Azithromycin Inhibits Vertical Transmission of Toxoplasma gondii in Calomys callosus (Rodentia: Cricetidae)

Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy may cause severe consequences to the embryo. Current toxoplasmosis treatment for pregnant women is based on the administration of spiramycin or a drug combination as sulphadiazine-pyrimethamine-folinic acid (SPFA) in cases of confirmed fetal infection. However, these drugs are few tolerated and present many disadvantages due to their toxic effects to the host. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments on the vertical transmission of T. gondii, including azithromycin, Artemisia annua infusion, spiramycin and SPFA in Calomys callosus as model of congenital toxoplasmosis. C. callosus females were perorally infected with 20 cysts of T. gondii ME49 strain at the day that a vaginal plug was observed (1st day of pregnancy – dop). Treatment with azithromycin, A. annua infusion, and spiramycin started at the 4th dop, while the treatment with SPFA started at the 14th dop. Placenta and embryonic tissues were collected for morphological and immunohistochemical analyses, mouse bioassay and PCR from the 15th to 20th dop. No morphological changes were seen in the placenta and embryonic tissues from females treated with azithromycin, spiramycin and SPFA, but embryonic atrophy was observed in animals treated with A. annua infusion. Parasites were found in the placenta and fetal (brain and liver) tissues of animals treated with SPFA, A. annua infusion and spiramycin, although the number of parasites was lower than in non-treated animals. Parasites were also observed in the placenta of animals treated with azithromycin, but not in their embryos. Bioassay and PCR results confirmed the immunohistochemical data. Also, bradyzoite immunostaining was observed only in placental and fetal tissues of animals treated with SPFA. In conclusion, the treatment with azithromycin showed to be more effective, since it was capable to inhibit the vertical transmission of T. gondii in this model of congenital toxoplasmosis.     

Estradiol Ameliorates Diabetes-Induced Changes in Vaginal Structure of db/db Mouse Model

IntroductionWomen with diabetes experience diminished genital arousal, reduced vaginal lubrication, vaginal atrophy, dyspareunia, and increased infections. Limited studies are available investigating the effects of diabetic complications on the vagina.AimsThe goals of this study were to investigate type 2 diabetes-induced changes in vaginal structure, and to determine if estradiol treatment ameliorates these changes.MethodsEight-week-old female diabetic (db/db) mice (strain BKS.Cg-m+/+Lepr^db/J) and age-matched control normoglycemic female littermates were used to investigate the effects of type 2 diabetes on vaginal tissue structural integrity. Diabetic animals were divided into two subgroups: diabetic treated with vehicle only and diabetic treated with pellets containing estradiol. At 16 weeks, the animals were sacrificed, and the vaginal tissues were excised and analyzed by histological and immunohistochemical methods to assess diabetes-induced changes in vaginal tissue and the extent by which these parameters are restored by estradiol treatment.Main Outcome MeasuresThe effects of type 2 diabetes and estradiol supplementation were investigated on vaginal histoarchitecture.ResultsDiabetic animals exhibited high blood glucose levels (>600 mg/dL), increased body weight (43.0 ± 6.0 g vs. 24.4 ± 2.0 g), and reduced plasma estradiol levels (65.5 ± 6.6 pg/mL vs. 80.77 ± 13.2 pg/mL) when compared to control animals. Diabetes resulted in significant thinning of the epithelium (P ≤ 0.05), marked decrease in the muscularis area (P ≤ 0.05), distinct truncation of elastic fibers, and significant reduction of the nitrergic immunoreactive nerve fibers (P ≤ 0.05). Treatment of diabetic animals with estradiol restored epithelial thickness (P ≤ 0.05), muscularis area (P ≤ 0.05), and elastic fiber distribution, and partially restored the density of nitrergic nerve fibers.ConclusionsThe data in this study demonstrate that type 2 diabetes disrupts vaginal structural integrity and that estradiol supplementation ameliorates the diabetes-induced vaginal pathology. Cushman TT, Kim N, Hoyt R, and Traish A. Estradiol ameliorates diabetes-induced changes in vaginal structure of db/db mouse model. J Sex Med 2009;6:2467–2479.     

