Molecular cloning and nucleotide sequence determination of three envelope genes of classical swine fever virus Taiwan isolate p97

A strain of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) has been isolated in Taiwan. The cDNA coding for three envelope glycoproteins E1, E2 and E3 were molecularly cloned from purified viral particles using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method and sequence-specific primers. The resulting PCR products (1113 bp for E1. 699 bp for E2 and 567 bp for E3) were cloned into the SmaI site of pUC19 and then subjected to DNA sequence analysis. Data showed that nucleotide sequence of the three envelope genes shared a 82-83% homology with the corresponding genes of three other strains (Alfort, Brescia and Weybridge). However, the homology of the deduced amino acid sequence was greater than 90% among the four strains. The potential asparagine-linked glycosylation sites for E1 (5 sites), E2 (7 sites) and E3 (2 sites) were conserved. This suggests that the Taiwan p97 strain is distinct from other three strains described. The variations may have implications for future vaccine development. The sequence has been submitted to GenBank. The accession numbers are U43924 and U03290.

Octoxynol presence in bear-bile

The presence of octoxynol from dried bear-bile was examined. Octoxynol was coextracted when glycolipids by Folch-Suzuki partition method. Octoxynol formed mixed-micelles with glycosphingolipids. The glycolipids were purified by DEAE-Sephadex A-25 column chromatography. The fractions containing mixed micelles were obtained from linear gradient solvent of 0.05M-0.5M ammonium acetate in methanol. HPLC ( Bondapak-NH(2) - linked to a Bondapak-C(18) column) chromatogram showed five peaks. Two possible structures for the fourth peak fraction were proposed as (CH(3))(3)C-CH(2)-C(CH(3))(2)-C(6)H(4)-OR and (CH(3))(3)C-C(CH(3))(2)-CH(2)-C(6)H(4)-OR by NMR spectroscopy. The structure was further confirmed by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ESI MS/MS). The spectrum showed a protonated molecule at m/z 559 and three different series of ions with mass difference of 44 were detected in the MS/MS spectrum. Therefore, the structure of the fourth peak fraction from HPLC was confirmed as octoxynol, (CH(3))(3)C-CH(2)-C(CH(3))(2)-C(6)H(4)-(OCH(2)-CH(2))n-OH, based on mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy.

Purification and molecular cloning of carp ovarian cystatin

The ovarian fluid of carp consists of many components. Using the antiserum against carp serum, Western blot analysis of ovarian fluid was done in order to distinguish substances synthesized by the ovary from those derived from the serum. Several ovary-specific substances were detected including a protein of 12 kDa (p12), which was purified to homogeneity. Purified p12 displays a single band in SDS-PAGE under nonreducing condition and it can inhibit the enzymatic activity of papain with an apparent inhibition constant of 0.01 nM. The primary structure of p12 was partially determined by Edman degradation and fully elucidated by molecular cloning. A cDNA of 531 bp encoding p12 was obtained. The precursor of p12 has 129 residues, including a signal peptide of 18 residues and a mature protein of 111 residues. The N- and C-terminus of p12 are threonine and methionine, respectively. The p12 shares many common features of the family 2 cystatins of other species, including the similarity of the protein size (in the range of 110 to 120 residues), the presence of 4 cysteine residues and the occurrence of invariant residues throughout the molecule.

Nitrite, N-nitroso compounds, and other analytes in physiological fluids in relation to precancerous gastric lesions

Levels of gastric juice nitrite, several urinary N-nitroso compounds, and other analytes were examined among nearly 600 residents in an area of Shandong, China, where precancerous gastric lesions are common and rates of stomach cancer are among the world's highest. Gastric juice nitrite levels were considerably higher among those with gastric juice pH values above 2.4 versus below 2.4. Nitrite was detected more often and at higher levels among persons with later stage gastric lesions, especially when gastric pH was high. Of those with intestinal metaplasia, 17.5% had detectable levels of gastric nitrite, while this analyte was detected in only 7.2% of those with less advanced lesions. Relative to those with undetectable nitrite, the odds of intestinal metaplasia increased from 1.5 (95% confidence interval = 0.6-4.1) to 4.1 (95% confidence interval = 1.8-9.3) among those with low and high nitrite concentrations, respectively. Urinary acetaldehyde and formaldehyde levels also tended to be higher among those with more advanced pathology, particularly dysplasia. However, urinary excretion levels of total N-nitroso compounds and several nitrosamino acids differed little among those with chronic atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia, consistent with findings from recent studies in the United Kingdom, France, and Colombia. The data from this high-risk population suggest that elevated levels of gastric nitrite, especially in a high pH environment, are associated with advanced precancerous gastric lesions, although specific N-nitroso compounds were not implicated.

