Effect of chronic treatment with a cyclooxygenase inhibitor on reproductive parameters in male rat

Indomethacin is a member of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] commonly used for treatment of gout, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. It has been shown to inhibit ovarian prostaglandins synthesis in mammals, birds, fish and reptiles. However, the effects of its chronic administration on male reproductive functions remain largely unknown. Using rat as a model, we studied the effect of chronic treatment with indomethacin on the male reproductive system. Testosterone was measured in the serum, testicular tissue, and testicular interstitial fluid by radioimmunoassay. Moreover, we also studied the direct effect of indomethacin in vitro on luteinizing hormone stimulated testosterone secretion from the Leydig cells isolated from various treatment groups. Indomethacin treatment for 50 days caused a significant but reversible decrease in prostate weight, epididymal sperm reserves and sperm motility score compared with control rats [p<0.05]. In vitro stimulation of Leydig cells isolated from treated rat's testes with luteinizing hormone [250 micro IU] produced significantly reduced testosterone compared with cells from control groups [p<0.05]. Furthermore, stimulatory effect of luteinizing hormone on the control Leydig cells was significantly reduced when these cells were challenged with luteinizing hormone in the presence of reduced after indomethacin treatment [p<0.05]. Due to its significant inhibition of key reproductive hormones, indomethacin effectively inhibits reproductive functions if used on a long-term basis. In his, study we have identified potential risks in the long-term use of cyclooxygenase inhibitors

Incidence of lactose intolerance in infant

Our previous studies [Siddiqui et al 1990] revealed that prevalence of lactose intolerance was high amongst adult females as compared to males and intolerance increased with age. This study was extended to infants and lactose tolerance test was done on thirty infants and lactose 1g/kg body weight was given to each infant orally. Heel capillary blood samples were taken at 0.30, 60 and 90 minutes and blood glucose and galactose were estimated. An increase in blood glucose and galactose of at least 20 mg% was the criteria for intolerance. Intolerance of lactose was found in 4 out of 11 female infants below 6 months while 5 out of 5 female infants above 6 months were intolerant to lactose. In case of male infants below 6 months all the 7 male infants were tolerant while above 6 months 3 out of 7 were intolerant. There was a significant increase in the percentage of intolerance and malabsorption after 6 months of age. It was concluded from the study that lactose malabsorption is common in Faisalabad area and is quite common in female infants and increase with age