Dysplasia of the lower genital tract in the female monkey, Macaca fascicularis, the crab-eating macaque from Southeast Asia

Seventy-eight female reproductive tracts from mature Macaca fascicularis caught in the wild were examined histologically for evidence of dysplasia in inmature (metaplastic) and native (mature) squamous epithelium of the cervix and vagina. This series contained equal numbers of experimental animals and control and/or breeding colony animals. Five of 39 experimental animals showed dysplasia, whereas six animals with definite and two with questionable dysplasia were found in 39 control and breeding colony animals. On the basis of the foregoing facts, it would appear that these dysplastic lesions were of spontaneous origin and of undetermined etiology. Therefore, those investigators who experiment upon the reproductive tract of this species of monkey should be wary of interpreting any given experiment as “causing” dysplasia. Monkeys of this same species, born and reared in our Primate Center, have been examined for comparable dysplastic lesions of the lower female genital tract. None was found thus far but the study is continuing.     

Immunochemical identity of "decidualization-associated protein' and alpha 2 acute-phase macroglobulin in the pregnant rate.

‘Decidualization-associated protein’ (DAP), synthesized during deciduoma morphogenesis and pregnancy by the rat uterus, has been partially purified from decidual tissue by gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. DAP isolated by this method was suitable for use as an antigen and as a reference standard in rocket immunoelectrophoresis. The characteristics of an anti-DAP serum raised in rabbits are described. A radio-immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that the uterus is the sole site of synthesis during early pregnancy and verified the tissue distribution of DAP synthesis previously detected using a polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic method. Employing rocket immunoelectrophoresis, DAP was detected in maternal serum from Day 9 of pregnancy. Serum levels increased until Day 13 and after remaining relatively constant increased further at parturition. In both neonates and post-partum animals serum levels fell at similar rates. In deciduoma-bearing pseudopregnant animals DAP was detected in the serum from 24 h after decidual induction. The contradictory observation that DAP was present in serum of animals where no apparent synthesis occurred was explicable by the finding that DAP was identical to α₂ acute-phase macroglobulin (α₂MG) as assessed by immunochemical techniques. This immunochemical identity was observed with both anti-DAP and anti-α₂MG sera.These results are discussed in relation to the possible complete biochemical identity of DAP and α₂MG, and to decidual tissue as an alternative site of α₂MG synthesis in pregnancy.     

Early life environment influences the trajectory of post-partum weight loss in adult female rats

Research question

The physiological processes of pregnancy and lactation require profound changes in maternal metabolism and energy balance. The timescale of metabolic reversion after pregnancy, in particular post-partum weight loss, is highly variable between individuals. Currently, mechanisms influencing post-partum metabolic recovery are not well understood. The hypothesis tested here is that, in common with other metabolic and obesity-related outcomes, capacity for post-partum weight loss is influenced by developmental programming.

Antibody to type III group B Streptococcus in the rhesus monkey

Susceptibility to infection due to intra-amniotic type III group B streptococcal infection was studied in 27 rhesus monkeys. Sera from mothers and their offspring were tested to determine the concentration of antibody to the native type III group BStreptococcus antigen. Among 17 controls there was a statistically significant association between the concentration of maternal antibody prior to infection and both the neonatal survival rate and survival time (P < 0.05). Neonatal survival was decreased to ≤6 hours (P = 0.005) if the maternal antibody concentration was <0.5 μg/ml. Modified immune serum globulin was given intravenously to the mothers prior to intra-amniotic infection with (five animals) or without (five animals) neonatal modified immune serum globulin. Neither of the modified immune serum globulin groups demonstrated a significant reduction in the neonatal mortality rate; however, the addition of the modified immune serum globulin provided protection against rapid neonatal death among those animals born to mothers which had low or no detectable antibody. All maternal groups developed a significant increase in the concentration of antibody in postpartum sera. These results indicate that both naturally acquired and passive (modified immune serum globulin) antibodies to type III group BStreptococcus antigen are partially protective against intra-amniotic infection.     