Bone remodeling around implanted ceramics

Bone formation and remodeling around implanted materials is influenced by the kind of material, its surface properties, and the anatomical site of implantation. In this study, differences in bone formation around three kinds of ceramics and the importance of the implant location in the tibia were investigated. In the first experiment, we placed three kinds of ceramics--alumina, zirconia and hydroxyapatite (HA)--into the medullary cavity of rabbit tibiae and examined histologically the time-dependent formation of bone around the materials for up to 24 weeks postoperatively. We found that bone formation depends on whether or not the materials are in direct contact with the endosteum. In the second experiment, the same three ceramic materials were implanted transcortically into rabbit tibiae. The bone formed around the implants was most abundant in regions adjacent to the periosteum, followed by the endosteum and the marrow cavity in the approximate ratios of 70%, 40%, and 10%, respectively. In these two experiments, the difference between bioactive and bioinert ceramics could be seen in the interface between the implanted material and the bone. It can be concluded that bone formation around these materials is related to the osteoconductivity of the materials and to the osteogenic capacity of the tissues.

Chronic granulomatous interstitial nephritis: unusual complication of acute pyelonephritis

We describe an unusual complication of acute pyelonephritis in a 45-year-old diabetic female. She was admitted to our hospital due to fever and flank pain which had developed 10 days earlier. Urinalysis showed many WBC and urine culture revealed Escherichia coli. After adequate antibiotic treatment, clinical symptoms abated but renal failure and leukocyturia persisted. Abdominal CT showed bilateral focal bacterial nephritis and renal biopsy disclosed chronic granulomatous interstitial nephritis. On the 80th hospital day she was discharged with a serum creatinine of 299 mumol/l. In the outpatient clinic, renal dysfunction and leukocyturia persisted up to 1 year. In conclusion, this case raises the possibility of a chronic interstitial process of acute pyelonephritis.

Prevention of posttransplant peptic ulcer by misoprostol

Misoprostol is effective in protecting the gastric mucosa against various injuries (cytoprotection), but its role in preventing peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is controversial. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of misoprostol on preventing posttransplant PUD. 87 patients undergoing kidney transplantation (KT) were randomly separated into three groups according to the antiulcer regimen. Group 1 (n = 28) received antacid and ranitidine; group 2 (n = 34) received antacid, ranitidine, and bismuth (De Nol), and group 3 (n = 25) received antacid, ranitidine, and misprostol (prostaglandin E1). Antiulcer drugs started 1 week before KT and were continued after surgery. A pretransplant gastrofibroscopy was performed 1 month before KT, and a follow-up gastroscopy was performed 2-3 weeks after KT. The incidence of peptic ulcer in groups 1 and 2 was 50.0% (14/28) and 35.3% (12/34), respectively (p > 0.05 groups 1 vs. 2). In group 3, 12.0% (3/25) of the patients showed PUD (p < 0.05 when compared with group 1 or 2). The known risk factors of posttransplant PUD were not significantly different in three groups, but the KT recipients of groups 1 and 2 had 7.8 times the risk of PUD when compared with group 3. In conclusion, the antiulcer regimen including misoprostol is more effective than ranitidine or bismuth in preventing posttransplant PUD, and the antiulcer effect of misoprostol seems to be related to the cytoprotective effect of the drug.

Distance and velocity detection based on a deep sinusoidal phase-modulated interferometer

A deep phase-modulation signal with a sinusoidal waveform is employed on a Michelson interferometer for detecting distance and velocity signals simultaneously. This approach is simple to implement and has a wide-dynamic-range capability with a linear scale factor.

