumping ◽  
Medical Counseling ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Ending breastfeeding is often quite a challenge for women, justifying the need for qualified medical counseling and accompaniment by a doctor. Quite frequently during weaning the baby, women complain about pain, discomfort and swelling of the breasts, which affects their overall physical and psychological well-being. However, due to possible rather serious side effects, medical support for stopping lactation is mostly recommended for women with clinical indications.Research aim: to determine the effectiveness of the proposed method with Normomens for physiological completion of lactation.Materials and methods. The study involved 65 women with an average duration of lactation 9 ± 1.23 months. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 included 34 women who received Normomens according to the scheme to stop lactation; group 2 included 31 patients who did not receive any medication. Patients were gynecological examined and counseled by oncologist. Patients' diaries included questions about the duration of lactation, presence and severity of mastalgia according to the Visual Analogue Scale, necessity of analgesics, frequency of breast pumping per day, features of psycho-emotional state according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Prolactin levels were also determined at the screening visit and on 25th day after weaning.Results. On the background of Normomens use the process of lactation completion was significantly easier, its completion came mostly on the 3–4 day after drug use, patients almost never complained of pain and discomfort in mammary glands, they less frequently breast pumped and had a more stable psycho-emotional state compared to the control group. Рrolactin level with usage of Normomens had a quick decrease compared to the control group.Conclusion. Normomens using for support the physiological finishing of lactation lead to acceleration of involutive processes in mammary glands, reduces pain severity and prevented psycho-emotional disorders in women.

scholarly journals Sexual dysfunction in women with rheumatic diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 43-49
Author(s):  
O. V. Teplyakova ◽  
A. A. Morozova ◽  
A. A. Popov
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Affective Disorders ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Objective: to assess sexual function in female patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia (FM) and to identify the main risk factors of sexual dysfunction (SD).Patients and methods. 60 patients with FM (mean age 44.2±10.1 years) – Group 1; 69 patients with RA (mean age 45.0±9.6 years) – Group 2; and 100 healthy women controls (mean age 45.1±11.8 years) – Group 3 were enrolled in the study. Medical history, severity of pain at rest and during movement by visual analog scale (VAS), and anxiety and depression symptoms by hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) were assessed. Sexual function was evaluated by «Female Sexual Function index (FSFI)».Results and discussion. The overall sexual function score in Group 1 (12.7±9.0) was almost twice lower than in the control group (23.55±8.24, p<0.001) and in Group 2 (20.9±11, p<0.001). There was no difference between RA patients group and control group, where the average score for each of the scales was above 3 (with the exception of the «desire» scale). In FM patients all scales were below 3 points, which indicated significant SD, score on the «orgasm» scale was the lowest (1.8±0.9), and score on «absence of sexual pain» scale was the highest (2.6±1.8). SD in patients with FM was significantly driven by affective disorders presenting with anxiety and depression. Inflammatory activity and severity of pain by VAS were strongly associated with SD in RA group. The divorced person status was associated with the development of SD, regardless of nosological diagnosis.Conclusion. RA and FM have a negative impact on women's sexual function. The inflammatory disease activity is the main driver of SD in RA patients while affective disorders promote SD in FM patients.

The Mental Health Status of Chinese Medical Peacekeepers in Lebanon

2012 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 375-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Li ◽  
Yongcong Shao ◽  
Mingdong Yun ◽  
Zhang Yan ◽  
Ke Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Self Rating ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Sum Scores ◽  
Group 1

We investigated the mental health status of Chinese medical peacekeepers in Lebanon. In total, 59 peacekeepers completed the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS; Zung, 1965), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS; Zung, 1971), and Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90; Wang, 1984) 1 week after their arrival in Lebanon. These data were compared with those of 62 military personnel (control group 1) and 58 medical workers (control group 2). Significant differences were found between the peacekeeping group and control group 1 concerning sum scores on the SDS and SAS, and a number of SCL-90 factors. Although peacekeepers had good mental health status 1 week after arrival, this needs to be assessed longitudinally in future research.