Endometriosis prophylaxis and treatment with the newly developed xenogenic immunomodulator RESAN in an animal model

Objective

The objective was to assess the effectiveness of the newly developed immunomodulator RESAN in the prophylaxis and treatment of endometriosis induced in rats.

Study design

The study was performed on 58 Wistar rats. Twelve weeks before endometriosis induction, the RESAN vaccine was administered to 24 rats (100 mg i.m. and 100 mg s.c.). Endometriosis induction was performed in 48 rats, which were divided into two groups: group I, the prophylaxis group, consisting of 24 previously vaccinated rats; and group II, the treatment group, comprising the other 24 rats, which had not been vaccinated. The graft (4 mm × 4 mm) of endometrium was attached to the parietal peritoneum. A sham operation was performed in 10 rats (group III). After 3 months, a second laparotomy was performed in all animals, and endometriotic foci were excised when present. RESAN was administered to the group II animals. After an additional 3 months, a third laparotomy was performed in all animals of the three groups.

Results

Positive, histologically confirmed endometriosis was found in 4.3% of the animals in group I and in 69.6% of group II rats (p < 0.0001). Macroscopic assessment revealed endometriosis in 21.7% and 91.3% of animals in groups I and II, respectively (p < 0.0001). At final laparotomy, 3 months after excision of the previously suspected foci, no signs of endometriosis were found according to both macroscopic assessment and histological examination. During the second laparotomy intraperitoneal adhesions were present in 13.0% of the animals in group I and in 61.0% of those in group II. No adhesions were present in group III. At the final laparotomy, the adhesions were present in only three of the animals in group II (p < 0.0009).

Conclusions

RESAN seems to be effective in both the prophylaxis and treatment of endometriosis, as well as in the prophylaxis of adhesions. Histological confirmation of endometriosis should be mandatory.     

Sex with animals (SWA): behavioral characteristics and possible association with penile cancer. A multicenter study

IntroductionZoophilia has been known for a long time but, underreported in the medical literature, is likely a risk factor for human urological diseases.AimTo investigate the behavioral characteristics of sex with animals (SWA) and its associations with penile cancer (PC) in a case‐control study.MethodsA questionnaire about personal and sexual habits was completed in interviews of 118 PC patients and 374 controls (healthy men) recruited between 2009 and 2010 from 16 urology and oncology centers.Main Outcome MeasuresSWA rates, geographic distribution, duration, frequency, animals involved, and behavioral habits were investigated and used to estimate the odds of SWA as a PC risk factor.ResultsSWA was reported by 171 (34.8%) subjects, 44.9% of PC patients and 31.6% of controls (P < 0.008). The mean ages at first and last SWA episode were 13.5 years (standard deviation [SD] 4.4 years) and 17.1 years (SD 5.3 years), respectively. Subjects who reported SWA also reported more venereal diseases (P < 0.001) and sex with prostitutes (P < 0.001), and were more likely to have had more than 10 lifetime sexual partners (P < 0.001) than those who did not report SWA. SWA with a group of men was reported by 29.8% of subjects and SWA alone was reported by 70.2%. Several animals were used by 62% of subjects, and 38% always used the same animal. The frequency of SWA included single (14%), weekly or more (39.5%), and monthly episodes (15%). Univariate analysis identified phimosis, penile premalignancies, smoking, nonwhite race, sex with prostitutes, and SWA as PC risk factors. Phimosis, premalignant lesions, smoking, and SWA remained as risk factors in multivariate analysis. However, SWA did not impact the clinicopathological outcomes of PC.ConclusionSWA is a risk factor for PC and may be associated with venereal diseases. New studies are required in other populations to test other possible nosological links with SWA. Zequi SC, Guimarães GC, da Fonseca FP, Ferreira U, de Matheus WE, Reis LO, Aita GA, Glina S, Fanni VSS, Perez MDC, Guidoni LRM, Ortiz V, Nogueira L, Rocha LCA, Cuck G, da Costa WH, Moniz RR, Dantas Jr. JH, Soares FA, and Lopes A. Sex with animals (SWA): Behavioral characteristics and possible association with penile cancer. A multicenter study. J Sex Med 2012;9:1877–1884.     