Inhibition on platelet activation by shikonin derivatives isolated from Arnebia euchroma

Acetylshikonin, teracrylshikonin, beta,beta-dimethylacrylshikonin and shikonin, isolated from Arnebia euchroma, inhibited collagen (10 micrograms/ml)-induced aggregation of washed rabbit platelets in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 2.1 +/- 0.2, 2.8 +/- 0.3, 4.2 +/- 0.5 and 10.7 +/- 0.7 microM, respectively. Acetylshikonin also inhibited the aggregation and ATP release of washed rabbit platelets induced by arachidonic acid (AA, 100 microM), U46619 (1 microM), platelet-activating factor (PAF, 3.6 nM) and thrombin (0.1 U/ml) in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC50 values of acetylshikonin on the inhibition of these four agonists-induced platelet aggregation were 3.1 +/- 0.4, 2.2 +/- 0.2, 8.0 +/- 0.6 and 12.7 +/- 1.0 microM, respectively. The thromboxane B2 formation caused by collagen, PAF and thrombin was inhibited by acetylshikonin, while formations of thromboxane B2 and prostaglandin D2 caused by AA were not inhibited. Acetylshikonin did not inhibit cyclooxygenase activity since it did not attenuate prostaglandin E2 formation after incubation of sheep vesicular gland microsomes with AA. Acetylshikonin suppressed both the rise of intracellular Ca2+ concentration and the generation of [3H]inositol monophosphate caused by these five aggregation inducers. Platelet cyclic AMP level was unaffected by acetylshikonin. These data indicate that acetylshikonin inhibits platelet activation by suppression of phosphoinositide breakdown.

Detection of an Epstein-Barr-virus variant in T-cell-lymphoma tissues identical to the distinct strain observed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the Taiwanese population

An EBV variant has been identified in NPC tissues in Taiwan. This EBV variant contains a point mutation in exon I of the LMP I gene. This mutation results in the loss of an XhoI site at nt 169,426, which is present in strain B95-8. In addition, this variant contains a 30-bp deletion in exon 3 of the gene. The recent demonstration of the prevalence of EBV-containing nasal and peripheral T-cell lymphoma in this region drove us to evaluate the presence of this NPC-EBV strain in 7 cases of T-cell lymphoma, as well as in 48 NPC tissues, 2 cases of Hodgkin's disease and I B-cell lymphoma. Four samples of normal lymph node tissue, 40 of normal nasopharynx tissue and 78 throat washings of healthy individuals were included for comparison. We used sequence-specific primers and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to amplify LMP I gene fragments containing these variations. Mutations were then confirmed by restriction-enzyme digestion and the DNA sequencing analysis. Our results showed that 57 of 58 tumor-tissues samples were EBV-positive. Among them, 56, including 6 T-cell-lymphoma samples, belonged to the NPC strain. This strain of EBV was also present in 92% of EBV-positive normal nasopharynx tissues and in 84% of EBV-positive throat washings of the healthy individuals tested. These results suggest that the NPC-EBV strain is prominently present in Taiwan.

Bone-bonding behavior under load-bearing conditions of an alumina ceramic implant incorporating beads coated with glass-ceramic containing apatite and wollastonite

Alumina ceramic with a porous surface coated with glass-ceramic containing apatite and wollastonite (AW-GC) was implanted in a state of press-fit under load-bearing conditions in the femoral condylus of the mongrel dog and compared with a non-glass-ceramic-coated alumina ceramic. A trapezoid alumina ceramic implant (7 x 10 x 5 mm) with a lateral recess (0.9 mm deep) coated with alumina ceramic beads (mean diameter, 750 microns) in a single layer was prepared. The alumina ceramic beads were bonded to the alumina ceramic substratum using an identical alumina binder. The thickness of coating was 10-50 microns (mean, 30 microns). The surface of the beads and the substratum of the alumina implant were coated with AW-GC. A pull-out test and histologic examination were performed at 4, 8, and 24 weeks after implantation. The interfacial shear load was significantly increased from 8 to 24 weeks in both groups. The shear load of the glass-ceramic-coated implant was significantly greater than that of the noncoated implant at every stage. The interface shear load of the noncoated implant was 12.13 +/- 2.76 kg at 4 weeks, 13.92 +/- 4.18 kg at 8 weeks, and 24.17 +/- 5.17 kg at 24 weeks after implantation. The interface shear load of the glass-ceramic-coated implant was 17.96 +/- 2.81 kg at 4 weeks, 24.92 +/- 9.87 kg at 8 weeks, and 34.83 +/- 4.12 kg at 24 weeks after implantation. Histologic examination showed more ingrown bone tissue in the glass-ceramic-coated implants. It is suggested that AW-GC stimulated the bone ingrowth.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Identification of a novel promoter located within the Bam HI Q region of the Epstein-Barr virus genome for the EBNA 1 gene