Antiurolithiatic effect of Cymbopogon Proximus, Alhagi Maurorum, on Sulfadimidine induced urolithiasis in male New Zealand rabbits

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-18
Author(s):  
Sameh El-Nabtity
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Intramuscular Injection ◽  
Negative Control Group ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Aqueous Extracts ◽  
Blood And Urine Samples ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
New Zealand Rabbits ◽  
Group 1

The present study aimed to investigate the prophylactic effect of Cymbopogon proximus and Alhagi maurorum on Sulfadimidine induced urolithiasis in rabbits . Thirty New Zealand male rabbits were allocated into six equal groups (each of five): Group (1) was used as a negative control. Group(2) were administered sulfadimidine (200mg/kg) by intramuscular injection.Groups(3) and (4) were administered sulfadimidine(200mg/kg) by intramuscular injection and 330mg/kg of Cymbopogon proximus alcoholic and aqueous extracts respectively orally.Groups(5) and (6) were administered sulfadimidine(200mg/kg) by intramuscular injection and 400mg/kg of Alhagi maurorum alcoholic and aqueous extracts respectively orally. The period of experiment was 10 days. Blood and urine samples were collected from rabbits on the 10th day. The results recorded a significant decrease in serum creatinine, urea, uric acid and crystalluria in Cymbopogon proximus and Alhagi maurorum groups compared to sulfadimidine treated group.We conclude that Cymbopogon proximus and Alhagi maurorum have a nephroprotective and antiurolithiatic effects against sulfadimidine induced crystalluria.

Influence of Removable Denture Cleaning Agents on Adhesion of Oral Pathogenic Microflora In Vitro: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 656-664
Author(s):  
I.R. Volchkova ◽  
A.V. Yumashev ◽  
V.V. Borisov ◽  
V.I. Doroshina ◽  
E.A. Kristal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Removable Dental Prostheses ◽  
Removable Denture ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Adhesion Index ◽  
Group 1

Introduction: Removable dentures are used by 20% of the population. These may be accompanied by denture stomatitis in 15-70% of patients. The choice of the optimal cleansing agent for removable dental prostheses is of high significance. Aim: The aim of our research was to study the influence of removable denture cleansing products on the adhesion of microorganisms and yeast. Materials and Methods: We manufactured 144 specimens of standardized round shape with a diameter of 10 mm from 4 types of modern polymeric materials used by prosthetic dentistry to produce removable dentures, 12 specimens of each material were placed into suspensions of bacterial cultures of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, then into “ClearaSept” (Test group 1), “Рrotefix active cleanser” (Test group 2), saline solution (Control group), followed by nutrient media. The adhesion index was calculated and analyzed. Results: There was no reliable lowering of adhesion index of Staphylococcus Aureus to all materials detected in Test group 1 (U=6, p>0.05 for Bio XS; U=8, p>0.05 for Dental D, Denotokeep Peek, Vertex Rapid Simplified). In Test group 2, the adhesion index of Staphylococcus Aureus reliably decreased to all materials compared to the Control group (U=0, p≤0.01). The adhesion index of Candida albicans and Escherichia coli to all materials in Test group 1 had a minor to moderate reliable reduction compared to the Control group (U=0, p≤0.01). Test group 2 showed a significant reliable decrease in Candida albicans and Escherichia coli adhesion index to all materials in comparison with the Control group (U=0, p≤0.01). Conclusion: The research showed an unreliable or minor and moderate reliable decrease in microorganisms adhesion index depending on the microorganism species after treatment of denture material specimens by antibacterial soap “ClearaSept” and a reliable significant decrease in microbial and yeast adhesion after application of Protefix active cleaner solution, which demonstrates a more significant antimicrobial effect in comparison to “ClearaSept” against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans.