Bovine fetal DNA in the maternal circulation: Applications and implications

Objective

The main aim of the present study was to detect bovine fetal DNA in the maternal circulation, a relatively unexplored subject in the literature.

Study design

DNA was extracted from blood of 84 primipara cows (Bos indicus) at different gestational ages (30-270 days) and from 100 adult animals (50 males and 50 non-pregnant cows). The samples were analyzed using PCR with primers for TSPY gene.

Results

Molecular results matched the fetal phenotypic gender in all 47 male and 37 female fetuses, including early pregnancy, and in control animals.

Conclusions

These results evidence a bovine transplacental fetal DNA passage.     

Intravital high-frequency ultrasonography to evaluate cardiovascular and uteroplacental blood flow in mouse pregnancy

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to define the ultrasonographic changes in the cardiovascular and uteroplacental circulation of normal pregnant mice compared to non-pregnant mice using high-frequency, high-resolution ultrasonography.MethodsTen to twelve-week-old CD-1 mice (six non-pregnant and six pregnant animals) were used for all experiments. Vevo® 2100 (VisualSonics) was used to evaluate the cardiovascular and uteroplacental circulation physiology. Cardiac echocardiogram and uterine artery Doppler studies were performed on all animals. Pregnant animals were evaluated on embryonic day 7 (E7), 13 (E13) and 18 (E18). Fetal heart rate and umbilical artery Doppler flows were obtained on pregnant animals. Three-dimensional ultrasonography imaging was utilized for quantification of placental volumes. All data are presented as median (10th–90th percentiles).ResultsIn pregnant mice on E7 compared to non-pregnant mice, there was an increase in cardiac output (p = 0.008), stroke volume (p = 0.002), ejection fraction (p = 0.02), and fractional shortening (p = 0.02). The maternal heart rate increased throughout gestation (p = 0.009). During pregnancy, a gestational sac was clearly visible on E7. Between E13 and E18, the fetal size and fetal heart rate increased (p = 0.001) and the umbilical artery peak systolic velocity increased (p < 0.001). Minimal diastolic blood flow was observed in the umbilical artery on E13, which increased slightly on day E18 (p = 0.01). There was no change in the uterine artery resistance index between non-pregnant and pregnant mice. The placental volume increased between E13 and E18 (p = 0.03).ConclusionSeveral changes noted in cardiovascular and uteroplacental systems occurring during normal murine pregnancy have striking similarities to humans and can be accurately measured using newer ultrasonographic techniques. Further studies are needed to evaluate changes in these vascular beds in mouse models of diseases such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction.     

Effect of tamoxifen on extracellular signal-regulated kinases in the urethra of castrated female rats

Objective

The aim was to evaluate the effects of tamoxifen in activating extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) 1 and 2 in the urethras of castrated female rats.

Study design

Twelve castrated adult female rats were divided into a control group (n = 6) in which the animals received vehicle, and the experimental group (n = 6) in which the rats received tamoxifen 250 μg/day by gavage for 28 days. Then, the animals were sacrificed and their urethras removed. Proteins were extracted, quantified and processed by Western blot analysis with specific phospho-ERK1 and 2 antibodies. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test (p < 0.05).

Results

A significant increase occurred in phospho-ERK1 levels in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.01), while no difference was found in phospho-ERK2 levels between the groups (p = 0.313).

