Ascorbic Acid in Human Seminal Plasma: Determination and Its Relationship to Sperm Quality

The objective of the present study was to assess the ascorbic acid (AA) levels in seminal plasma of the fertile and infertile men and to investigate its relationship with sperm count, motility and normal morphology. Semen samples were provided by fertile [smoker (n = 25), nonsmoker (n = 21)] and infertile men [smoker (n = 23), nonsmoker (n = 32)]. A simplified method of reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) procedure using UV detection was applied for the determination of seminal AA. Fertile subjects, smoker or not, demonstrated significantly higher seminal AA levels than any infertile group (p<0.01). Nonsmokers had high, but no significant, mean AA levels in their seminal plasma compared with smokers. Seminal AA in fertile and infertile (smokers or nonsmokers) males correlated significantly with the percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology (p<0.01). Seminal AA decreased significantly in infertile men. Decrease of seminal plasma AA is a risk factor for low normal morphology of spermatozoa and idiopathic male infertility. Measurement of seminal AA in the seminal plasma of males with a history of subfertility or idiopathic infertility is necessary and can be helpful in fertility assessment

A Randomized Comparative Trial on the Therapeutic Efficacy of Topical Aloe vera and Calendula officinalis on Diaper Dermatitis in Children

Introduction. Diaper dermatitis (DD) is a common inflammatory disorder among children and infants. The objective of the present randomized and double-blind trial was to compare the therapeutic efficacies of Aloe vera cream and Calendula officinalis ointment on the frequency and severity of DD in children. Methods. Sixty-six infants with DD (aged < 3 years) were randomized to receive either Aloe cream (n = 32) or Calendula ointment (n = 34). Infants were treated with these drugs 3 times a day for 10 days. The severity of dermatitis was graded at baseline as well as at the end of trial using a 5-point scale. The adverse effects of study medications were assessed during the trial. Results. Although improvement in the severity of DD was observed in both treatment groups (P < 0.001), patients receiving Calendula ointment had significantly fewer rash sites compared to Aloe group (P = 0.001). No adverse effect was reported from either of the medications. Discussion. The evidence from this study suggests that topical Aloe and in particular Calendula could serve as safe and effective treatment for the treatment of diaper dermatitis in infants

Effect of Tea Polyphenol on Oxidative Injury in S180 Cells Induced Hepatocarcinoma Mice

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant nature of tea polyphenol on S180 cells induced liver cancer in mice. In the present study, hepatocellular carcinoma was induced by tumor transplantation of liver in situ. The antitumor activity of tea polyphenol has been determined in vivo in hepatocellular carcinoma mice after treatment of drug (50, 100, 150 mg/kg body weight) by gavage for 20 days. Results showed that a significant increase in serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransfere (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA) level, decrease in serum white blood cells (WBC), serum total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), A/G, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), liver reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were observed. In addition, the levels of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants were decreased when subjected to S180 cells induction. These altered enzyme levels were ameliorated significantly by administration of tea polyphenol at the concentration of 50, 100, 150 mg/kg body weight in drug-treated animals. These results indicate that the protective effect of tea polyphenol was associated with inhibition of MDA induced by S180 cells and to maintain the antioxidant enzyme levels

UJI DIAGNOSTIK C-REACTIVE PROTEIN PADA PNEUMONIA BAKTERI KOMUNITAS ANAK

Pneumonia virus atau bakteri merupakan penyebab utama morbiditas dan mortalitas anak berusia di bawah lima tahun. Pemeriksaan baku emas untuk menentukan penyebab adalah kultur, namun hanya positif pada 30-50% kasus. Saat ini, beberapa peneliti menggunakan teknik Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), yang memiliki sensitivitas dan spesifisitas tinggi, namun harganya mahal dan tidak tersedia di semua tempat. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) juga dapat digunakan untuk memprediksi infeksi bakteri. Individu tanpa inflamasi memiliki kadar CRP <1 mg/L, dan kadarnya bisa meningkat sampai 100 kali lipat setelah infeksi. Keunggulan pemeriksaan ini adalah harganya yang murah dan hampir tersedia di semua laboratorium. Tujuan. Mengetahui sensitivitas, spesifisitas, nilai prediksi positif dan nilai prediksi negatif CRP pada pneumonia bakteri komunitas anak. Metode. Cross sectional study yang dilakukan di bagian Ilmu Kesehatan Anak RS. Dr. M. Djamil Padang dari Desember 2013 sampai Oktober 2014. Sampel dipilih dengan teknik konsekutif, dan dilakukan uji CRP dan teknik PCR. Penelitian dilakukan pada 62 penderita dan diekslusikan 23 penderita karena menderita penyakit jantung bawaan (7), sepsis (6), telah mendapatkan antibiotik (4), dan orang tua menolak pemeriksaan (6), sehingga total sampel 39 anak. Hasil. Sebagian besar sampel adalah laki-laki (59%), dan kelompok umur terbanyak pada kelompok umur 2-11 bulan (48,7%). Sensitivitas CRP dengan cut off point 8 mg/L adalah 51,6%, spesifisitas 75%, nilai prediksi positif 88,8%, nilai prediksi negatif 28,6%. Pada cut off point 10 mg/L, sensitivitas CRP adalah 41,9%, spesifisitas 87,5%, nilai prediksi positif 92,9%, nilai prediksi negatif 28%. Simpulan. C-Reactive Protein tidak dapat digunakan sebagai uji tapis terhadap pneumonia bakteri Kata kunci. Pneumonia bakteri komunitas, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), teknik Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR

Relationship of oxidative stress with male infertility in sulfur mustard-exposed injuries

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a cytotoxic and chemical agent that targets different tissues such as reproductive system. SM causes a wide variety of pathological effects on reproductive system such as disturbance in reproductive hormones, testis atrophy, spermatogenesis deficiency, low quality of sperm and fertility problem. However, molecular and cellular mechanisms of its adverse effects are still not well known. General events such as tissue damage, inflammation, DNA alkylation, cell membrane defects, apoptosis and cell death are observed frequently in SM-exposed subjects. Oxidative stress (OS) and antioxidants depletion induced by SM seem to be one of the main factors that lead to low sperm quality and male infertility among exposed patients. It is believed that SM can trigger several molecular and cellular pathways linked to OS and inflammation in reproductive system that can cause impaired spermatogenesis, sperm apoptosis and poor sperm quality as well as loss of tissue structure and function. Identification of these signaling pathways and molecules gives us valuable information regarding the mechanisms of SM effect on reproductive dysfunction and the way for developing a better clinical treatment. Therefore, in this review we aimed to discuss the proposed cellular and molecular mechanisms of SM effect on reproductive system, the significance of oxidative stress and the mechanisms by which SM induces OS and antioxidants depletion in SM exposed men

Uji Diagnostik C-Reactive Protein pada Pneumonia Bakteri Komunitas Anak

Latar belakang. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) merupakan teknik untuk menentukan agen penyebab pneumonia dengan sensitivitas dan spesifisitas yang tinggi, tetapi harganya mahal dan tidak tersedia di semua tempat. C-reactive protein (CRP) juga dapat digunakan untuk memprediksi infeksi bakteri dan memiliki keunggulan yang lain, yakni harganya yang murah dan hampir tersedia di semua laboratorium. Tujuan. Mengetahui sensitivitas, spesifisitas, nilai prediksi positif, dan nilai prediksi negatif CRP pada pneumonia bakteri komunitas anak. Metode. Penelitian cross sectional pada 62 subjek di Bagian Ilmu Kesehatan Anak RS. Dr. M. Djamil Padang dari Desember 2013 sampai Oktober 2014. Subjek dipilih dengan teknik konsekutif. Dilakukan uji CRP dan teknik PCR sebagai baku emas. Duapuluh tiga sampel diekslusi karena menderita penyakit jantung bawaan (7), sepsis (6), telah mendapatkan antibiotik (4), dan orang tua menolak pemeriksaan (6) sehingga total sampel menjadi 39 anak. Hasil. Sebagian besar subjek penelitian adalah laki-laki (59%) dan kelompok umur terbanyak 2-11 bulan (48,7%). Sensitivitas CRP dengan cut off point 8 mg/L adalah 51,6%, spesifisitas 75%, nilai prediksi positif 88,8%, nilai prediksi negatif 28,6%. Pada cut off point 10 mg/L, sensitivitas CRP adalah 41,9%, spesifisitas 87,5%, nilai prediksi positif 92,9%, nilai prediksi negatif 28%. Kesimpulan. C-reactive protein tidak dapat digunakan sebagai uji tapis terhadap pneumonia bakteri komunitas anak

The Effect of 8-Methoxypsoralen on Pituitary-Gonad Axis and Ovarian Function in Mice