Dopamine-1 receptor stimulation impairs intestinal oxygen utilization during critical hypoperfusion

2003 ◽  
Vol 284 (2) ◽  
pp. H668-H675 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge A. Guzman ◽  
Ariosto E. Rosado ◽  
James A. Kruse
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Mucosal Blood Flow ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Oxygen Utilization ◽  
Hemorrhage Control ◽  
Receptor Stimulation ◽  
Anesthetized Dogs ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Increased Susceptibility ◽  
Group 1

Effects of a dopamine-1 (DA-1) receptor agonist on systemic and intestinal oxygen delivery (D˙o 2)-uptake relationships were studied in anesthetized dogs during sequential hemorrhage. Control ( group 1) and experimental animals ( group 2) were treated similarly except for the addition of fenoldopam (1.0 μg · kg−1 · min−1) in group 2. Both groups had comparable systemic criticalD˙o 2(D˙o 2crit), but animals in group 2 had a higher gut D˙o 2crit(1.12 ± 1.13 vs. 0.80 ± 0.09 ml · kg−1 · min−1, P < 0.05). At the mucosal level, a clear biphasic delivery-uptake relationship was not observed in group 1; thus oxygen consumption by the mucosa may be supply dependent under physiological conditions. Group 2 demonstrated higher peak mucosal blood flow and lack of supply dependency at higher mucosalD˙o 2 levels. Fenoldopam resulted in a more conspicuous biphasic relationship at the mucosa and a rightward shift of overall splanchnic D˙o 2crit despite increased splanchnic blood flow. These findings suggest that DA-1 receptor stimulation results in increased gut perfusion heterogeneity and maldistribution of perfusion, resulting in increased susceptibility to ischemia.

Biomarkers of vascular wall damage in patients with cerebrovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
М.А. Быковская ◽  
А.А. Раскуражев ◽  
А.А. Шабалина ◽  
К.В. Антонова ◽  
М.М. Танашян
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine ◽  
Vascular Wall ◽  
Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Normal Body Mass Index ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Введение. Сосудистые осложнения сахарного диабета (СД) являются одной из ведущих причин повышения смертности пациентов трудоспособного возраста. Предполагается, что индуцированный гипергликемией окислительный стресс и нарушение антиоксидантной защиты играют роль в патологическом механизме повреждения сосудов, частично за счет влияния оксида азота (NО). Цель исследования: уточнение взаимосвязей в системах асимметричного диметиларгинина (АДМА) и NO у пациентов с цереброваскулярными заболеваниями (ЦВЗ) на фоне СД 2-го типа (СД-2). Материалы и методы. Обследованы 72 пациента с ЦВЗ со стенозирующим поражением внутренней сонной артерии вне острого периода: группу 1 составили 39 пациентов (18 мужчин и 21 женщина) с СД-2 в возрасте 65 [58; 72] лет; в группу 2 вошли 33 больных (15 мужчин и 18 женщин) без СД-2 в возрасте 66 [56; 74] лет. Контрольную группу составили 30 добровольцев (16 мужчин и 14 женщин) без проявлений церебральной ишемии и нарушений углеводного обмена, с нормальными значениями индекса массы тела, некурящие, в возрасте 62 [50; 66] лет. Проводилось клиническое обследование, нейро- и ангиовизуализационное исследование, спектр биохимических исследований крови, в том числе определение содержания АДМА и показателей системы NO. Результаты. В группе 1 содержание нитрата, нитрита и NO составило 62,1 [56; 68] мкмоль/л, 48,5 [26; 52] мкмоль/л и 13,6 [9; 23] мкмоль/л соответственно, что достоверно отличалось от значений этих показателей в группе 2 — 58,3 [45; 64] мкмоль/л, 39,6 [26,0; 42,3] мкмоль/л и 18,7 [16,1; 24,7] мкмоль/л соответственно. Отмечен также более высокий уровень AДМА в крови у пациентов с ЦВЗ в сочетании с СД-2 — 0,42 [0,21; 0,53] ммоль/л. Заключение. Обнаружена взаимосвязь между уровнями AДМА и NO при ЦВЗ на фоне СД-2. Это требует продолжения исследований биомаркеров повреждения сосудистой стенки для определения их места в патогенезе ишемических церебральных осложнений СД-2. Background. Vascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) are one of the leading causes of increased mortality in patients of employable age. Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant protection have been suggested to play a role in the pathological mechanism of vascular damage, in part due to the effects of nitric oxide (NO). Objectives: clarification of relationships in the systems of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and NO in patients with cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (DM-2). Patients/Methods. We examined 72 CVD patients with stenosing lesions of the internal carotid artery outside the acute period: group 1 consisted of 39 patients (18 men and 21 women; 65 [58; 72] years old) with DM-2; group 2 consisted of 33 patients (15 men and 18 women; 66 [56; 74] years old) without DM-2. The control group consisted of 30 volunteers (16 men and 14 women; 62 [50; 66] years old) without manifestations of cerebral ischemia and carbohydrate metabolism disorders, with normal body mass index, non-smokers. A clinical examination, neuro- and angio-imaging study, a spectrum of biochemical blood tests, including the concentration of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and indicators of NO system were carried out. Results. In group 1, the content of nitrate, nitrite and NO was 62.1 [56; 68] μmol/l, 48.5 [26; 52] μmol/l and 13.6 [9; 23] μmol/l, respectively, that significantly differed from the content of these parameters in group 2 — 58.3 [45; 64] μmol/l, 39.6 [26.0; 42.3] μmol/l and 18.7 [16.1; 24.7] μmol/l, respectively. Noted also a higher blood level of ADMA in patients with CVD combined with DM-2 — 0.42 [0.21; 0.53] mmol/l. Conclusions. A relationship was found between ADMA and NO levels in CVD patients with DM-2. This requires further studies of biomarkers of vascular wall damage to determine their place in the pathogenesis of ischemic cerebral complications of DM-2.

