Potassium channels are widely expressed in most types of cells in living organisms and regulate the functions of a variety of organs, including kidneys, neurons, cardiovascular organs, and pancreas among others. However, the functional roles of potassium channels in the reproductive system is less understood. This mini-review provides information about the localization and functions of potassium channels in the female reproductive system. Five types of potassium channels, which include inward-rectifying (Kir), voltage-gated (Kv), calcium-activated (K Ca ), 2-pore domain (K 2P ), and rapidly-gating sodium-activated (Slo) potassium channels are expressed in the hypothalamus, ovaries, and uterus. Their functions include the regulation of hormone release and feedback by Kir6.1 and Kir6.2, which are expressed in the luteal granulosa cells and gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons respectively, and regulate the functioning of the hypothalamus–pituitary–ovarian axis and the production of progesterone. Both channels are regulated by subtypes of the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR), Kir6.1/SUR2B and Kir6.2/SUR1. K v and Slo2.1 affect the transition from uterine quiescence in late pregnancy to the state of strong myometrial contractions in labor. Intermediate- and small-conductance K Ca modulate the vasodilatation of the placental chorionic plate resistance arteries via the secretion of nitric oxide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors. Treatment with specific channel activators and inhibitors provides information relevant for clinical use that could help alter the functions of the female reproductive system.

ObjectivesAtrophic vaginitis (AV), which is common in postmenopausal women, is characterized by vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and discomfort. There are a variety of therapeutic agents for the treatment of AV, besides hormone replacement therapy. We performed this systematic review to compare the effectiveness of various therapies for symptom improvement in AV patients.MethodsWe searched the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and other literature (Google Scholar, Web of Science, and hand search) for studies published between January 2010 and March 2015. AV was evaluated by the following outcomes: vaginal pH, dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, or cytological change (endometrial thickness, percentages of superficial cells and parabasal cells). They measured treatment efficacy with various outcomes pertaining to AV symptoms.ResultsMeta-analysis suggested that ospemifene was effective against dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, endometrial thickness, and percentage changes in superficial and parabasal cells. Vaginal pH was most affected by soy isoflavone vaginal gel. Ospemifene was effective for AV symptoms.ConclusionsThis systematic review compared the effects of several therapeutic agents on symptoms of AV through a network meta-analysis. This study provides objective evidence for clinical treatment and efficacy management in AV.

IntroductionDocosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation has been reported to negatively correlate with cancer cell proliferation and tumour development in many cancer types. Although cumulative evidence has demonstrated the apoptotic effect and cytotoxicity of DHA against tumour development in many cell types, the precise cellular and biochemical mechanisms of DHA-induced apoptosis in human endometrial cancer cells have not been investigated.Material and methodsMTT assay was performed to confirm the degree of apoptosis by combining treatment with DHA and triacsin C in endometrial cancer cell line. The synergistic effects of triacsin C and DHA were identified by performing flowcytometry and immunoblotting analysis.ResultsCombined treatment with DHA and triacsin C significantly induced apoptosis in RL95-2 endometrial carcinoma cells. Combined treatment with 125 μM DHA and 5 μM triacsin C significantly increased the sub-G1 population and apoptotic fragments in endometrial carcinoma cells. It was also demonstrated that DHA and triacsin C induced apoptosis through mitochondrial pathways via caspases-9, -3, and -7 as well as through the extrinsic pathway by activation of caspase-8/BID.ConclusionsFurther elucidation of the apoptotic mechanisms involving DHA treatment with ACS ablation could shed light on possible new treatment strategies for endometrial cancer. In addition, further research into the mechanisms of DHA and triacsin C-induced apoptotic mechanisms may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies for endometrial cancer.

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