EBNA 1 is the only antigen expressed in both Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and Burkitt's lymphoma cells. Previous studies showed that the mRNA of EBNA 1 in these two tumor tissues was initiated from a promoter located in the Bam HI F fragment (Fp) on the viral genome. Two regulatory elements located in the downstream Bam HI Q region include an EBNA 1 binding site and a positive regulatory region between the Fp and the EBNA1 binding site. This data strongly suggested that a cellular factor(s) may modulate the usage of the Fp. To locate the shortest responsible viral sequence, we constructed a series of luciferase gene and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene plasmids that contained various portions of the Bam HI F/Q region. Plasmid DNA was then introduced into cells to examine the promoter activity of each construct. By this method, we identified a 186-bp fragment within the Bam HI Q region that possessed the highest activity. This promoter was designated as Qp and found to be orientation-dependent and down-regulated by EBNA 1 in both the type I BL cells and human epithelial cells. Furthermore, RNase protection assay showed that a transcription initiation site was located at nucleotide 62,416 of the EBV genome. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis further confirmed that the transcript was initiated from the Qp, and not the Fp. Therefore, our data suggested that a novel promoter, Qp, located within the Bam HI Q existed for the EBNA 1 expression in the latently infected type 1 BL cells. The biological significance of the selection of the Qp needs further investigation.

Sequence analysis of an Erwinia stewartii plasmid, pSW100

The nucleotide sequence of the smallest plasmid of Erwinia stewartii SW2 was determined. This plasmid, pSW100 (4272 bp), consists of a 702-bp region homologous to the origins of replication of plasmids p15A, ColE1, and ColA. Plasmid pSW100 also contains sequences homologous to the bom region and mobCABD genes of ColE1, except that a single-base deletion in mobA has been detected. This deletion did not affect the mobilization ability of pSW100 by an endogenous conjugative plasmid of E. stewartii SW2, pDC250. Plasmid pSW100 also has a 1596-bp open reading frame with five 132-bp perfect repeats. However, this open reading frame and the repeats are not required for plasmid replication. Furthermore, curing of pSW100 did not cause any phenotypic change, suggesting that this plasmid is not essential for the survival of the organism.

Studies on the structure and function of the carp gonadotropin alpha subunit by site-directed mutagenesis

There are two genes encoding the alpha subunit of carp gonadotropin (alpha 1 and alpha 2 subunits). Our previous data have demonstrated that both alpha 1 and alpha 2 subunits expressed in insect cells are able to associate with the beta subunit, but only the alpha 1/beta heterodimer displays biological activity. In the mature protein, there are only four amino-acid residues different between the alpha 1 and alpha 2 subunits. In this study we used site-directed mutagenesis and expressed different mutant alpha subunits in insect cells to identify which residue might be important for biological activity of the alpha subunit. Our results suggested that the change of Arg-71 to Gln-71 affected the activity of the carp gonadotropin alpha subunit.

Functional analysis of EA-D of Epstein-Barr virus

Different mutations were generated in the diffused-form early antigen (EA-D) of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) for study of the effects of these mutations in DNA binding, stimulating the activity of EBV-specific DNA polymerase (EBV-DP), and binding to monoclonal antibody R3. Results revealed that the N-terminal 303 amino acids were essential for DNA binding and were sufficient for the enhancement of the activity of EBV-specific DNA polymerase. Deletion study also showed that the region recognized by the R3 monoclonal antibody was located between aa 315 and aa 377. Our results failed to demonstrate the binding between EA-D and EBV-DP, using the proteins synthesized in vitro, suggesting that direct contact between the two proteins is not required for the EBV-DP activity in vitro. We have generated fusion between EA-D and DNA-binding domain of yeast GAL4 protein; however, this fusion protein was not able to transactivate the promoter containing UAS sequence in P3HR1 cells.