Objective: 8-Methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) is a photoactive compound widely used in the treatment of proliferate disorders. The present study investigates the effects of 8-MOP on ovary function and pituitary-gonad axis in mice.Materials and Methods: In this experimental analytical study, 45 female Balb/C mice were divided into three groups (n=15), control, sham (olive oil injection) and experimental. The experimental group were received an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of the LD50 dose of 60 mg/kg 8-MOP. At 30 days after injection, the animals were sacrificed while in the proestrus stage and examined for morphological and histological changes their ovaries. Blood samples were collected and estrogen, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were assessed by radioimmunoassay. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the t test.Results: The mean levels of estrogen and progesterone in the experimental group significantly decreased (p<0.001). However, there was a significant increase in LH and FSH levels in this group compared to the control groups (p<0.001). The mean number and diameter of the corpus luteum (CL) and the number of growing follicles in the experimental group significantly reduced compared to the control and sham groups (p<0.001). The mean granulosa thickness in the experimental group also significantly decreased compared to the control and sham groups (p<0.001).Conclusion: Our data indicated that 8-MOP can affect the levels of LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone. Our findings further suggest that consecutive doses of 8-MOP may impair the female reproductive tract (or development)

Comparison of IgG and IgA Antibodies Titrations against Helicobacter Pylori in Urban and Rural Populations in Mazandaran Province

Background & objective: The infection caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common bacterial gastrointestinal diseases throughout the world. Based on the role of H. pylori in a variety of diseases such as gastrointestinal and lymphoma, present study is aimed to consider the concentration of IgA and IgG against H. pylori in both rural and urban populations and then its relationship with some demographic characteristics. Materials & Methods: In this descriptive study, 400 sera samples were collected from both genders at the Sari treatment- health center. After blood collection, the concentration of IgG and IgA against H. pylori was measured by ELISA kit. Results: There was no significant difference in antibodies titration between men and women. Approximately 18.5% of males and 16.5% of females were positive regarding to IgA and 70.2% of men and 66.7% of women were positive regarding to IgG. The mean of antibodies in rural populations (0.87±0.35) was significantly (p<0.001) higher than those in urban populations (0.78±0.41). The mean of antibodies in patients who had a history of gastrointestinal infection was significantly higher than others (p<0.05). Conclusion: Due to the high level of IgA and IgG antibodies in studied populations, especially in rural people, and lack of symptoms in patients, the screen of positive serologic populations can be helpful for the management and control of infections caused by H. pylori

Histopathological Effects of Single Dose Treatment of Diazinon on Testes Structure in Rat

Objective: Diazinon (DZN) is an organophosphorate synthetic insecticide widely usedin agriculture. DZN has been observed to cause many changes, such as alterations inandrogenic hormones. In the present study, the effect of DZN treatment on the structureof the testes and spermatogenesis in young adult Albino rats was evaluated.Materials and Methods: Adult rats were randomly divided into three groups including:controls (n=6), DZN-treatment group A (n=6) and DZN-treatment group B (n=6). CommercialDZN was injected intraperitoneally in a single dose (A=25 mg/kg and B=2.5mg/kg), corresponding to LD50. Thirty five days after injection, animals were sacrificed formorphological and histological examinations.Results: There was a significant reduction in seminiferous tubule size in group A incomparison with both controls and group B (p<0.001). The number of spermatocytes,Leydig and germinal cells were significantly decreased (p<0.001). These differenceswere not significant between the controls and group B; however, the number of spermatocytesin group B was significantly lower than in the controls (p<0.01).Conclusion: This study revealed that the reproductive function of adult rats and spermatogenesisare sensitive to DZN treatment. In addition, the effect of DZN on morphologicalparameters was significantly dose dependent. Further study of the control DZNand the actual mechanism whereby it exerts toxic effects on male infertility is required

The Leptin concentrations in seminal plasma of men and its relationship to semen parameters

Background: Leptin is a polypeptide hormone secreted by white adipose tissue in proportion to body energy. Although the participation of leptin in female reproduction is well established, any role in male reproductive function is at best tenuous. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the leptin concentration in human seminal plasma and then the relationships between seminal leptin and semen parameters were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Semen samples were provided from 71 men; normozoospermic (n=22), asthenozoospermic (n=31) and oligoasthenozoospermic (n=18) referring to Jichi Medical University Hospital for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment. After liquefaction, all sperm specimens were evaluated for sperm parameters and motility characteristics by computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system. After semen analysis, concentrations of leptin in seminal plasma of all groups were measured by ELISA. Results: The mean concentrations of leptin in seminal plasma of normozoospermic, asthenozoospermic and oligoasthenozoospermic men were 0.75+/-0.09 ng/ml, 0.8+/-0.14 ng/ml and 0.8+/-0.15 ng/ml, respectively. A trend was observed for a lower leptin concentration in seminal plasma of normozoospermic men compared with asthenozoospermic and oligoasthenozoospermic men. There was a significant negative correlation between seminal plasma leptin concentration with sperm motility (p<0.05) and Curvilinear Velocity of the sperm kinetic parameter (p<0.01). Conclusion: It was demonstrated that there was a significant correlation between seminal leptin with the sperm motility