Conclusion

The present results indicate that, at the doses and during the time of treatment used, tamoxifen significantly increased phospho-ERK1 levels in the urethras of castrated female rats.     

Maternal obesity induced by a ‘cafeteria’ diet in the rat does not increase inflammation in maternal,placental or fetal tissues in late gestation

IntroductionObesity during pregnancy can cause serious complications for maternal and infant health. While this has often been attributed to increased inflammation during obese pregnancy, human and animal studies exhibit variable results with respect to the inflammatory status of the mother, placenta and fetus. Cafeteria (CAF) feeding induces more inflammation than standard high-fat feeding in non-pregnant animal models. This study investigated whether maternal obesity induced by a CAF diet increases maternal, fetal or placental inflammation.MethodsMaternal obesity was established in rats by 8 weeks of pre-pregnancy CAF feeding. Maternal plasma inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, MCP1, GRO/KC, MIP-2 and TNFα) and expression of inflammatory genes (Tnfα, Il-6, Il-1β, Tlr2, Tlr4, Cox2 and Emr1) in maternal, placental and fetal tissues were measured at day 21 of gestation.ResultsDespite CAF animals having 63% more central body fat than controls at day 21 of gestation, plasma inflammatory markers were not increased; indeed, levels of IL-6, IL-12p40 and MIP2 were reduced slightly. Similarly, inflammatory gene expression remained largely unaffected by CAF feeding, except for slight reductions to Tlr4 and Emr1 expression in CAF maternal adipose tissue, and reduced Tlr4 expression in male labyrinth zone (LZ). The junctional zone (JZ) displayed increased Il-6 expression in CAF animals when fetal sexes were combined, but no inflammatory genes were affected by the CAF diet in fetal liver.ConclusionsMaternal obesity induced by a CAF diet before and during pregnancy does not increase the inflammatory status of the mother, placenta or fetus in late gestation.     

An Ex vivo culture model for placental cytomegalovirus infection using slices of Guinea pig placental tissue

Congenital infection with human cytomegalovirus (CMV) through the placenta is one of the major causes of birth and developmental abnormalities. Guinea pig CMV (GPCMV) causes in utero infection, which makes its animal models useful for studies on congenital diseases. Here, we established an ex vivo culture method for tissue slices prepared from guinea pig placentas and demonstrated that viral spread in the model resembles those in the placenta of GPCMV-infected animals and that the infection is independent of the pentameric glycoprotein complex for endothelial/epithelial cell tropism. Thus, this model affords a useful tool for pathobiological studies on CMV placental infection.     

Comparative analysis of binding affinities to epidermal growth factor receptor of monoclonal antibodies nimotuzumab and cetuximab using different experimental animal models

Although pharmaco/toxicological studies have always been conducted in pharmacologically relevant species in which the test material is pharmacologically active, the very specificity of many biopharmaceuticals could present challenges in the identification of a relevant species for pharmaco/toxicological studies. Alternative approaches may improve the predictive value of preclinical assessments of species-specific biopharmaceuticals. This could lead to improved decision-making, reduce the number of experimental animals by eliminating non-relevant studies, and decrease the time and cost involved in the drug development process. As an alternative to utilizing traditional animal models, this study investigated the activity of human EGF and the anti-EGF receptor monoclonal antibodies nimotuzumab and cetuximab using the placenta microsomal fraction of different experimental animals. Ligand-receptor binding curves were obtained from the different experimental animal models, and binding constants were calculated based on the Scatchard plots. The constants for human and monkey EGF receptor expressed on the placental extract showed a K_a < 10⁻⁸ M, while rabbits, mice and rats showed a K_a > 10⁻⁸ M. The K_a values obtained from animal placentas show that Macaca fascicularis and Cercopitecus aethiops monkeys are relevant species for studying the pharmaco/toxicological properties of nimotuzumab and cetuximab.     