Detection of antiendometrial antibodies in sera of patients with endometriosis by dual-colored, double-labeling immunohistochemical method and western blot

PROBLEM

This study was undertaken to determine whether specific binding activities against endometrial proteins in sera of patients with endometriosis are detectable and, if so, to identify endometrial antigens involved in autoimmunity in endometriosis.

METHOD

Sera from 33 patients with endometriosis and 20 cord sera (controls) were tested against endometria of patients and their protein extracts by dual-colored, double-labeling immunohistochemical method, and Western blotting.

RESULTS

Antiendometrial binding activities were detected in sera of 2 (10.0%) control patients and 13 (48.2%) patients with endometriosis by the immunohistochemical method. Endogenous immunoglobulin G (IgG) binding to endometrial proteins had molecular weights (MW) of 26, 28, 54, 85, 107 and 116 kDa. Most sera of both control and patients showed reactivity against endometrial proteins with MW of 34, 36, 56 and 77 kDa. However, there were specific IgG autoantibodies reactive against the endometrial proteins of 71, 92, and 103 kDa in sera of 55.2% (16/29) of patients but not in the control sera. Over 80% (10/12) of patients' sera with binding activities detectable by the immunohistochemical method also tested positive by Western blot analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

These data show that specific IgG antibodies reactive against endometrial antigens are detectable in sera from some patients with endometriosis.

Transposon mutagenesis and cloning of the genes encoding the enzymes of fengycin biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis

A total of 20 Bacillus subtilis F29-3 mutants defective in fengycin biosynthesis was obtained by Tn917 mutagenesis. Cloning and mapping results showed that the transposon in these mutants was inserted in eleven different locations on the chromosome. We were able to use the chromosomal sequence adjacent to the transposon as a probe to screen for cosmid clones containing the fengycin biosynthesis genes. One of the clones obtained, pFC660, was 46 kb long. Eight transposon insertion sites were mapped within this plasmid. Among the eleven different mutants analyzed, four mutants had Tn917 inserted in regions which encoded peptide sequences similar to part of gramicidin S synthetase, surfactin synthetase, and tyrocidine synthetase. Our results suggest that fengycin is synthesized nonribosomally by the multienzyme thiotemplate mechanism.

Distance- and velocity-detection interferometer by using a frequency triangular-modulated laser diode

A scheme for distance and velocity signal detection is implemented. This technique is based on a laser diode with its frequency modulated by a triangular waveform and followed by time gating.

Characterization of 5'-upstream sequence of the latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1) gene of an Epstein-Barr virus identified in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues

Sequence variations of the 5'-upstream region of latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1) in two Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) strains have been reported before (Chen et al., 1992). To investigate the effect of these variations on gene expression, we constructed a series of deletion plasmids encompassing positions -950 to +20 of the LMP-1 promoter region and tested for the ability to drive chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene expression in C33A cells. Results showed that the promoter activities of constructs from NPC strain were 3-fold lower than the corresponding constructs from the B95-8 strain. In addition, the region between -54 and +20 contained the basic, constitutive promoter activity for both strains. Sequence analysis of this region indicated that an activating transcription factor (ATF) binding site, TGACGTAG, which is present in B95-8 strain was changed to TCTCGTAG in NPC strain. A chimeric plasmid study suggested that these sequence variations in the ATF binding site may contribute to the 3-fold increase of CAT activity observed for B95-8 strain. Furthermore, the activity of the promoter constructs was not activated by EBV-encoded nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA-2) in C33A cells. However, the promoter activities were upregulated in B-lymphocyte cells such as CG3 and CA46 cells. The biological significance of this difference in promoter activity of LMP-1 gene between two strains and the involvement of the cellular factors were discussed.

