Effect of zearalenone on reproductive parameters and expression of selected testicular genes in mice.

We tested the effect of two different concentrations (150µg/l and 0.15µg/l) of mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEA) on the reproductive parameters and expression of testicular genes in male mice. In adult males, no reduction of body or reproductive organ weight was observed, and the seminiferous tubules were morphologically normal with ongoing spermatogenesis. However, we found decreased sperm concentration, increase of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa and increased binding of apoptotic marker annexin V. This study was also focused on the evaluation of gene expression profiles of 28 genes playing important roles during the processes occurring in the testicular tissue. We detected changes in the expression of genes important for proper spermatogenesis. Surprisingly, we observed a stronger effect after exposure to the lower dose of ZEA.

[Tactics of hypolipidemic therapy after myocardial revascularization]. / Taktika hypolipidemické lécby po revaskularizaci srdce.

Previous investigations revealed that hypolipidaemic treatment of patients with IHD in the Czech Republic is inadequate. Patients after revascularization operations are discharged from cardiosurgical departments without suitable medication and moreover the values of the lipid spectrum are affected by the surgical intervention. The objective of the investigation was to evaluate the indication of hypolipidaemic treatment during hospitalization or later during check-up examinations by attending physicians. The authors evaluated retrospectively 100 patients after revascularization operations of the heart discharged without hypolipidaemic treatment and 40 patients treated with fluvastatin because of the lipid values before surgery. Using questionnaires it was revealed that in the group without pharmacological intervention in 36% patients the lipid levels were checked and hypolipidaemic treatment was started in 14% of the patients. In the patients with pharmacological treatment 100% adherence to treatment and improvement of the lipid spectrum was found similarly as in comparable trials. Fluvastatin treatment was well tolerated. In the authors view hypolipidaemic treatment after revascularization should be started before discharge from hospital with regard to preoperative results of the lipid spectrum.