Gynecological and Oncological Diseases in the Aged

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Obstetrics and Gynecology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 814

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 10 Fredry St., 61-701 Poznan, Poland
Interests: endometriosis; ovarian neoplasms

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Guest Editor Assistant
Center for Pediatric, Adolescent Gynecology and Sexology, Division of Gynecology, Department of Gynecology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-758 Poznan, Poland
Interests: gynecological oncology; gynecological screening; ovarian cancer; endometrial cancer; breast cancer; reproductive medicine

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Guest Editor Assistant
Division of Gynaecological Oncology, Department of Gynaecology, Gynecological Obstetric Clinical Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 33 Polna St., 60-535 Poznan, Poland
Interests: gynecological oncology; endometrial cancer; reproductive medicine

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Gynecological and oncological diseases in older women are a growing challenge in the 21st century, considering the aging population, delayed diagnosis of diseases, and limited treatment options. Ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, or cervical cancer are among the most common gynecological cancers, the risk of which increases with age. It is estimated that over 50% of gynecological cancer cases occur in women over 65, and in women over 75, the risk of ovarian cancer is up to four times higher than in younger patients. In addition, gynecological diseases in older women are a significant health problem because they often remain undiagnosed or downplayed. Hormonal changes or comorbidities increase the risk of both benign and malignant diseases of the reproductive system. Therefore, we would like to draw attention to the lack of an interdisciplinary approach to treatment in older women, which would consider both oncological and gynecological needs as well as the general health of the patient.

Prof. Dr. Stefan Sajdak
Guest Editor

Dr. Katarzyna Plagens-Rotman
Dr. Monika Englert-Golon
Guest Editor Assistants

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Keywords

  • gynecology
  • oncology
  • old age
  • women

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

17 pages, 1707 KB  
Article
Combined Hesperidin and Gemcitabine Therapy Modulates Apoptosis and Angiogenesis Pathways in ISHIKAWA Human Endometrial Adenocarcinoma Cells
by Yasemin Afşin, İlhan Özdemir, Veysel Toprak, Mehmet Cudi Tuncer and Şamil Öztürk
Medicina 2025, 61(9), 1599; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61091599 - 4 Sep 2025
Viewed by 504
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Endometrial adenocarcinoma is among the most prevalent malignancies of the female reproductive system, and therapeutic options remain limited, particularly in advanced stages. In recent years, natural agents, especially flavonoids, have gained considerable interest for their capacity to enhance the effectiveness [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Endometrial adenocarcinoma is among the most prevalent malignancies of the female reproductive system, and therapeutic options remain limited, particularly in advanced stages. In recent years, natural agents, especially flavonoids, have gained considerable interest for their capacity to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic drugs and modulate tumor-related molecular mechanisms. Hesperidin, a citrus-derived flavonoid, is recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, while Gemcitabine, a nucleoside analog, is widely used in cancer treatment. Investigating their combined effects on endometrial carcinoma cells could yield novel insights into multimodal therapeutic development. This current study aimed to assess the impact of Hesperidin (Hes) and Gemcitabine (Gem) on ISHIKAWA cells, a human endometrial adenocarcinoma model, with particular attention to pathways associated with hypoxia, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: ISHIKAWA cells were treated with varying concentrations of Hes (50–200 µM) and Gem (10–50 nM), either individually or together, for 24 and 48 h. Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay, while apoptosis was measured by Caspase-3/7 activity and NucBlue nuclear staining. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was quantified via DCFH-DA fluorescence. Expression levels of HIF-1α, VEGF, Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 were examined by RT-qPCR. Synergistic interactions were analyzed with the Chou–Talalay combination index. Biological enrichment was further explored using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Results: Both Hes and Gem significantly decreased ISHIKAWA cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (p < 0.001). The combined treatment induced stronger apoptotic effects, as reflected by increased Caspase-3/7 activity and nuclear morphological changes. RT-qPCR demonstrated upregulation of Bax and Caspase-3, together with downregulation of Bcl-2, HIF-1α, and VEGF. While Hes reduced intracellular ROS, Gem elevated it; their combination produced a balanced oxidative response. All dose combinations displayed strong synergism (CI < 1). GO and KEGG enrichment confirmed the involvement of apoptosis-, angiogenesis-, and hypoxia-related pathways. Conclusions: Co-treatment with Hes and Gem exhibits synergistic anticancer activity in endometrial cancer cells by promoting apoptosis, suppressing angiogenesis- and hypoxia-related gene expression, and modulating oxidative stress. This combined therapeutic approach highlights its potential as a promising adjuvant option, warranting further evaluation in in vivo and translational studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gynecological and Oncological Diseases in the Aged)
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