Evaluation of quality of spermatozoa prepared by SpermPrep method as compared to those prepared by MiniPercoll

As it is quick and easy to prepare sperm with SpermPrep column, this method was assessed in the andrology laboratory for IUI preparations, as an alternative to Percoll, since Percoll is not available in market. This paper evaluates sperm prepared by SpermPrep method and compares them to those prepared by MiniPercoll for matched asthenozoospermic specimens. Spermatozoa prepared with MiniPercoll were of significantly higher quality, when compared with those prepared by SpermPrep, in terms of computer-assisted sperm motion parameters, recovery of motile fraction, morphology, hypoosmotic swelling and nuclear stability as assessed by sodium dodecyl sulphate exposure. SpermPrep did not appear to be equivalent to MiniPercoll and therefore could not be widely applied to asthenozoospermic specimens. It may be used on an individual basis, depending on the initial semen sample. Although other density gradient methods such as colloidal silica particles coated with silane appear to be equivalent to Percoll, they need to be critically evaluated with respect to their batches or different sources of vendors and be compared to Percoll as a standard method.

Protein distribution and gene expression of collagen type IV in the neonatal rat ovary during follicle formation

Protein distribution and mRNA expression of basement membrane collagen (type IV) during follicle formation were studied using serial sections from 24, 48 and 72 hrs. old rat ovaries. Collagen type IV, a protein found only in the basal lamina of the basement membrane, was localized under light microscope using a polyclonal antibody. During the first 24 hrs. postpartum, immunostaining was found as thin septa separating the clusters from the stroma. By 72 hrs. postpartum, immunostaining was found around each newly formed primordial follicle. The cell types involved in collagen type IV synthesis were determined by in situ hybridization using a biotinylated riboprobe. Before the follicles had been formed, the stromal cells showed intense staining while the epithelial presumptive granulosa cells showed a pale staining. However, after a follicle had been formed, some of the granulosa cells enclosed within the follicular basement membrane showed strong staining for the message. The presumptive granulosa cells are presumed to be the progenitors of granulosa cells. If so, these observations suggest that the expression of the message coding for collagen type IV by the granulosa cells may be a marker for commitment of the undifferentiated cell to the granulosa cell lineage.

Racial (black-white) comparisons of the relationship of levels of endogenous sex hormones to serum lipoproteins during male adolescence: the Bogalusa Heart Study

The cross-sectional relationship of endogenous androgens (testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEA-S]), estrogen (estradiol) and progestin (progesterone) to serum levels of lipoprotein cholesterol (very low-density [VLDL], low-density [LDL], and high-density lipoprotein [HDL]) and apolipoproteins (apo A-I and apo B) were studied in white (n = 251) and black (n = 258) adolescent boys, ages 11 to 17 years, as part of the Bogalusa Heart Study. Black boys had significantly higher levels of estradiol, HDL cholesterol, and apo A-I, and lower levels of androstenedione and VLDL cholesterol than white boys, independent of age and adiposity. Age was correlated strongly with testosterone and androstenedione, and moderately with DHEA-S and estradiol levels in both races. However, only in white boys was age consistently related to VLDL cholesterol (positively), HDL cholesterol (negatively), and apo A-I (negatively). Overall, testosterone was associated inversely with HDL cholesterol and apo A-I in white boys, while progesterone was related positively to apo A-I in both races after adjusting for age and adiposity. However, these relationships were found to differ with age. Partial correlations between levels of sex hormones and lipoproteins adjusted for age and adiposity showed no associations in the 11 to 12 year age group in boys of either race. A significant positive relation of testosterone to VLDL cholesterol, and inverse relations of testosterone to HDL cholesterol and apo A-I and DHEA-S to HDL cholesterol were apparent only in white boys in the 13 to 14 year age group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Serum lipoproteins and endogenous sex hormones in early life: observations in children with different lipoprotein profiles

Relationships of endogenous testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, estradiol, and progesterone to lipoprotein cholesterol levels were examined concurrently in four groups of children (N = 375, age range 6 to 18 years) whose earlier VLDL-cholesterol and/or LDL-cholesterol levels were in the extreme quintiles or quartiles. In terms of significant correlations, estradiol related inversely with VLDL-cholesterol in prepubertal boys (-0.28) and pubertal girls (-0.34), while estradiol/testosterone ratios related inversely with LDL-cholesterol in pubertal girls (-0.27). HDL-cholesterol related negatively with testosterone in pubertal boys (-0.24) and positively with estradiol in pubertal girls (0.40). With respect to contrasting lipoprotein profiles, high LDL-cholesterol groups had significantly high progesterone/estradiol ratio (boys: 8.6 v 6.9; girls: 8.3 v 5.1), high progesterone (girls only: 0.40 v 0.29 ng/mL) and low estradiol/testosterone ratio (girls: 0.15 v 0.21; prepubertal boys: 0.09 v 0.21). Pubertal girls from high VLDL-cholesterol groups showed markedly low estradiol (71 v 120 pg/mL) and estradiol/testosterone ratio (0.11 v 0.19). These results emphasize the role of endogenous sex hormones in modulating lipoprotein concentrations as well as in the sexual divergence of lipoprotein profiles between males and females following puberty.

