Protective effects of L-carnitine on reproductive capacity in rats with diabetes.

To explore the protective effects of L-carnitine on erectile function and reproductive function in rats with diabetes. A total of 60 male diabetes mellitus induced-erectile dysfunction (DMED) rats were randomly divided into three groups, 20 rats in each group. The blank group was fed normally, the control group was fed with 0.9% sodium chloride solution 5 ml/kg/day, and the experimental group was given L-carnitine 300 mg/kg/day. After six weeks, the Corpus cavernosum penis pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured. The sperm of epididymis were taken to detect the parameters of sperm. After six weeks of treatment, ICP and MAP in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group and blank group (p < 0.05), and sperm density and PR in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group and the blank group (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group and blank group (p < 0.05). Malondialdehyde (MDA) in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group and blank group (p < 0.05). The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group and blank group (p < 0.05). We conclude that L-carnitine can significantly improve erectile function and reproductive function in rats with diabetes and it has great potential in the treatment of systemic organ damage in DMED rats.

Automated volume scanner system ultrasonography for evaluation of varicose veins of the lower extremities.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of automated volume scanner system (AVSS) ultrasonography in the clinical evaluation of varicose veins of the leg. METHODS: Varicose veins of the leg were evaluated using both handheld ultrasonography and AVSS. Morphological features (tortuosity, focal ectasia, thrombosis) and saphenous vein diameter were observed. RESULTS: A total of 69 legs (43 patients) were examined. The overall quality of AVSS images was excellent in all cases. AVSS allowed visualization of the entire length of the great and small saphenous veins. Significantly more cases of tortuosity, focal ectasia and thrombosis were detected using AVSS than handheld ultrasonography. The size and mean diameter of veins were consistent between the two methodologies. CONCLUSIONS: Coronal plane AVSS ultrasonography images were useful for the detection of tortuosity, focal ectasia and thrombosis. AVSS and handheld ultrasonography can be combined to provide both anatomical and functional information, facilitating the planning of surgical treatment of varicose veins.

Properties of a new acid-buffering bioadhesive vaginal formulation (ACIDFORM).

Vaginal prophylactic methodology may prevent heterosexual transmission of the HIV and other sexually transmitted disease-causing organisms as well as unplanned pregnancies. A new delivery system (ACIDFORM) was designed with acid-buffering, bioadhesive, and viscosity-retaining properties to (1) maintain the acidic vaginal milieu (the low pH inactivates many pathogens and spermatozoa), (2) form a protective layer over the vaginal/cervical epithelium (minimizing contact with pathogenic organisms), and (3) provide long-term vaginal retention. A Phase I clinical study with ACIDFORM provided initial information about its safety and showed the formation of a layer over the vaginal/cervical epithelium [1; Amaral et al., Contraception 1999;60:361-6]. To study the properties of the gel (without active ingredient) in more detail, ACIDFORM's acid-buffering, bioadhesive, viscosity-retaining, and spermicidal properties were compared in vitro to marketed formulations, and its long-term stability was assessed. ACIDFORM, either when titrated with NaOH or when mixed directly with semen, is highly acid buffering and much more effective than Aci-Jel, a commercial acid-buffering vaginal product. ACIDFORM adheres well to two model membranes (excised sheep vagina and cellophane) and is more bioadhesive than Conceptrol, Advantage S, Replens, Aci-Jel, and K-Y jelly. On dilution, ACIDFORM also retains its viscosity better than these marketed products. ACIDFORM is spermicidal and is stable for at least 2 years. These results suggest that ACIDFORM has advantages over presently marketed vaginal delivery systems. The gel may either be useful by itself as an antimicrobial contraceptive product or as a formulation vehicle for an active ingredient with antimicrobial and/or contraceptive properties.

Comparative vaginal spermicidal studies in the stumptailed macaque with alkyloxynol-741, nonoxynol-9 and chlorhexidine.

Alkyloxynol-741 ("agent 741") is used in the People's Republic of China as a substitute for nonoxynol-9 in vaginal contraceptive formulations. However, no studies are available that compare the effectiveness of these agents as vaginal spermicides. For this reason, dissolvable polyvinylalcohol (PVA) films were prepared containing various concentrations of alkyloxynol-741 and nonoxynol-9. Films were also prepared containing chlorhexidine, a potentially new vaginal contraceptive agent. Postcoital vaginal spermicidal studies were performed with the films in the stumptailed macaque (Macaca arctoides). The order of spermicidal potency was: alkyloxynol-741 greater than nonoxynol-9 greater than chlorhexidine. These observations suggest that alkyloxynol-741 can be used instead of nonoxynol-9 in those countries where alkyloxynol-741 is more readily available and can be obtained at a lower cost.

Comparison of the spermicidal activity and acute toxicity of nonoxynol-9 and agent 741 [alkylphenoxy polyethoxy ethanol(10)].

A spermicidal agent called "741" is used in the People's Republic of China as a substitute for nonoxynol-9 in vaginal contraceptive preparations. The relative spermicidal activity of these two agents was evaluated using dog, rabbit, monkey and human semen. Acute LD50 determinations in mice were also performed. The spermicidal activity and acute toxicity of both agents were either identical or very similar in all species. Since agent 741 is less expensive than nonoxynol-9 to manufacture and equally as potent in vitro, it is an alternative spermicide for vaginal contraceptive formulations.