Evaluation of relationship between body mass index with vitamin D receptor gene expression and vitamin D levels of follicular fluid in overweight patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is the most common endocrine disorder associated with reproductive disorders and metabolic dysfunctions including insulin resistance. The roles of vitamin D in the regulation of metabolic modulations specifically involving insulin and reproduction processing are introduced. In addition, obesity appears to be closely associated with severity of PCOS. The present study is to evaluate the effect of body mass index [BMI] on vitamin D levels in follicular fluid and vitamin D receptor [VDR] expression levels in granulos cells

Materials and Methods: A comparative study was conducted on 80 women with average age of 20-35 years referred for in vitro fertilization [IVF]. Patients were divided into four groups, and serum levels of testosterone and insulin resistance [IR] were evaluated at the puncture time. Also, vitamin D levels of follicular fluid were evaluated. VDR gene expression was assayed by quantified-polymerase chain reaction [PCR] technique. Correlations were evaluated with calculation of the Spearman coefficient, and also independent relationships were assessed by means of multiple regression analysis

Results: Vitamin D levels of follicular fluid decreased in PCOS patients compared with non-PCOS. Also, over-weight individuals had lower vitamin D levels compared with normal-weight patients. Vitamin D levels of follicular fluid were highly correlated with BMI [r=-0.51, P<0.01]. Homeostatic model assessment-IR [HOMA-IR] values were significantly higher in women of PCOS/overweight and PCOS/normal weight in comparison with women of non-PCOS/normal weight [P<0.01]. The gene expression data of VDR in granulosa cells were significantly lower in the PCOS/overweight group compared with the non-PCOS/normal weight [P<0.01]

Conclusion: The findings indicated significant differences in VDR gene expression in granulosa cells and vitamin D of follicular fluid in PCOS/overweight patients

Improvement of liver cell therapy in rats by dietary stearic acid

Background: Stearic acid is known as a potent anti-inflammatory lipid. This fatty acid has profound and diverse effects on liver metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of stearic acid on markers of hepatocyte transplantation in rats with acetaminophen [APAP]-induced liver damage

Methods: Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 10-day treatment. Stearic acid was administered to the rats with APAP-induced liver damage. The isolated liver cells were infused intraperitoneally into rats. Blood samples were obtained to evaluate the changes in the serum liver enzymes, including activities of aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and the level of serum albumin. To assess the engraftment of infused hepatocytes, rats were euthanized, and the liver DNA was used for PCR using sex-determining region Y [SRY] primers

Results: The levels of AST, ALT and ALP in the serum of rats with APAP-induced liver INJURY were significantly increased and returned to the levels in control group by day six. The APAP-induced decrease in albumin was significantly improved in rats through cell therapy, when compared with that in the APAP-alone treated rats. SRY PCR analysis showed the presence of the transplanted cells in the liver of transplanted rats

Conclusion: Stearic acid-rich diet in combination with cell therapy accelerates the recovering of hepatic dysfunction in a rat model of liver injury

Correlation between follicular fluid 25-OH vitamin D and assisted reproductive outcomes

Vitamin D in complex with its receptor by regulating gene expression, endometrium immune response and stimulation of endometrium decidualization can be involved in implantation. So, it seems that the amount of vitamin D in follicular fluids [FF] may have an association with ART success. First, we intended to investigate the possible association between levels of follicular fluids 25-OH vitamin D with assisted reproductive outcomes. Second, we examined relationship between 25-OH vitamin D levels with number and quality of oocytes. In a prospective study, 80 infertile female candidates for IVF/ICSI were enrolled. Blood samples [on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration] and follicular fluids were taken, and then levels of serum estradiol and follicular fluids 25-OH vitamin D were measured. Also clinical characteristics of patients [duration of infertility, causes of infertility, menstrual status], number and quality of oocytes, number of fertilized oocytes, estradiol levels, and clinical pregnancy were evaluated. Concentration of FF 25-OH vitamin D in pregnant women was significantly higher than non-pregnant women [p=0.007] but there were no significant differences in age, body mass index [BMI], duration of infertility, menstrual status, number of oocytes, oocytes quality, number of fertilized oocytes, and serum estradiol levels between the two groups. Statistically positive correlation was found between 25-OH vitamin D levels with patient age and implantation rate [r=0.264, p=0.018 and r=0.301, p-0.007 respectively]. The obtained results suggest that vitamin D without affecting the number and quality of oocytes can independently improve implantation rate and 1VF outcome

