Morphometric comparison by the ISAS® CASA-DNAf system of two techniques for the evaluation of DNA fragmentation in human spermatozoa / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

DNA fragmentation has been shown to be one of the causes of male infertility, particularly related to repeated abortions, and different methods have been developed to analyze it. In the present study, two commercial kits based on the SCD technique (Halosperm ® and SDFA) were evaluated by the use of the DNA fragmentation module of the ISAS ® v1 CASA system. Seven semen samples from volunteers were analyzed. To compare the results between techniques, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used. Data were used for calculation of Principal Components (two PCs were obtained), and subsequent subpopulations were identified using the Halo, Halo/Core Ratio, and PC data. Results from both kits were significantly different (P < 0.001). In each case, four subpopulations were obtained, independently of the classification method used. The distribution of subpopulations differed depending on the kit used. From the PC data, a discriminant analysis matrix was obtained and a good a posteriori classification was obtained (97.1% for Halosperm and 96.6% for SDFA). The present results are the first approach on morphometric evaluation of DNA fragmentation from the SCD technique. This approach could be used for the future definition of a classification matrix surpassing the current subjective evaluation of this important sperm factor.

[Effect of Kombucha tea on blood sugar and blood lipid profiles in diabetic rats: short communication]

Background and Aim: Kombucha tea is made through fermentation of sweet tea by Kombucha fungus. It has beneficial therapeutic effects in the treatment of many diseases. The present study aimed at examining the effect of Kombucha tea extract on blood sugar and blood lipid profiles in diabetes

Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight Wistar rats weighing about 250g were divided into 4 equal groups and then injected intraperitoneally [IP] with alloxan to induce diabetes. The administered concentrations were 20 and 80 mg/kg of Kombucha tea and 20 mg/kg of black ordinary tea for one month. The rats' blood sugar and weight were tested before and after the intervention period but blood lipid parameters per either administration were also assessed at the end of the period

Results: Mean blood sugar in the diabetic rats receiving Kombucha tea was reduced. Maximum reduction in blood sugar was observed in the group receiving Kombucha tea with concentration of 80 mg/kg. However, black tea significantly reduced blood sugar

Conclusion: Kombucha tea consumption for a month only reduced blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. But increased the weight and not have favorable effects on lipid profile

Effect of transient inactivation of ventral tegmental area on the expression and acquisition of nicotine-induced conditioned place preference in rats

Nicotine can activate dopaminergic neurons within the ventral tegmental area [VTA]. However, there is no evidence about complete inhibition of VTA on nicotine reinforcement. In the present study, we used conditioned-place preference [CPP] method to study the effect of transient inhibition of left and/or right side of the VTA by lidocaine on nicotine reward properties. Male Wistar rats seven days after recovery from surgery and cannulation were conditioned to nicotine [1.5 mg/kg] in an unbiased designed CPP apparatus. Five min before each nicotine injection in conditioning phase, lidocaine [2%] was administered either uni- or bi-laterally into the VTA [0.5 micro l/rat]. Results revealed that lidocaine administration into the left but not right side of the VTA reduced nicotine CPP significantly. The reduction was potentiated when lidocaine injected in to both sides of the VTA. In addition, the number of compartment crossing was reduced when lidocaine injected in both side of VTA as well as left side. On the other hand, rearing was reduced when lidocaine injected to the right but not left side of VTA. At last, sniffing was reduced only in the group in which received lidocaine in both side of VTA. Sniffing and rearing increased in the group in which received lidocaine in right side. It is concluded that the right and left side of VTA play different role in nicotine-induced activity and reward

Oral morphine consumption reduces lens development in rat embryos

Consumption of morphine, during pregnancy, in addition to inducing defects in the mother's nervous system function, caused defects or delays in the formation and evolution of embryonic visual system. In the present study, changes in lens development were assessed in embryos exposed to morphine in utero. Female Wistar rats [250-300 g] were mated with male rats and pregnancy was determined by sperm observation in vaginal smear. This day was considered as embryonic day zero [E0]. The females were then divided randomly into the experimental and the control groups. The control group received tap water and the experimental group received morphine [0.05 mg/ml] in their water. On embryonic day 13 [E13], blood samples were collected from the retro-orbital sinus of all animals for plasma corticosterone detection. On embryonic day 17[E17], the animals were killed by an overdose of chloroform and the embryos were taken out surgically. The embryos were fixed in 10% formalin for 30 days. At this time, the head of the embryos were removed for tissue processing and Hematoxylin- Eosin [HandE] staining. The samples were evaluated using light microscope and MOTIC software. Our data indicated that plasma corticosterone level was dramatically increased and the lens was thinner in the experimental group. [Although the proliferation of lens cells increased in the experiment group but that lens had delay in removing the proliferated and elongation cells with abnormal density in the lateral part of the lens in comparison with the control group]. Moreover, the opening of the eyelids was delayed in the off springs of the mothers who received morphine. This study showed that morphine consumption during pregnancy leads to defects in fetal visual system development, particularly in the lens, and eyelids

Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting by administration of sub hypnotic doses of propofol and midazolam during spinal anesthesia for cesarean section

To evaluate, the efficacy of sub hypnotic doses of midazolam and propofol, in prophylactic control of postoperative nausea and vomiting, in parturients undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial, 114 ASA physical status I-II parturient undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia [using 0.5% bupivacaine 12 mg] were allocated randomly to receive propofol [20 mg bolus and 1.0 mg/kg/hr infusion, n=38] or midazolam [1 mg bolus and 2.0 mg/hr infusion, n=38] or saline [2 cc IV, n=38] immediately after clamping of umbilical cord. The occurrence of nausea and/or vomiting and respiratory depression was recorded during operation until 12 hr after that. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was significantly lower in midazolam and propofol groups compared with saline group in all 12 hr, [nausea: 19%, 15.8% versus 57.9%], vomiting [7.9%, 5% versus 34.2%]. There was not manifestation of respiratory depression at the time of surgery and after it. Sub hypnotic dose of midazolam was as effective as the sub hypnotic dose of propofol for preventing of nausea and vomiting in parturients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. We undertook this study in regard to examine a simple, safe and non-expensive antiemetic method