The effect of vitamin E on mammary dysplasia: a double-blind study

Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) has been used to treat patients with benign breast disease. To evaluate the efficacy of this treatment, a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study was performed on 128 women with confirmed mammary dysplasia. Patients were treated with placebo or 150, 300, or 600 IU of d, 1 alpha-tocopherol per day for two months; breast examinations, sonography, and thermography were performed in the midluteal phase of the menstrual cycle before and after treatment. No significant objective effects to treatment were noted in any of the parameters monitored. In addition, serum concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and testosterone were measured before and after treatment. There were no significant effects on concentrations of these hormones. From this study, d, 1 alpha-tocopherol does not seem to be beneficial in the treatment of patients with mammary dysplasia.

Evaluation and treatment of breast symptoms in patients with the premenstrual syndrome

Breast symptoms are a common finding in women with the premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The underlying endocrine pathophysiology of PMS and benign breast disease may be similar and possibly related. Endocrine theories concerning both disorders have been developed, and nutritional intervention can be of aid. In a double-blind study, breast symptoms of PMS were recorded before and after vitamin E or placebo was administered. A significant decrease (p less than 0.05) in some of the symptoms was noted.

Aspirin in the treatment of episiotomy pain

We studied 160 postpartum women having moderate to severe episiotomy pain to determine the efficacy of aspirin analgesia, with 5, 10, and 20 grain doses, as compared to placebo. Over a four-hour period, all groups treated with aspirin showed significantly more improvement in pain intensity scores than those given placebo. Only a small percentage of patients required additional analgesic medication. This study shows that aspirin alone is an effective treatment for relief of moderate to severe episiotomy pain.

Stimulation of bile acid synthesis by dibutyryl cyclic AMP in isolated rat hepatocytes

Freshly isolated rat hepatocytes were used to examine the effects of dibutyryl cyclic AMP on the incorporation of 14C-acetate and 14C-cholesterol into bile acids. After an initial lag period, both precursors were incorporated into cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids at a linear rate for the subsequent 60 min. An apparent stimulation of bile acid formation from 14C-acetate by dibutyryl cyclic AMP was complicated by the concomitant inhibition of cholesterol synthesis. In experiments with 14C-cholesterol, dibutyryl cyclic AMP (1 mM) increased the labeled cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids in the medium by 83 and 224%, respectively, but cellular levels of labeled bile acids were unchanged. As a result, the nucleotide stimulated the overall incorporation of 14C-cholesterol into cholic acid by 39% and into chenodeoxycholic acid by 123%. The mean ratio of labeled cholic to chenodeoxycholic acid declined from 55:45 in control cells to 41:59 in cells incubated with dibutyryl cyclic AMP. The results demonstrate that label incorporation can be used to study the regulation of bile acid synthesis in isolated hepatocytes. We propose that dibutyryl cyclic AMP enhanced bile acid production by phosphorylating, and thus stimulating the activity of, cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in bile acid synthesis.

Episiotomy pain: efficacy and safety of fluproquazone compared to aspirin and placebo

The analgesic efficacy of fluproquazone at 100 mg and 200 mg doses, was measured in 160 patients with episiotomy pain and was compared to that of aspirin (650 mg) and placebo. The 100-mg dose of fluproquazone was more effective in relieving episiotomy pain than the 200-mg dose of fluproquazone, aspirin or placebo in terms of mean pain intensity scores after 1 h. All active compounds were more effective than placebo by all criteria.

The effect of alpha-tocopherol on premenstrual symptomatology: a double-blind study

In a double-blind, randomized dose-response study, 75 women with benign breast disease were administered a written questionnaire in which they scored the severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms before and after two months of treatment with placebo or alpha-tocopherol (150, 300, or 600 IU/day). Controlling for age and pretreatment scores, alpha-tocopherol had a significantly greater effect than placebo, improving three of the four classes of PMS symptoms. These findings suggest that vitamin E supplementation may be of value in women with severe PMS symptoms.

Medical management of mammary dysplasia

As a primary care physician for women, the gynecologist frequently is faced with management of patients who have benign breast disease. Mammary dysplasia, or fibrocystic disease, clinically presents a difficult management problem, both in terms of relieving the patients' symptomatology and of detecting occult malignancy. Traditionally, diuretics, salt restriction, and hormone therapies have been recommended. Recently, data concerning nutritional impact on this disease process, including methylxanthine restriction and tocopherol therapy, have been reported. New, effective pharmacologic agents also are now available. This article reviews the efficacy of these therapeutic regimens and recommends a rational approach for the management of patients with mammary dysplasia.

