Relationship of seminal reactive nitrogen and oxygen species and total antioxidant capacity with sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile couples with normal and abnormal sperm parameters

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the amount of superoxide anion, peroxynitrite as oxidative stress (OS) markers and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) with sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men with abnormal semen parameters. Semen samples were obtained from 102 infertile couples and divided into groups with normal and abnormal semen parameters according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Peroxynitrite and superoxide anions were detected using spectrofluorometric assays combined with 2,7 dicholorofluorescein (DCF)‐DA and 4‐chloro‐7‐nitrobenzo‐2‐oxa ‐1, 3‐diazole (NBD‐CL). Colorimetric assay was used for evaluation of TAC, while DNA fragmentation was studied by using sperm chromatin dispersion test. Superoxide anion, peroxynitrite and DNA fragmentation were significantly higher in infertile couples with abnormal semen parameters as compared to infertile couples with normal semen (P < 0.01). TAC was significantly lower in infertile men with abnormal semen parameters (P < 0.01). There was also a significant positive correlation between OS markers with sperm DNA fragmentation (r = 0.59, P < 0.01 and r = 0.67, P < 0.01, respectively). We have found that imbalance between superoxide anion and peroxynitrite with antioxidant capacity in infertile men with abnormal sperm parameters is associated with higher sperm DNA fragmentation.     

The influence of feeding linoleic,gamma-linolenic and docosahexaenoic acid rich oils on rat brain tumor fatty acids composition and fatty acid binding protein 7 mRNA expression

Background  

Experimental studies indicate that gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may inhibit glioma cells growth but effects of oral consumption of these fatty acids on brain tumor fatty acid composition have not been determined in vivo.     

Attenuation of morphine withdrawal signs by a D1 receptor agonist in the locus coeruleus of rats

In the present study, the effects of intra-locus coeruleus injection of a dopamine D(1) receptor agonist (SKF38393) on naloxone-induced withdrawal signs of morphine-dependent rats were examined. Twenty different withdrawal signs were assessed. The total withdrawal score was calculated and used as an index of withdrawal intensity for comparison. The D(1) agonist and antagonist were injected 15 and 30 min prior to expression of naloxone-induced withdrawal signs, respectively. SKF38393 (2 and 4 microg/site) decreased while SCH23390 (a D(1) antagonist) had no effect on the total withdrawal score. On the other hand, SCH23390 (25 ng/site) reversed the SKF38393 effect. It may be concluded that activation of dopamine D(1) receptors in the locus coeruleus attenuates naloxone-induced withdrawal.     

Recent advances in proton pump inhibitors

Mechanism of action and shortcomings of the approved proton pump inhibitors are reviewed. Advances in the design of new proton pump K(+) and S site inhibitors are presented. Design criteria incorporated into the structure of investigational proton pump inhibitors to address these drawbacks are discussed.     

Attenuation of morphine withdrawal signs by a GABAB receptor agonist in the locus coeruleus of rats

In the present study, the effects of intra-locus coeruleus (LC) injection of GABA(B) receptor-interacting agents on naloxone-induced withdrawal signs of morphine-dependent rats were examined. The GABA(B) receptor agonist and antagonists were injected 5 min prior to naloxone injection. Baclofen, a GABA(B) receptor agonist, decreased the TWS in a dose-dependent manner but CGP35348, a GABA(B) receptor antagonist, alone had no effect. On the other hand, baclofen effects were reversed by CGP35348. It may be concluded that activation of GABA(B) receptor mechanisms in the LC reduces precipitated withdrawal symptoms from chronic morphine treatment.     

Surgical management of cataract and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in Fuchs‘ heterochromic iridocyclitis

Background: To determine the inflammatory course and level of visual rehabilitation after cataract extraction and posterior chamber lens implantation in patients withFuchs‘ heterochromic iridocyclitis complicated by cataract. Methods: In a clinical trial, 32 eyes (visual acuity of 20/160 or worse) of 30 patients underwent extracapsular cataract extraction (19 eyes) or lensectomy(13 eyes) accompanied by posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. Indirect ophthalmoscopy was performed intraoperatively prior to intraocular lens implantation and the extent of vitreous haze was assessed. If vitreous haziness was 3+ or more, core vitrectomy (two eyes) or three-port pars plana deep vitrectomy (four eyes) was performed. Results: After an average follow up of14.4 months (6 to 24 months), there was no statistically significant increase in cell and flare in the anterior chamber and vitreous or in keratic precipitates compared with the preoperative status of the eyes. However, 12%of the eyes developed synechiae (anterior and/or posterior) in comparison to preoperative condition (p< 0.05). Eighty-seven percent of the eyes gained visual acuity of 20/40 or better (P < 0.005). Using the logistic regression model, a higher level of preoperative inflammation was associated with reduced likelihood of gaining visual acuity of 20/25 or more (OR = 0.25, 95%CI 0.049, 1.255). The complications of surgery were synechiae, 12%; opaque posterior capsule, 12%; vitreous loss, 3%; chronic glaucoma, 3%; and retinal detachment,3%. Conclusions: Implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens can be well tolerated in patients with Fuchs‘ heterochromic iridocyclitis. Vitrectomy, whenever indicated in addition to cataract extraction, improves visual rehabilitation. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.