Carbamazepine-induced sperm disorders can be associated with the altered expressions of testicular KCNJ11/miR-let-7a and spermatozoal CFTR/miR-27a

Male infertility is a global health problem, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are not clearly known. Ion channels and microRNAs (miRNAs), known to function in many vital functions in cells, have been shown to play a significant role in male infertility through changes in their expressions. The study aimed to evaluate the alterations of testicular and/or spermatozoal potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily J member 11 (KCNJ11), Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), miR-let-7a and miR-27a expressions in carbamazepine-related male infertility. Here, we showed that carbamazepine reduced sperm motility, increased abnormal sperm morphology, and impaired hormonal balance as well as increased relative testis weight and decreased relative seminal vesicle weight. On the other hand, downregulated KCNJ11 and upregulated miR-let-7a expressions were determined in testis (p < .05). Also, downregulated KCNJ11 and upregulated CFTR and miR-27a expressions were found in spermatozoa (p < .05). Interestingly, altered testicular KCNJ11 and miR-let-7a expressions were correlated with decreased sperm motility and elevated sperm tail defect. Besides, spermatozoal CFTR and miR-27a expressions positively correlated with sperm tail defects. The results indicated a significant relationship between ion channel and/or miRNA expression alterations and impaired sperm parameters due to carbamazepine usage.     

Assessment of changes in penile sensation by electrophysiological study after radical prostatectomy: A pilot study

Background:To evaluate the changes in penile sensation by electrophysiological tests in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) and to demonstrate the role of dorsal penile nerve injury in postoperative erectile dysfunction.Materials and methods:Twenty-six volunteer patients who were eligible for RP were included in the study. Preoperative penile sensory electromyography and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire were done for each patient. Erectile function assessment and electrophysiological evaluation of penile sensation were repeated at postoperative 3rd and 6th months.Results:Postoperative IIEF-5 scores and electromyography values were significantly lower than preoperative findings (p < 0.05). The IIEF-5 scores in the nerve sparing-RP (NS-RP) group were significantly higher than the non-nerve sparing-RP (NNS-RP) group in the postoperative period. Nerve conduction velocity values in the NS-RP group were also higher than the NNS-RP group at the postoperative 3rd and 6th months. However, these changes were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).Conclusions:Patients who underwent RP have decreased penile sensation due to cavernous nerve damage and a possible dorsal penile nerve injury. The decrease of penile sensation may be associated with postoperative erectile dysfunction.     

MAT2A Inhibition Blocks the Growth of MTAP-Deleted Cancer Cells by Reducing PRMT5-Dependent mRNA Splicing and Inducing DNA Damage

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To what extent and why are COPD and Willis-Ekbom disease associated?

Aim

Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS/WED) is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients with RLS/WED have poorer quality of sleep and more fatigue and depressive symptoms. The prevalence of RLS/WED in patients with COPD has been reported to vary between 29.1 and 36.8 %. However, during exacerbation, the prevalence can increase up to 54 %. These rates are higher than those seen in general population. We have not enough knowledge regarding the association between RLS and COPD. In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of RLS in patients with stable COPD without comorbid conditions. In addition, we also aimed to determine possible related causative factors.

Method

We included 80 COPD patients without comorbid conditions who presented to our outpatient clinic between April 2013 and September 2013 for RLS/WED evaluation. Three cases that have polyneuropathy and one case that refused undergoing electromyography (EMG) examination were excluded from the study. Demographic data, P-A chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests (PFT), biochemical parameters (including hemogram), and dyspnea scales were evaluated for each patient. In addition, the RLS/WED rating scale and Epworth Sleep Scale (ESS) were applied. Further, each patient diagnosed with RLS/WED underwent a detailed neurological examination (performed by a neurologist) and an EMG examination to rule out polyneuropathy.

Results

Out of 76 COPD cases included in our study, 26.3 % (n?=?20) were diagnosed with RLS/WED (mean age 60.4?±?7.5 years, 20 males). The cases with RLS/WED had significantly lower body mass index (BMI) than cases without RLS/WED (p?=?0.009). There were no significant differences between cases with and without RLS/WED with respect to PFT, dyspnea scales, and arterial blood gas values. However, ESS was significantly different (p?=?0.016). There were no significant differences in RLS/WED scores and mean hs-CRP levels between COPD stages (p?=?0.424; p?=?0.518, respectively), while ESS was significantly different (p?=?0.016). ESS was significantly higher in stage B COPD than in stages A and D (p?=?0.005, p?=?0.008, respectively). Based on our model, we found that exacerbations and iron binding capacity (UIBC) were predictive factors for RLS/WED (p?<?0.100)

Conclusion

RLS/WED is a common disease in cases with stable COPD. Despite our hypothesis suggesting that the prevalence of RLS/WED in COPD is related with systemic inflammation, we did not find a significant association between hs-CRP and COPD cases with RLS/WED. However, we did find that UIBC is a predictive factor for the development of RLS/WED. Nonetheless, further studies are needed to understand the relationships between UIBC, low BMI, and the development of RLS/WED in COPD.

     

Pentraxin 3 concentrations of the mothers with preterm premature rupture of membranes and their neonates,and early neonatal outcome

Background: Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is an acute phase reactant which has been used to detect intra-amniotic infections (IAI) in pregnancy, but the prognostic value of PTX3 concentrations on neonates has not been studied. We aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal PTX3–neonatal PTX3 concentrations and early neonatal outcome.

Methods: The mothers diagnosed with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) (n?=?28) and their preterm infants (n?=?28) were included in the study. PTX3 concentrations were studied in plasma in the maternal peripheral blood and umbilical/peripheral vein in the neonates. The relationship between the mPTX3–nPTX3 concentrations and neonatal outcome were investigated using non-parametric tests and binary logistic regression analysis.

Results: The mean mPTX3 concentration was 10.35?±?7.82?μg/L. Ten (35.7%) of all mothers were within the normal range and 18 (64.3%) in high percentile (≥97.5 percentile). There was no relation between mPTX3 concentrations and clinical or histologic chorioamnionitis, latency of PPROM, and early neonatal outcome. Mean nPTX3 concentrations was 9.18?±?7.83?μg/L and high nPTX3 concentrations were detected in five (17.8%) neonates. nPTX3 concentrations were inversely correlated with gestational age and correlated with rate of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and mortality. Neonates with high nPTX3 concentrations also have lowered APGAR scores, increased rate of respiratory distress syndrome, clinical sepsis, IVH, necrotizing enterocolitis and prolonged NICU stay.

Conclusion: High PTX3 concentrations of the newborns are associated with some worsened early neonatal outcome including lower gestational age at delivery, increased rate of IVH and mortality. Maternal PTX3 concentrations are not an adequate marker in defining clinical or histologic chorioamnionitis and early neonatal outcome.