[ correlation between reactive oxygen species and leukocytes in normozoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia ejaculates]

An important factor involved in infertility is reactive oxygen species [ROS]. ROS can damage sperm DNA, and involve lipid per-oxidation. ROS elevation is under the influence of leukocyte activation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of ROS as well as leukocyte, in normozoospermic [NO] and ologoasthenoteratozoospermic [OAT] ejaculates. The study population consisted of 75 individuals who were referred to the Research and Clinical Center, regarding infertility in Yazd, for semen analysis. Fifty [50] out of Seventy-Five [75] men were NO, and the remaining was OAT. ROS was measured with laminator, while leukocyte concentration was analyzed with the ENDTZ test The results showed that ROS levels in OAT was significantly higher compared with NO [1253.49 +/- 200.95 vs. 75.64 +/- 149.52; P=0.00]. Furthermore, men with OAT were divided into 2 groups, with sperm morphology and motility >5% and <5%. In group >5%, ROS level was significantly higher than the group with <5% [3627.55 +/- 407.79 vs. 81.29 +/- 100.48; P=0.007]. In addition, leukocyte concentration in NO was 0.07 +/- 0.22x10[6]; while it was 0.12 +/- 0.20x10[6] in OAT samples; P=0.35]. The results indicate although ROS is present in normal seminal samples, it is significantly higher in OAT. This shows the vital role of antioxidants, which may improve the sperm quality. Further clinical studies will pinpoint the antioxidant capacity in improving the seminal contents

In Vitro antibacterial activity of Shallot [Allium ascalonicum] crude juice

Shallot [Allium hirtifolium Bosis] belongs to genus Liliaceae There is more than 500 species in this genus. Shallot produces a cluster of bulbs from a single planted bulb. This plant has been used as an additive in foods for many years, but there is little study about antibacterial activity of Shallot. The aim of this study was to determine antibacterial activity of Shallot against clinical isolated bacteria. Crude juice of shallot [Allium hirtifolium] was tested for it's growth inhibitory effect on 4 Gram-negative and 2Gram-positive species Minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] was determined using dilution method. All test organisms were inhibited by shallot juice. The MIC for Gram-negative enteric rods including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis ranged between 78-624 micro /ml. while the MIC for pseudomonas aeruginosa was 20-80mg/ml.The MIC for Gram -positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus strains and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains were 156-312 micro /ml and 19.5-78 micro /ml respectively. It is concluded that Crude juice of shallot has antibacterial activity against both gram positive cocci and Gram-negate rods. It is believed that antibacterial activity of shallot depends on its thiosulfinate components