Influence of omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid on IGF-1 and COX-2 gene expression in granulosa cells of PCOS women

The omega-3 [omega-3] fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] is currently used in the clinic as a nutritional supplement to improve infertility, particularly in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS]. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of EPA on insulin-like growth factor 1 [IGF-1] and cyclooxygenase 2 [COX-2] gene expression in primary cultured granulosa cells from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization [IVF], and also to compare this effect with those in granulosa cells of PCOS patients. In this experimental study, human granulosa cells were isolated from follicular fluid of normal and PCOS women undergoing IVF by hyaluronidase digestions, followed by Percoll gradient centrifugation. Cells were cultured in vitro, exposed to a range of concentrations of the EPA [25-100 micro M] for 24 hr, and investigated with respect to COX-2 and IGF-1 gene expression by real time-PCR. In both groups, all doses of the EPA significantly induced IGF-1 mRNA gene expression compared to the untreated control. High doses of EPA in the presence of recombinant [r] FSH produced a stimulatory effect on IGF-1 and a suppressive effect [p=0.01] on the COX-2 gene expression, which were more pronounced in granulosa cells from PCOS patients. EPA affect diversely the gene expression of IGF-1 and COX-2 in granulosa cells, which were more pronounced in PCOS compared to control. These findings represent the possible underlying molecular mechanisms for the positive impact of the omega-3 fatty acids on reproduction, especially in patients with PCOS

effect of nitric oxide with minimal stimulation on patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Infertility is one of the most prevalent problems among young couples especially in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. In women, PCO is associated with lack of ovulation, abdominal obesity and insulin resistance. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of nitric oxide with minimal stimulation in the treatment of infertility in women with PCOS. Materials and In a randomized single blind clinical trial [RCT], 120 women who had polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS], were with PCOS who were eligible to be studied were divided into two groups; study group and a control group [60 patients in each group] and the effects of Nitric Oxide with minimal stimulation on the treatment of infertility were investigated in the patients who were being treated with IUI. The mean age of the patients, who were 21 to 35 years old, was 28.3 +/- 4.2 years. In the study group, 43 cases [71.7%] and in the control group, 52 cases [86.7%] had ovulation. The difference between these two groups was statistically significant [p=0.03]. The successful pregnancy rate was 10 cases [16.6%] in the study group and 8 cases in the control group [13.3%], however this difference was not statistically significant [p=0.18]. The difference between the two groups regarding mature follicles was not significant either [p=0.27], but the difference regarding the endometrial thickness on the gonadotropin administration day was statistically significant [p=0.02]. According to the results and since there was not a significant difference between the two groups regarding the pregnancy rate, it can be concluded that employing nitric oxide tablets in addition to the common treatment, does not affect pregnancy rate in women with PCOS

High omega-3: omega-6 fatty acids ratio increases fatty acid binding protein 4 and extracellular secretory phospholipase A2IIa in human ectopic endometrial cells

Endometriosis, a common chronic inflammatory disorder, is defined by the atypical growth of endometrium- like tissue outside of the uterus. Secretory phospholipase A2 group Ha [sPLA2-IIa] and fatty acid binding protein4 [FABP4] play several important roles in the inflammatory diseases, Due to reported potential anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs] on fatty acid binding protein 4 and extracellular secretory phospholipase A2IIa in cultured endometrial cells. Ectopic and eutopic endometrial tissues obtained from 15 women were snap frozen. After thawing and tissue digestion, primary mixed stromal f and endometrial epithelial cell culture was performed for 8 days in culture mediums supplemented with normal and high ratios of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA. sPLA2-IIa in the J culture medium and FABP4 level was determined using enzyme immuno assay [EIA] technique. Within ectopic endometrial cells group, the level of cellular FABP4 and extracellular sPLA2-IIa were remarkably increased under high omega-3 PUFA exposure compared with control condition [p=0.014 and p=0.04 respectively]. Omega-3 PUFAs may increase the level of cellular FABP4 and extracellular sPLA2-IIa in ectopic endometrial cells, since sPLAIIa and FABP4 may affect endometriosis via several mechanisms, more relevant studies are encouraged to know the potential effect of increased cellular FABP4 and extracellular sPLA2-IIa on endometriosis