scholarly journals Objective assessment of stiffness in Achilles tendinopathy: a novel approach using the MyotonPRO

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gafin Ericson Morgan ◽  
Rhodri Martin ◽  
Lisa Williams ◽  
Owen Pearce ◽  
Keith Morris
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Stiffness ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Achilles Tendinopathy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Asymptomatic Group ◽  
Musculotendinous Junction ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to establish quantitative values for asymptomatic and symptomatic Achilles tendons.DesignCohort study with a single (cross-sectional) time point of patients diagnosed with unilateral Achilles tendinopathy and an asymptomatic group with comparative homogeneity.MethodsA sample of 50 participants: 25 diagnosed with symptomatic unilateral Achilles tendinopathy (AT group) and 25 with asymptomatic Achilles tendons (control group 2). The asymptomatic side of the AT group was used as a control (control group 1). Measurements at 2 cm intervals on the tendon from its insertion at the calcaneum up to the musculotendinous junction were taken non-weight bearing (NWB) and weight bearing (WB) using the MyotonPRO.ResultsThere was a significant (p<0.005) decrease in natural oscillation frequency (F) at points 2, 3 and 4 of the AT group (NWB condition) and points 2 and 3 for the WB condition. There was a significant (p<0.005) increase in logarithmic decrement (D) at points 2 and 3 signifying a decrease in elasticity. Dynamic stiffness (S) was significantly (p<0.005) reduced in the AT group at points 2 and 3 WB and point 3 WB. There was no significant difference in creep (C) observed between the symptomatic and asymptomatic tendons. There was a significant (p<0.005) increase in mechanical stress relaxation time (R) at point 2 NWB.There was a correlation between body weight and gender on tendon mechanics, with the symptomatic tendons. No significant differences were observed between the control group 1 and control group 2.ConclusionsThe MyotonPRO measured decreased stiffness over a section of the tendon corresponding clinically with Achilles tendinopathy. This may have potential in identifying risk of injury and informing rehabilitation, however further extensive research is required to generate baseline data for specific population groups monitoring variables over time. Age, gender and body mass index appear to have some bearing on the mechanical properties of the tendon but mainly in the tendinopathy group.

Changes in Higher Order Aberrations after Wavefront-Guided Prk for Correction of Low to Moderate Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism: Two-Year Follow-Up

2007 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 507-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Wygledowska-Promienska ◽  
I. Zawojska
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Excimer Laser ◽  
Spherical Aberration ◽  
Higher Order ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Higher Order Aberrations ◽  
Order Root ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Myopic Astigmatism ◽  
Group 1