Identification of an internal promoter of the latent membrane protein 1 gene of Epstein-Barr virus

The latent membrane protein 1 (LMP 1) gene of an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) variant derived from an nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) biopsy in Taiwan was isolated and characterized (Chen et al., 1992). Transient expression of the genomic sequence containing this gene showed two proteins with molecular masses of 62 kD and 50 kD, respectively, recognized by LMP-specific antibody S12. To determine if these two proteins were derived from independent promoters, we generated a series of mutant plasmids from plasmid pT7(E) that contained the upstream and the coding regions of the LMP 1 gene. These mutants were introduced into a human epithelial cell line, C33A, and LMP 1 proteins were examined by Western blotting analysis with the S12 antibody. Data showed that plasmid with a fragment containing approximately 3 kb of upstream sequence of LMP 1 gene produced the 62-kD protein. Removal of 2.7 kb of the upstream sequence (plasmid delta 2710, deleted to nucleotide 169,571) resulted in the production of both 62-kD and 50-kD proteins. This suggested that the upstream sequence interfered with the production of the 50-kD protein. Plasmid DNA deleted to Acc I site (nucleotide 169,223) generated only the 50-kD protein, designated as tr-LMP. Further deletion to nucleotide 169,038 resulted in the expression of another smaller LMP1 (49 kD, named as str-LMP1). The region between nucleotides 168,789 and 169,038 was tested to see if it possessed a promoter activity by using the luciferase gene as a reporter. Data showed that this region contained promoter activity with a level compatible to the previously reported ED-L1A promoter.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evidence for apical sodium proton exchange in macula densa cells

These studies were performed to determine if changes in luminal sodium chloride concentration ([NaCl]) might alter macula densa intracellular pH. Isolated thick ascending limbs with attached glomeruli were bathed in a 150 mM NaCl Ringer's solution and perfused in vitro with a 25 mM NaCl solution; N-methyl-D-glucamine cyclamate was used to substitute for NaCl. Macula densa cells were loaded with BCECF and intracellular pH was monitored using a microscope based-dual excitation photometer system. Control intracellular pH for all experiments in which tubules were initially perfused with 25 mM NaCl averaged 7.22 +/- 0.06; N = 28. Increasing luminal [NaCl] from 25 to 150 mM elevated macula densa pH by 0.15 +/- 0.03 (N = 6; P < 0.05) while increasing just luminal [Na] from 25 to 150 mM alkalinized macula densa cells by 0.17 +/- 0.05 (N = 6; P < 0.05). In addition, there was a highly significant linear relationship between luminal [Na] and intracellular pH between 25 and 150 mM NaCl. Other studies were performed to assess the effects of amiloride, an inhibitor of Na:H exchange, on macula densa intracellular pH. Addition of amiloride, to the 25 mM NaCl perfusate acidified macula densa cells by 0.09 +/- 0.03 (N = 6; P < 0.001) and significantly attenuated the increase in pH obtained when luminal [NaCl] was raised from 25 to 150 mM. Other studies evaluated the effects of inhibition of Na:2Cl:K cotransport on macula densa pH.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Autoimmune premature ovarian failure

Premature ovarian failure (POF) may be caused by a variety of factors that result in the depletion of responsive ovarian follicles. There is a increasing body of evidence that suggests an autoimmune etiology in some POF patients. Data in support of an autoimmune etiology include: (1) lymphocytic and plasma cell infiltration of the ovary and alteration of T cell subsets; (2) circulating autoantibodies to ovarian antigens; (3) association with other "autoimmune" disorders; (4) recovery of ovarian function after regression of autoimmune status. The mechanism for ovarian autoimmunity is unknown. Genetic or environmental factor might be involved in the stimuli inducing immune response. The possibility that major histocompatibility complex antigen and cytokines are implicated in human autoimmune POF has been proposed. The relative contribution of cell-mediated immunity and antibody-mediated immunity remains obscure in animal models and in POF patients. Currently, in vitro fertilization and/or gamete intrafallopian transfer with donated oocytes are the best therapeutic options to achieve pregnancy although ovulation induction and immunosuppressive treatment might be used in approved experimental protocols. A newly developed double bridged enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) might be useful in screening POF patients to identify those for whom temporary treatments may improve fertility.