Altered of microRNA expression level in oligospermic patients

MicroRNA [miRNA] is small endogenous, single strand RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at post-transeriptional level through several mechanisms to affect key cellular event including male germ cells differentiation, proliferation, development and apoptosis. Mutation and/or aberrant expression of miRNAs have been associated with progression of various disorders, including infertility. The purpose of this research was to study the estrogen receptor beta [ERbeta], hsa-mir-21 and, hsa-mir-22 expression level in oligospermic infertile and control fertile men and correlation between them. In this study, the change in mir-21, mir-22 expression and their common target gene [ERbeta] expression levels were evaluated in oligospermic infertile men [n= 43] compared with 43 age matched healthy control by Real-Time PCR methods. Expression analysis by qRT-PCR test on miRNA have identified that mir-21, mir-22 levels were significantly higher than those in normal controls [p<0.0001] and ER beta expression level significantly decreased in comparison with the normal group [p<0.0001]. Our study showed that mir-21 and mir-22 are indirectly involved in spermatogenesis by regulating of the estrogen receptor and might have a diagnostic and prognostic value in men infertility

Paraoxonase 3 activity and the ratio of antioxidant to peroxidation in the follicular fluid of infertile women

Paraoxonase-3 [PON3], as a high density lipoprotein [HDL]-associated lactonase, is capable of preventing the oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein [LDL]. PON3 activity in follicular fluid [FF] is three times more than its activity in serum. However, the detailed role of PON3 in women's fertility remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between PON3 activity in the FF of women undergoing assisted reproductive technique [ART], in vitro fertilization [IVF], or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI]. This cross-sectional study consisted of 50 women from couples with male factor infertility [MFI] or with female factor infertility [FFI]. The FF samples were obtained during the ART intervention. PON3 activity, HDL cholesterol [HDL C], total antioxidant status [TAS] and the level of malondialdehyde [MDA] were determined. The morphology of the embryo was determined using embryo cell number [ECN] and embryo fragmentation score [EFS]. In addition, fertilization rate [FR] was used an oocyte fertilization index. Of 50 women, 20 women belonged to FFI group and the remaining 30 women belonged to MFI group. PON3 activity in FF of women in FFI group was significantly lower [p<0.05] in comparison with corresponding value in MFI group. The value of PON3 activity/MDA in the FFI group was lower than that in MFI group. Moreover, MDA level in the FF of FFI group was significantly higher [p<0.05] than its concentration in MFI group. Meanwhile, no significant difference was found in HDL-C concentration and TAS of both groups. No significant correlation was observed between the ECN and FF biochemical parameters. There was also a negative correlation between FR and MDA [r=-0.42, p=0.02], whereas a positive relation between FR with PON3 activity [r=0.59, p=0.004], HDL-C [r=0.35, p=0.04] and PON3/MDA [r=0.59, p=0.001]. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, PON3 activity level as a key component of antioxidant system in FF may directly be associated with the success rate of ART and fertilization rate in women

Evaluation of the relationship between endometriosis and omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Endometriosis is a common chronic inflammation causing major problems including infertility. The role of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as their potential anti-inflammatory effects in endometriosis needs to be further explored. The objective of this study was to compare serum phospholipid fatty acid profile in endometriosis patients with controls, and to explore the correlation of this profile with the severity of the disease. Sixty-four endometriosis patients and 74 control women, in reproductive age, participated in this study. Among the endometriosis patients, 19 cases were in stage I, 27 cases in stage II, 8 cases in stage III, and 10 cases in stage IV. Each patient underwent laparoscopy. Before surgery, 5 ml of blood was obtained. After extraction of the total lipids, serum total phospholipid fraction was isolated by thin layer chromatography. Fatty acid composition of the phospholipid fraction was determined by gas chromatography and the resulted profile was compared in endometriosis patients and controls. The profile was also compared in the endometriosis group based on the severity of disease. Stearic acid was significantly lower in the endometriosis group as compared to controls [P= 0.030]. No other fatty acid compositions were significantly different between patients and controls. Serum ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] to arachidonic acid [AA] was in reasonable correlation with the severity of endometriosis [r = 0.34, P = 0.006]. According to these findings, levels of fatty acids in serum total phospholipids seem not to be a marker for endometriosis, but the EPA to AA ratio was a relevant factor indicating severity of illness

Effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids on secretory phospholipase A2 type IIa in ectopic endometrial cells

Endometriosis is a common chronic inflammation which leads to infertility and chronic pelvic pain in affected women. Secretory phospholipase A2 type IIa [sPLA2IIa] is an acute phase reactant that is markedly increased in inflammatory disorders. To assess the effects of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs] administration in endometrial cells culture on sPLA2IIa level and cell survival comparing homolog ectopic versus eutopic endometrial cells from endometriosis patients. In this experimental study, ectopic and eutopic endometrial tissue samples obtained from 15 endometriosis patients were immediately frozen. After thawing and tissue digestion, mixed stromal and endometrial gland cells were cultured for 8 days in three different culture media; balanced omega-3/omega-6, high omega-3 and high omega-6 PUFAs ratio. Cell survival was measured using 2, 3-bis [2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]-5-[phenylamino] carbonyl-2H- tetrazolium hydroxide [XTT] method and sPLA2IIa level assessed with ELISA technique. The sPLA2IIa level was significantly higher in the ectopic endometrial cell culture compared to the eutopic group for each of the three matched treatments [balanced, high omega-3 and high omega-6]. Also the sPLA2IIa level in the ectopic endometrial cell group was remarkably increased by each of the three PUFAs treatments compared to control condition [p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.05 respectively]. Cell survival in the eutopic group was significantly decreased by high omega-6 culturing compared to control medium [p<0.05]. The increase in sPLA2IIa level in ectopic endometrial cells by fatty acid treatments [especially high omega-3], strengthens the hypothesis that PUFAs stimulate secretion of cytokines leading to increased sPLA2IIa level

Fatty acid composition of human follicular fluid phospholipids and fertilization rate in assisted reproductive techniques

Fatty acids are known to be critically important in multiple biological functions. Phospholipid fatty acids of follicular fluid, an important microenvironment for the development of oocytes, may contribute to the women's fertility and the efficacy of assisted reproduction techniques. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fatty acid composition of follicular fluid phospholipids on women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques. Follicular fluid samples were obtained from 100 patients, referred to Tabriz Alzahra Hospital. Seventy-nine subjects underwent in vitro fertilization [IVF] and the remaining 21 underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI]. Total lipid of follicular fluid was extracted and fatty acids were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. Saturated fatty acids [SFA, P = 0.002] and the ratio of SFA to polyunsaturated fatty acids [P = 0.001] were correlated negatively with a number of mature oocytes after age adjustment. Linoleic acid [P = 0.006] was positively correlated, while the level of arachidonic acid was negatively correlated with fertility percentage after adjustment for body mass index, sperm count, sperm motility. Since phospholipids are one of the major components of lipid metabolism, the results of this study highlight the importance of this component in follicular fluid lipid metabolism. Consequently, it is proposed as an index in determination of the rate of success in assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF/ICSI

Determination of serum paraoxonase phenotype distribution by double-substrate method in patients with coronary artery disease

Considering the high incidence of patients with coronary artery disease [CAD] in the Iranian population and a preventive role of serum paraoxonase [PON1] in development of CAD, the present study was designed to determine the distribution of PON1 phenotypes in patients with CAD. A total of 61 patients with coronary stenosis of <50% and 63 patients with coronary stenosis of >70% were included in this study. Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were measured using paraoxon and phenylacetate as substrate, respectively. Phenotyping of the PON1 Q192R polymorphism was determined by calculating the ratio of salt-stimulated paraoxonase activity to arylesterase activity [double-substrate method]. Patients with stenosis of <50% were separated into three distinct phenotypes at ratios of 2.14 and 5.99 and the population with stenosis of >70% at ratios of 2.42 and 5.91. In patients with stenosis of <50%, PON1 phenotype frequencies were 41% [Q phenotype], 46% [QR phenotype] and 13% [R phenotype]. Frequencies of Q, QR and R phenotypes in patients with stenosis of >70% were 48%, 41% and 11%, respectively. Based on this study and other studies conducted in Iran, it can be concluded that in the Iranian population there is no statistically difference in phenotype distribution of PON1 between patients with CAD [with severe stenosis or mild stenosis] and healthy individuals

effect of atherogenic diet with or without enzyme inhibitors on the incidence and progress of atherosclerosis in rabbits