Purpose To assess efficacy, safety, and changes in higher order aberrations after wavefront-guided photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in comparison with conventional PRK for low to moderate myopia with myopic astigmatism using a WASCA Workstation with the MEL 70 G-Scan excimer laser. Methods A total of 126 myopic or myopic-astigmatic eyes of 112 patients were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1, the study group; and Group 2, the control group. Group 1 consisted of 78 eyes treated with wavefront-guided PRK. Group 2 consisted of 48 eyes treated with spherocylindrical conventional PRK. Results Two years postoperatively, in Group 1, 5% of eyes achieved an uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 0.05; 69% achieved a UCVA of 0.00; 18% of eyes experienced enhanced visual acuity of −0.18 and 8% of −0.30. In Group 2, 8% of eyes achieved a UCVA of 0.1; 25% achieved a UCVA of 0.05; and 67% achieved a UCVA of 0.00 according to logMAR calculation method. Total higher-order root-mean square increased by a factor 1.18 for Group 1 and 1.6 for Group 2. There was a significant increase of coma by a factor 1.74 in Group 2 and spherical aberration by a factor 2.09 in Group 1 and 3.56 in Group 2. Conclusions The data support the safety and effectiveness of the wavefront-guided PRK using a WASCA Workstation for correction of low to moderate refractive errors. This method reduced the number of higher order aberrations induced by excimer laser surgery and improved uncorrected and spectacle-corrected visual acuity when compared to conventional PRK.

scholarly journals Effects of long-lasting raloxifene treatment on serum prolactin and gonadotropin levels in postmenopausal women

2002 ◽  
pp. 461-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Lasco ◽  
S Cannavo ◽  
A Gaudio ◽  
N Morabito ◽  
G Basile ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Serum Prolactin ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
Control Group ◽  
T Score ◽  
Lumbar Level ◽  
Receptor Modulator ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a 6 month administration of raloxifene hydrochloride, a selective estrogen receptor modulator which was recently approved for the prevention of osteoporosis, on serum gonadotropin and prolactin (PRL) levels and on TRH-stimulated PRL responsiveness in postmenopausal women who have not undergone estrogen replacement therapy. DESIGN AND METHODS: Sixteen healthy postmenopausal women were divided into two groups on the basis of their bone status, evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar level. Eight women (chronological age 52.4+/-4.1 (s.d.) years, menopausal age 42.4+/-3.9 years), in whom T-score L2-L4 was less than -2.5 s.d., were treated with raloxifene (60 mg p.o.) administered daily for 6 months (group 1), while the other eight women (chronological age 52.6+/-2.5 years, menopausal age 42.1+/-3.6 years), in whom the T-score L2-L4 ranged between -1 and -2.5 s.d., were used as a control group (group 2). Serum PRL, FSH, LH and 17beta-estradiol (E2) levels were evaluated at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. In all subjects, PRL responsiveness to TRH (200 microg i.v.) administration was evaluated at baseline and at the end of the study. RESULTS: At baseline, mean PRL, LH and FSH levels were not significantly different in the two groups (PRL 133.6+/-21.7 vs 136.7+/-28.1 mIU/l (NS), LH 25.1+/-6.8 vs 24.4+/-6.7 mIU/ml (NS), FSH 74.4+/-25.0 vs 71.1+/-24.1 mIU/ml (NS), in group 1 and group 2 respectively). No significant variations in serum FSH and LH values, in either group, or in serum PRL levels in group 2, were observed at the 3 and 6 month examinations. On the contrary, serum PRL values decreased significantly in group 1 after 3 months (100.1+/-47.7 mIU/l, P<0.05) and 6 months (81.5+/-30.2 mIU/l, P<0.001). At baseline, no significant differences were observed in the TRH-stimulated serum PRL peak between the groups (1015.4+/-30.5 vs 1030.2+/-25.7 mIU/l in group 1 and in group 2 respectively), while it decreased significantly at the 6 month examination in group 1 (770.5+/-47.4 mIU/l, P<0.001) and it was significantly lower than in group 2 (1068.1+/-301.8 mIU/l, P=0.02). Serum E2 was not detected at baseline and at each examination, in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease of PRL values induced by long-term raloxifene administration in postmenopausal women could be explained by a direct antiestrogenic effect of raloxifene on lactotrope cells or by the recently suggested increase of opiatergic tone on the hypothalamic-pituitary region.

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