Effect of ovarian stimulation with human menopausal gonadotropin and recombinant follicle stimulating hormone on the expression of integrins alpha(3), beta(1) in the rat endometrium during the implantation period

Objective

To investigate the effect of exogenous ovarian stimulation with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) and recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH) on the expression of integrins alpha(3), beta(1) in the rat endometrium during implantation.

Study design

Following three successive normal estrous cycles the animals were divided into five groups: Group I (n = 10, control group) received no medication; Group II (n = 10) received 10 units of hMG; Group III (n = 10) received 20 units of hMG; Group IV (n = 10) received 10 units of rFSH; Group V (n = 10) received 20 units of rFSH at midday of middiestrous. The rats were then mated with fertile males. The animals were sacrificed on the day of implantation. The uterine horns were placed in fixative and paraffin blocks of the tissue were cut in 5 μm sections. The tissues were stained with primary antibodies; monoclonal anti-integrin alpha(3) and monoclonal anti-integrin beta(1) using immunohistochemical methods. The staining intensities of alpha(3) and beta(1) integrins were calculated separately for epithelium and stroma in each group.

Results

Staining intensities of alpha(3) and beta(1) integrins in both the epithelium and the stroma were significantly lower in the treatment groups than the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Ovarian stimulation by low and high doses of HMG and rFSH may have an effect on endometrial receptivity, possibly via a decrease in expression of integrins in the endometrium during the implantation period.     

Effect of exercise on the reproductive outcome and fetal development of diabetic rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of exercise on pregnancy outcome in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats (n = 11 animals/group). These animals were randomly assigned to sedentary (G1) and exercised groups, beginning from day 0 (G2) or 7 (G3) to day 20 of pregnancy. The moderate exercise was a swimming programme. At day 21 of pregnancy, all rats were anaesthetized and killed to obtain pregnancy outcome data. All rats presented glycaemia higher than 300 mg/dl, regardless of the exercise training. The G3 group showed higher live fetus number per implantation site and lower resorption number per implantation site compared with the G1 group. The fetal and placental mean weights per litter and the total number of ossification sites were significantly lower in the exercised groups (P < 0.05). Placental index was lower in the G2 and G3 groups compared with the G1 group. The occurrence of skeletal anomalies indicated that exercise increased the number of altered fetuses. Thus, moderate exercise achieved better outcomes by increasing the number of live births and decreasing resorption. However, exercise increased skeletal anomalies and decreased fetal and placental weights.     

Effect of Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) on Sexual Behavior and Sperm Parameters in Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Male Rat

IntroductionSexual dysfunction is one of the major secondary complications in the diabetic. Mucuna pruriens, a leguminous plant identified for its antidiabetic, aphrodisiac, and improving fertility properties, has been the choice of Indian traditional medicine.AimObjective of the present study was to analyze the efficacy of M. pruriens on male sexual behavior and sperm parameters in long‐term hyperglycemic male rats.MethodsMale albino rats were divided as group I control, group II diabetes induced (streptozotocin [STZ] 60 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.) in 0.1 M citrate buffer), group III diabetic rats administered with 200 mg/kg b.w. of ethanolic extract of M. pruriens seed, group IV diabetic rats administered with 5 mg/kg b.w. of sildenafil citrate (SC), group V administered with 200 mg/kg b.w. of extract, and group VI administered with 5 mg/kg b.w. of SC. M. pruriens and SC were administered in single oral dosage per day for a period of 60 days. The animals were subjected to mating behavior analyses, libido, test of potency, and epididymal sperms were analyzed.Main Outcome MeasureThe mating behavior, libido, test of potency, along with epididymal sperms were studied.ResultsThe study showed significant reduction in sexual behavior and sperm parameters in group II. Daily sperm production (DSP) and levels of follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone were significantly reduced in group II, whereas the animals with diabetes administered with seed extract of M. pruriens (group III) showed significant improvement in sexual behavior, libido and potency, sperm parameters, DSP, and hormonal levels when compared to group II.ConclusionThe present work reveals the potential efficacy of ethanolic seed extract of M. pruriens to improve male sexual behavior with androgenic and antidiabetic effects in the STZ‐induced diabetic male rats. This study supports the usage of M. pruriens in the Indian system of medicine as sexual invigorator in diabetic condition and encourages performing similar study in men. Suresh S, and Prakash S. Effect of Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) on sexual behavior and sperm parameters in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic male rat. J Sex Med 2012;9:3066–3078.     