PON1 [Paraoxonase – 1] is an esterase enzyme which is associated with high density lipoprotein [HDL]. The enzyme prevents the peroxidation of low density lipoprotein [LDL]. The susceptibility of LDL for oxidation is the proven risk factor for coronary artery diseases. The aim of this study is to survey the effect of atherogenic diet with or without enzyme inhibitors on the incidence and progression of atherosclerosis in rabbits. Twenty four New Zealand white rabbits divided into three groups [control, under the atherogenic diet, atherogenic diet and nandrolone decanoate - paraoxonase inhibitor therapy] and were treated for two months. At the beginning and end of the treatment, 5 mL of blood was obtained to determine the levels of total antioxidant capacity [TAC], HDL, mallon dialdehide [MDA] and PON1. After sixty days rabbits anesthetized under standard conditions, and sampling carried out from heart arteries for pathological examinations. Data were analyzed using statistical software SPSS/15 and one way ANOVA and paired t-test statistical tests. The results showed that the plasma levels of TAC, HDL, MDA and PON1 had significant changes in this study [P<0.05]. The pathological study showed that in the presence of PON1, the formation and progression of atheroma is diminished. The results of this study showed that cholesterol-rich diet decreased serum level of PON1 which in turn led to a reduction in formation and progression of atheroma. It was shown that the enzyme inhibitor helps accelerating the development of atheroma.

Correlation between the level of cholesteryl ester transfer protein in follicular fluid with fertilization rates in IVF/ ICSI cycles

Follicular fluid [FF] plays an important role in oocytes and embryo development, which may contribute to IVF/ICSI success rate. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between cholesteryl ester transfer protein [CETP] level in FF and the success rate of IVF/ICSI. In a cross-sectional study, FF samples, FF samples were obtained from 100 patients referred to Tabriz Alzahra Hospital. Seventy-nine subjects underwent IVF and the remaining 21 underwent ICSI. The levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], apolipoprotein A-I and CETP were measured using enzymatic, turbidometric and ELISA methods respectively. Analysis of the subgroups with different levels of CETP showed a significant lower level of CETP in the subgroup with the lowest number of mature oocytes [p<0.05]. The level of CETP was also considerably lower [18%, p=0.05] in subjects with<50% oocytes fertilization ratio than subjects with >70% of this ratio. While no association was found for pregnancy, the amount of CETP in FF was associated positively to the maturity and the percentage of oocyte fertilization

Erythropoietin prevention effect on induced apoptosis by ischemia- reperfusion in myocytes of rat

Ischemia- reperfusion is the common cause of apoptosis in most of cells specially myocytes. Prevention and reduction of apoptosis in myocardium can be one of the main medical goal before surgical operation, angioplasty and after infarction. Erythropoietin receiving effect 24 hours before hypoxia beginning on myocytes apoptosis rate and inflammatory process following half an hour hypoxia and 1.5 hour reperfusion are aim of this study. 40 Rats were divided randomly into two groups. 24 hours before surgical operation, 5000 Iu/Kg erythropoietin was injected to experimental group. During operation 12 rats from experimental group and 11 rats from control group were lost. After anesthesia, using ligation in left coronary artery for 30 minutes hypoxia and 1.5 hours reperfusion were applied. Then Thorax was opened and after bleeding, the animal's heart was isolated and two tissue samples of infarct and non-infarct area were separated and fixed. Then blood serum samples separated and incubated in -76[degree] C. Apoptosis intensity in heart tissue was measured by tunel method CK-MB level by method and DGKC, hsCRP by Elisa using Immunodiagnostic kit. The results were calculated Mean +/- SD. Then using paired student's t- test their deference were shown. Level of statistical significant was considered P< 0.05. Activity level of CK-MB [1550U/L to 340] in experimental group was less than control group [P