Serum hormones and lipoproteins in benign breast disease

Seventeen young women with clinically confirmed mammary dysplasia and six age-matched controls were treated with alpha-tocopherol. Serum samples collected during the luteal phase of each woman at monthly intervals for the 4-month duration of the study were analyzed for serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin concentrations by radioimmunoassay and for lipoprotein levels by a combination of precipitation, ultracentrifugation, and enzymatic techniques. Fifteen patients showed objective and subjective remission from disease. While prolactin levels did not change significantly, elevated levels of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones were decreased to normal levels. Ratios of serum cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased; high-density lipoprotein and free cholesterol associated with low-density lipoproteins increased as a result of therapy. The results suggest that alpha-tocopherol may serve as an effective agent not only to treat patients with benign breast disease but also to normalize abnormal hormone and lipid levels in subjects at high risk for breast cancer.

Endocrine parameters and alpha-tocopherol therapy of patients with mammary dysplasia

Patients with mammary dysplasia (17 patients) and controls (6 patients) were treated in a double-blind study with alpha-tocopherol acetate (600 units/day). Determination of serum alpha-tocopherol, estradiol, estriol., and progesterone were made from blood samples collected on Day 21 of the menstrual cycle before and during therapy. Eight-eight % of patients showed clinical response to therapy. Serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations rose after therapy in patients and controls. Serum estradiol and progesterone concentration were not statistically different in patients or controls after therapy, although patients showed a trend toward increased serum progesterone concentration. However, the ratio of progesterone to estradiol, which is abnormal in mammary dysplasia patients, rose from 30 +/- 7 (S.E.) to 53 +/- 11 in patients after alpha-tocopherol therapy (p less than 0.05). Control patients showed no significant change in progesterone/estradiol ratio. Results of this study indicate that alpha-tocopherol therapy may correct an abnormal progesterone/estradiol ratio in patients with mammary dysplasia, with implications on reducing future risk for malignant breast disease.

alpha-Tocopherol and serum lipoproteins

Twenty-six patients with clinically confirmed mammary dysplasia and five age-matched controls were treated with alpha-tocopherol, 600 mg/day. Serum samples collected on the 21st day of the menstrual cycle were analyzed for cholesterol in lipoprotein fractions, isolated by a combination of precipitation and ultracentrifugation techniques. Eighty-five percent of patients showed objective and subjective remission from disease following therapy. In mammary dysplasia patients, the ratio of serum cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol was higher than those in age-matched controls, an abnormality which was corrected by alpha-tocopherol therapy. Furthermore, as a result of therapy, high density lipoproteins increased and ester cholesterol associated with low density lipoproteins decreased. The results suggest that alpha-tocopherol may serve as an effective agent in treating patients with benign disease, as well as correct the inherent abnormality in serum cholesterol distribution in mammary dysplasia patients.

Release of phospholipase A and triglyceride lipase from rat liver

A new, rapid, and sensitive assay for phospholipase A, utilizing commercially available [14C]phosphatidylethanolamine with 14C label in both palmitic acid moieties, was used to study phospholipase A release from perfused liver, hepatocytes, and intestinal cells from rats. Heparin triggered a prompt release of phospholipase A from perfused liver. Phospholipase A and triglyceride lipase were released from hepatocytes at a linear rate for 1 h and 30 min, respectively. Heparin (20 u/ml) doubled the release of phospholipase A and triglyceride lipase from hepatocytes. Colchicine (0.1 mM), but not puromycin (0.2 mM), inhibited basal and heparin-stimulated phospholipase A release by 40%. Since the amount of phospholipase A and triglyceride lipase released into the medium greatly exceeded intracellular activities, it is possible that secretion is coupled with intracellular conversion from inactive to active forms of the enzymes. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (1 mM) inhibited phospholipase A (48%) and triglyceride lipase (82%) release from hepatocytes. Epinephrine, dexamethasone, and clofibrate inhibited release of triglyceride lipase but not phospholipase A. Phospholipase A activity of intestinal cells was greater than in hepatocytes, but neither heparin nor dibutyryl cyclic AMP affected phospholipase A release from intestinal cells. These results suggest that the liver is a major source of phospholipase A of postheparin plasma. The fact that dibutyryl cyclic AMP affects the release of these enzymes suggests an additional mechanism for hormonal regulation of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism.

Isoelectric focusing of human serum high density lipoprotein in the presence of radioactive ampholines

Preparative isoelectric focusing of a serum high density lipoprotein fraction (rho 1.063-1.125 g/ml) in the presence of radioactive Ampholines showed that there were no significant 14-C-activity peaks in the lipoprotein region of the pH gradient. This suggests that the discrete lipoprotein subspecies obtained by electrofocusing are not artefacts caused by the binding of Ampholines to serum high density lipoprotein.

Lignin and Related Compounds. III. An Improved Synthesis of 3-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-propanol and 3-(4-Hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-propanol

3-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-propanol (dihydroconiferyl alcohol) (1) and 3-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-propanol (dihydrosinapyl alcohol) (2) have been synthesized in good yields from 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol (eugenol) and 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol by means of the hydroboration reaction.