MMP-9 in follicular fluid in PCO and non PCO females undergoing ICSI

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 [MMP-9] is a proteolytic enzyme, the significance of which in the follicle maturation has been widely studied in non-stimulated animal models and humans. To compare the level of this enzyme in follicular fluid in PCO [polycystic ovary] and non PCO females undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI]. MMP-9 was measured in the follicular fluid in 20 PCO and 30 non PCO females undergoing ICSI. Total MMP-9 showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups [p=0.145].While, MMP-9 per oocyte showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups, [p=<0.001]. So MMP-9 per oocyte is greater in non PCO group. There is no difference between MMP-9 secretion in follicular fluid in PCO and non PCO females undergoing ICSI

Smoking increases dna damage in male infertile patients in Egypt

Environmental factors, have been shown to have a deleterious effect on spermatogenesis. Cigarette smoking is a major source of environmental pollution. Many studies have suggested that cigarette smoking is associated with altered semen quality, but conclusions about the extent of the deleterious effects vary widely. Sperm nuclear chromatin abnormalities /DNA damage could occur at the time of, or be the result of, DNA packing at spermatogenesis. Environmental stress, gene mutations, and chromosomal abnormalities can disturb the highly refined biochemical events that occur during spermatogenesis. This can ultimately lead to an abnormal chromatin structure that is incompatible with fertility. However, the exact mechanism by which chromatin abnormalities/DNA damage arise in human spermatozoa are not precisely understood. We have conducted a study on 50 infertile males, of whom 25 are smokers, to assess the degree of sperm DNA damage using the COMET assay and correlate our findings with other semen parameters. Conclusion: In the present study, the percentage of severe DNA fragmentation was significantly higher in smoker infertile group compared to no smokers and control groups

Serine proteases in female serum, new markers in polycystic ovary syndrome

Prostatic Specific Antigen [PSA] is present in very low concentration in female sera., but it can be measured with high sensitivity assays. Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is a disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation. Serum Testosterone is increased in PCOS patients. Women with higher levels of androgen may have higher levels of PSA compared with women with normal levels of androgen. Hirsutism represents a state of androgen excess in women. Women with PCOS usually suffer from hyperandrogenism and were selected to test the hypothesis in this study. Twenty five PCOS females were investigated for the level of PSA in their sera, using chemillurninescent technique. PSA level was found to be higher than normal, and correlated with testosterone levels. Our data suggest that measurement of this serine protease in serum may aid in the diagnosis of PCOS patients

helicobacter pylori contribute to infertility?

Helicobacter Pylori is one of the important causes of chronic gastritis. It has also been implicated in extragastric disorders, such as skin diseases of autoimmune nature, vascular disorders and platelet disorders. The most acceptable hypothesis is the existence of mimicry between H Pylori antigens and cells of different host tissues. The prevalence of H Pylori infection among Egyptians is very high. The possibility of involvement of H Pylori in the pathogenesis of infertility is intriguing. H Pylori usually lasts for the patient's entire life. This may boost autoimmune reactions. Mimicry has been shown between human beta-tubulin protein [present in spermatozoa] and H Pylori flagellin, Cag A and Vac A. Antibodies to these antigens cross reacted with human spermatozoa. Our study was conducted on 30 males complaining from infertility problem, 10 healthy fertile controls were included. CASA was performed, together with H Pylori IgA antibodies in seminal fluid. There was a high prevalence of H Pylori IgA antibodies in seminal plasma of patients complaining of infertility and having asthenospermia as compared to the fertile control group

Assessment of multiple etiological and prognostic parameters in pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is an important cause of fetomaternal morbidity and mortality. It is not only unpredictable in onset and progression, but also has no effective management strategy except termination of pregnancy. There are many factors lying behind the pathogenesis of the disease. We sought at measuring different parameters as etiological and prognostic factors in pre-eclampsia. Lipoprotein [a], P-selectin, prothrombin fragment 1+2 and thrombin anti-thrombin complex were measure and correlated with the severity of the disease. We found that those parameters are increased in pre-eclamptic patients and most of them correlated with the degree of pre-eclampsia. We suggest an etiological and prognostic significance in the course of pre-eclampsia