Early prepubertal cyclophosphamide exposure in mice results in long-term loss of ovarian reserve, and impaired embryonic development and blastocyst quality.

BackgroundDue to improved treatment, there is an increasing focus on the reproductive potential of survivors of childhood cancer. Cytotoxic chemotherapy accelerates the decline in the number of primordial follicles within the mammalian ovary at all ages, but effects on the developmental potential of remaining oocytes following prepubertal cancer treatment are unclear.ObjectivesTo investigate whether cyclophosphamide (CY) exposure in the prepubertal period in female mice influences ovarian function and the functional competence of oocytes in adulthood.MethodsThis study used Swiss albino mice as the experimental model. Female mice were treated with 200 mg/kg CY on either postnatal day 14 (CY14), 21 (CY21) or 28 (CY28) i.e at a prepubertal and 2 young postpubertal ages. At 14 weeks of life, ovarian function, functional competence of oocytes, and embryo quality were assessed.ResultsThe number of primordial follicles decreased significantly in CY14 and CY21 groups compared to control (p ConclusionOur results indicate long-term effects on the developmental competence of oocytes exposed to CY in early but not adult life. These data provide a mechanism whereby long-term fertility can be impaired after chemotherapy exposure, despite the continuing presence of follicles within the ovary, and support the need for fertility preservation in prepubertal girls before alkylating agent exposure

Disseminated tuberculosis in association with erythema nodosum leprosum

Mycobacterial diseases are endemic in India but simultaneous occurrence of tuberculosis and leprosy is rarely reported. We report a case of disseminated tuberculosis in an immunocompromised host due long-standing unsupervised corticosteroid intake with erythema nodosum leprosum (type 2 lepra reaction). The patient presented with generalized erythematous papulonodular skin lesions with malaise and body ache for the past 2 years. Later, he developed fever and testicular pain for which he sought medical advice. The diagnosis was based on the various laboratory and imaging studies supported by demonstration of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae in sputum and skin smears, respectively. The patient developed hepatitis which led to management challenges, however, the institution of antitubercular and antileprosy therapy in titrating doses resulted in improvement of the patient's condition

Modulations in Chlorophyll a Fluorescence Based on Intensity and Spectral Variations of Light

Photosynthetic efficiency is significantly affected by both qualitative and quantitative changes during light exposure. The properties of light have a profound effect on electron transport and energy absorption in photochemical reactions. In addition, fluctuations in light intensity and variations in the spectrum can lead to a decrease in photosystem II efficiency. These features necessitate the use of a simple and suitable tool called chlorophyll a fluorescence to study photosynthetic reactions as a function of the aforementioned variables. This research implies that chlorophyll a fluorescence data can be used to determine precise light conditions that help photoautotrophic organisms optimally function