Effect of human interferon-alpha-2b on experimental endometriosis in rats: comparison between short and long series of treatment

Objective

A randomised and controlled experimental study was carried out to determine the effect of short and long series of treatment with recombinant human interferon-alpha-2b on surgically induced endometriosis in rats.

Study design

Ninety-six Wistar adult female rats, which had undergone an autotransplant into the peritoneal cavity of four endometrial fragments measuring 4.5 mm at the side, were randomly divided into three groups. One third of the animals were manipulated like the treated animals but were not given treatment and served as control (group C). Another third (group S) were treated with three doses (one every 48 h, 100,000 U per dose) of recombinant human interferon-alpha-2b (subcutaneous route), and the last third (group L) were treated with fifteen doses of interferon (100,000 U every 48 h).

Results

Before interferon was administered, there were no differences between groups in the average growth of experimental endometriosis per animal (17.3 ± 6.7, 18.1 ± 9.2, 16.4 ± 5.6 mm in groups C, S and L respectively). After the treatment, experimental endometriosis per animal was significantly smaller in the groups treated with interferon than in the control non-treated group (p < 0.001), and in the group treated with 15 doses versus the group treated with 3 doses (p < 0.05), (17.6 ± 7.5, 14.0 ± 9.5, 9.4 ± 6.0 mm in groups C, S, and L respectively). While the implants of the animals in the control group showed no change in size throughout the study (120 days) (+1.96% of variation), the mean size of the implants in the treated rats decreased, (22.7% with the short and 42.8% with the long series of treatment with interferon). Only one implant in group C (0.8%) disappeared, while this occurred in 27 cases (22.5%) in group S (p < 0.001) and in 45 (37.5%) in group L (p < 0.001 versus group C and p < 0.05 versus group S).

Conclusion

The long series of treatment with human interferon-alpha-2b was more effective than the short one in reducing the size of surgically induced endometriosis in the peritoneal cavity of the rat.     

Alcohol induced testicular damage: Can abstinence equal recovery?

Drinking continues to be a major problem in many parts of the world. Significant effects on testicular morphology and function in animals as well as man have been well described. To further explore the impact of chronic ethanol exposure on the testes, we designed this study specifically to define whether or not there was complete recovery after abstinence by examining reproductive hormones, testicular histomorphometry, testicular antioxidants as well as semen parameters after ethanol exposure.Sexually mature male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, abstinent and non-abstinent groups. Alcohol was administered orally at 7 ml/kg body weight per day thrice in a week for 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Control animals received an equivalent amount of distilled water. Histological analysis of the seminiferous tubules of the animals in the non-abstinent group showed severe reduction of cells of the spermatogenic series, hypocellularity, tubular atrophy and significant reductions in the tubular diameter and cross-sectional areas (p < 0.001). Testicular weight, sperm count and motility, were also significantly reduced (p < 0.001) while testicular malondialdehyde (tMDA) levels increased significantly (p < 0.001). Hormonal assay showed significant reductions in the levels of testosterone (TT) (p < 0.05) while luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) remained unchanged. In the recovery or abstinent groups (group III), despite weeks of abstinence from alcohol, the groups still demonstrated high levels of tMDA, low sperm count and motility and significantly reduced (p < 0.001) testicular diameter and cross sectional area values. However, increased TT levels and non-severe reduction in the seminiferous epithelium observed in these groups showed signs of epithelial regeneration and probable recovery tendencies. In conclusion, the present study shows that total alcohol abstinence following chronic ethanol administration failed to reverse completely alcohol-induced testicular damage.