Association between paraoxonase-1 activity and the extent of coronary stenosis

Paraoxonase [PON1] can prevent oxidized low-den sity lipoprotein formation and development of atherosclerotic lesions. However, studies on the association between PON1 activity and the extent of coronary stenosis and underlying mechanism[s] are limited. In this study, the relationship between paraoxonose and arylesterase activities of PON1 with extent of coronary stenosis together with determination of PON1 phenotypes in the studied have been investigated. Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were measured in 61 patients with coronary stenosis of 50% and 63 Patients with coronary stenosis of 70% Individual human serum phenotype for the PON1 Q192R polymorphism was achieved through dividing the Paraoxonase activity in the presence of IM NaCL by arylesterase activity. Patients with stenosis of 50% had significantly higher PON1 activity [p0.05] and HDL-Cholesterol [p 0.03] compared to those with stenosis of 70%. No significant difference [p 0.05] was observed in the phonotype distribution of males and females. According to the current study, there are significant differences in paraoxonase and arylesterase activates and also HDL-C levels between patients with coronary stenosis of 50% and those with coronary stenosis of 70% therefore, this study provides further support for the important role of paraoxonase activity in coronary atherosclerosis

Comparison of oxidative stress content during on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

In contrast to conventional on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG] surgery only mild increase of parameters of oxidative stress is reported during and after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. In this study, we attempted to determine the role of off-pump CABG in the myocardial and systemic inflammatory responses. One hundred patients who underwent elective CABG were divided to three groups: I] patients underwent off- pump CABG or 2] on-pump CABG surgery with controlled reperfusion and 3] on-pump CABG with noncontrolled reperfusion. We took patients systemic venous blood samples for the measurement of serum level malondialde hyde [MDA], Troponin [cTnI] and total antioxidant [TAC] and blood level superoxiddismotas [SOD], before and after Ischemia and reperfusion. Mean values of decrease left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] after surgery in patients group 3 were higher than patients group2 and also [LVEF] in patients group2 were higher than patients group l [P

Effect of matrigel on function and morphology of human endometrial epithelial cell in vitro

The importance of extra cellular matrix [ECM] in development and function of different cells has been reported but little is known about its role in human endometrial epithelial cells. The aim of the present study was to examine effects of artificial ECM [Matrigel] and progesterone on the function and morphology of human endometrial epithelial cells in vitro. Endometrial samples were removed, with informed patients consent and Ethics Committee approval, from 17 previously fertile women undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy. The tissue was dissociated and centrifuged to provide an epithelial rich suspension which was cultured either on plastic or seeded into Matrigel to produce polarized cells and then supplemented with or without progesterone [10-6 M]. The amount of nucleic acid content of the cells in both in vitro model systems was examined by DNA, RNA extraction methods. The DNA and RNA content were later measured by spectrophotometry. The amount of total RNA in cells grown on Matrigel [23 +/- 1.5 pg/cell] was more than double that in cells grown on pl1astic [9.1 +/- 1.4 pg/cell]. Cells cultured on both in vitro model systems had RNA induced by steroid hormones, but the extent of induction was greater in cells grown on Matrigel [30 +/- 2 pg/cell] than those on plastic [12 +/- 1.9 pg/cell]. Cells cultured on Matrigel were differentiated and became polarized but cells grown on plastic proliferated to full confluency. Cells grown on Matrigel with progesterone supplementation were highly polarized, euchromatic and had greater mitochondria and accumulation of glycogen, when compared to unsupplemented cultures. These results suggest that ECM plays an important role in gene expression, polarization and differentiation of human endometrial epithelial cells in vitro. Endometrial cells grown on ECM responded to steroid hormone in a manner to that reported in endometrial cells in vivo

Study ofMDA, antioxidant vitamins, lipoproteins serum levels and anthropometry parameters in coronary artery disease patients

To compare the serum level of MDA [malondialdehyde], antioxidant vitamins, lipoproteins and anthropometry parameters, of 40 patients with coronary artery disease [CAD] and at least one vessel stenosis more than 70% and 40 healthy persons [control group] with mean age of 53.7 +/- 9.45 years were selected for this study. All patients and the healthy controls were evaluated in aspects of anthropometry parameters including weight, height, Basal Metabolic Index [BMI] and waist to hip ratio, angiographic status of coronary arteries [only in patient group], serum levels of triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL2, HDL3, MDA and vitamins E and C. Results showed that BMI and waist to hip ratio in patients were significantly elevated in control group [p<0.01] whereas serum levels of antioxidant vitamins were lower [p<0.001]. Serum levels of MDA in the patients were increased significantly in comparison with the control group [p<0.001]. LDL/HDL ratios were higher and Vitamin E/Cholesterol ratios were lower of patients compared to the control group. These results suggest that decrease of antioxidant vitamins and increase of MDA serum levels play important roles in the pathogenesis of CAD