Passage
Endometriosis is a chronic, treatable disease of the female reproductive tract associated with infertility and pelvic pain in women of reproductive age. The endometrium, a layer of epithelial tissue that grows and sheds during the menstrual cycle, normally makes up the interior lining of the uterus. In individuals with endometriosis, endometrial tissue is also found ectopically (outside the uterine cavity) .The mechanism by which endometrial tissue successfully implants outside the uterine cavity is thought to be dependent on signaling molecules that promote the formation of blood vessels locally. One of these signaling molecules is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) , a protein that is normally synthesized and secreted by various tissues in response to reduced oxygen levels. Because VEGF is thought to be implicated in ectopic endometrial tissue growth, researchers hypothesize that the abdominal and pelvic structures of women with endometriosis would contain higher levels of VEGF compared to women without endometriosis.In an experiment, women ages 25-40 were divided into groups based on endometriosis disease status. Individuals on any type of medication were excluded from the study. Using minimally invasive surgery, samples of peritoneal fluid were taken from healthy subjects (n = 19) and from subjects diagnosed with endometriosis (n = 30) . An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to characterize the concentration of VEGF protein present within these samples.In a separate procedure that took place five days after peritoneal fluid collection, uterine endometrial samples were obtained from all subjects and visualized under a microscope to determine the menstrual cycle phase of each participant. Figure 1 shows the level of VEGF in the abdominal fluid categorized by disease status and menstrual cycle phase.
Figure 1 VEGF concentration in sampled peritoneal fluid (Note: * = p < 0.05; Proliferative phase = stage immediately preceding ovulation; Secretory phase = stage immediately following ovulation)
-Surgical removal of the ovaries is one treatment for endometriosis. Complete removal of the ovaries would most likely result in which of the following?

Question

Passage
Endometriosis is a chronic, treatable disease of the female reproductive tract associated with infertility and pelvic pain in women of reproductive age. The endometrium, a layer of epithelial tissue that grows and sheds during the menstrual cycle, normally makes up the interior lining of the uterus. In individuals with endometriosis, endometrial tissue is also found ectopically (outside the uterine cavity) .The mechanism by which endometrial tissue successfully implants outside the uterine cavity is thought to be dependent on signaling molecules that promote the formation of blood vessels locally. One of these signaling molecules is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) , a protein that is normally synthesized and secreted by various tissues in response to reduced oxygen levels. Because VEGF is thought to be implicated in ectopic endometrial tissue growth, researchers hypothesize that the abdominal and pelvic structures of women with endometriosis would contain higher levels of VEGF compared to women without endometriosis.In an experiment, women ages 25-40 were divided into groups based on endometriosis disease status. Individuals on any type of medication were excluded from the study. Using minimally invasive surgery, samples of peritoneal fluid were taken from healthy subjects (n = 19) and from subjects diagnosed with endometriosis (n = 30) . An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to characterize the concentration of VEGF protein present within these samples.In a separate procedure that took place five days after peritoneal fluid collection, uterine endometrial samples were obtained from all subjects and visualized under a microscope to determine the menstrual cycle phase of each participant. Figure 1 shows the level of VEGF in the abdominal fluid categorized by disease status and menstrual cycle phase.

Figure 1 VEGF concentration in sampled peritoneal fluid (Note: * = p < 0.05; Proliferative phase = stage immediately preceding ovulation; Secretory phase = stage immediately following ovulation)
-Surgical removal of the ovaries is one treatment for endometriosis. Complete removal of the ovaries would most likely result in which of the following?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecba2d_1002_17c0_a3bf_e1210abe3e14_MD0008_00 Female sexual development and reproductive function are mediated in large part by the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are synthesized and secreted by the ovaries (the female gonads). Puberty, the period of adolescent sexual development (ages 10-14), is characterized in females by ovarian secretion of estrogen and progesterone to promote the following: Growth and maturation of female sexual organs (eg, fallopian tubes, uterus) Development of sex-specific traits (eg, breast development, widening of pelvis) Initiation of the menstrual cycle through stimulation of oogenesis and ovulation Surgical removal of the ovaries in women of reproductive age mimics the withdrawal of female sex hormones normally associated with menopause, the cessation of menstrual cycles that occurs around age 50. During menopause, production of estrogen and progesterone within the ovaries declines substantially, leading to numerous physiological changes. For example, the vaginal epithelium dehydrates (causing discomfort and impairing sexual activity), changes in mood (eg, irritability, depression) may occur, and the reproductive organs and breasts shrink (atrophy). Accordingly, these menopausal symptoms may occur in patients whose ovaries are removed for medical reasons (eg, endometriosis). (Choice A) Bone is continuously being resorbed (broken down) by osteoclasts and rebuilt by osteoblasts. Female sex hormones maintain bone mass by helping balance the rate of osteoclast activity with the rate of osteoblast activity. Withdrawal of female sex hormones (due to ovary removal) leads to greater osteoclast than osteoblast activity, diminishing bone mass and leading to porous and fragile bone. (Choice C) Ovarian function is not closely related to the robustness of the immune response, and surgical removal of the ovaries would not be expected to have a significant effect on an individual's infection risk. (Choice D) Female sex hormones secreted by the ovaries maintain regular menstrual cycles. After removal of the ovaries, timely secretion of the female sex hormones will not take place and menstrual cycles will not occur. Educational objective: The ovaries are female reproductive organs that contain oocytes and secrete female sex hormones (ie, estrogen, progesterone). These hormones influence female reproductive function, and are directly responsible for the development and maintenance of female sex characteristics.