Levels of plasma ACTH in men from infertile couples.

INTRODUCTION: Emotional stress connected with work or, for example, depressive reaction to infertility, is one of frequent causes of decreased quality of semen. An objective examination of this factor is difficult because stress depends also on patient's emotionality. One of the ways to study this problem is evaluating the relation between ACTH level and selected semen parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was based on results of the examination of 83 men from couples treated for infertility in the Gynecology and Infertility Clinic of the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. Determination of ACTH, FSH, LH, cortisol, testosterone and androstendion was performed using ELISA. RESULTS: Lower average values of semen volume, sperm cells concentration and A sperm cell mobility and higher value of D sperm cells mobility were identified in the group of men from couples treated for infertility with ACTH level >30 pg/ml in comparison to the WHO standards and the control group with ACTH <30 pg/ml. Higher ACTH and cortisol levels were detected in the group of men with the sperm count <10 mln/mL in comparison to the control group with the sperm count >20 mln/mL. Low and statistically insignificant correlation was observed between androstendion and testosterone levels, what might suggest the reduction of testosterone synthesis in this group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results might indicate that the rise of ACTH and cortisol inhibit the conversion of adrostendion into testosterone in Leydig-cells resulting in the rise of androstendion, drop of testosterone production and lower average values of semen volume, sperm cells concentration and A sperm cell mobility and higher value of D sperm cells mobility.

Changes of maternal ACTH and oxytocinase plasma concentrations during the first trimester of spontaneous abortion.

INTRODUCTION: The labor at term finishes normal pregnancy. Both labor at term and first trimester spontaneous abortion are connected with increasing cytotoxic immune response within decidua. Th1 cytokines including IL-2 and INF-gamma are able to exert an effect on HPA axis and result in ACTH secretion. Oxytocinase serum level during pregnancy rises with the fetal development and arrest of oxytocinase serum growth might indicate the its development impairment, what might result in spontaneous abortion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 27 patients with clinical symptoms of missed abortion. A control group consisted of 89 pregnant women, who were successfully treated because of infertility. Immunoassay was used to measure ACTH plasma concentration. Oxytocinase plasma activity was established using l-cystine-di-beta-naphthylamide as a substrate. RESULTS: In the present study, significant increase in ACTH plasma concentration was observed during first trimester of spontaneous abortion. These patients were not characterized by significant increase of oxytocinase plasma level. CONCLUSIONS: The observed ACTH rise during spontaneous abortion might be also related to the alterations at the maternal-fetal interface and the response of HPA axis to the growing cytotoxic activity.

Assessment of selected adhesion molecules and lymphocyte subpopulations in children with IgA nephropathy.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the expression of selected adhesion molecules on mononuclear cells of peripheral blood and lymphocyte subpopulations in children with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 14 children with IgAN and 20 healthy controls were included in the study. Flow cytometry was used to determine the expression of such adhesion molecules as L selectin (CD62L), VLA-4 integrin (CD49d), intracellular molecule ICAM-1 (CD54) and cytotoxic lymphocyte molecule CTLA-4 (CD152), as well as the lymphocyte antigens: CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD1656 (NK), CD4 and CD8 RO+ and RA+. RESULTS: The findings revealed that the expression of the adhesion molecules VLA-4 and CTLA-4 did not differ from that of the healthy controls (p > 0.05). However, the expression of CD62L (L-selectin) was increased (p < 0.05). The expression of ICAM-1 was reduced, but not significantly, compared to the control group (p > 0.05). We found a decrease in the expression of NK cells (CD1656) and CD4/CD8 ratio, and an increase in CD8 cells (p < 0.05). In the group of 9/14 children, with proteinuria over 1.0 g/24 hours, a decreased expression of CD4 was additionally found (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The children with IgAN show: 1. Changes in peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations involving an increase in CD8 cells and a decrease in CD1656(NK) cells, a reduction in the CD4/CD8 ratio, and additionally in cases with proteinuria a reduction in CD4 cell count, 2. Increased expression of L-selectin (CD62L) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Threatened and recurrent abortions after treatment of infertility.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the cases of abortions in women after infertility treatment. The study group consists of 77 women with abortions, who were compared with 200 pregnant women (control group) comparable as to duration of pregnancy and time of hospitalization. All women conceived after successful infertility treatment. Martial history, methods of medical therapy as well as oxytocinase and isooxytocinase blood levels, urine HCG levels, cervical smear and ultrasonographic evaluation were studied during hospitalization. The results show the concordance between biochemical and biophysical pregnancy monitoring with data regarding high risk pregnancies. The medical history review shows no clinically useful differences which may be the background of the prognosis. Each pregnancy after successful infertility treatment should be regarded as a high risk one therefore its monitoring is more important than methods of treatment applied before pregnancy. The differences in ovulation induction methods are statistically significant, however in individual cases are not pathognomonic.

[Lymphocyte subpopulations of peripheral blood in children with Schönlein-Henoch purpura and IgA nephropathy]. / Subpopulacje limfocytów krwi obwodowej u dzieci z choroba Schönleina-Henocha i nefropatia IgA.

The main lymphocytes' subpopulations of peripheral blood in 21 children (mean age--9.8 +/- 3.3 y) with permanent proteinuria and haematuria, 11 with IgA nephropathy (IgA) and 10 with nephropathy in course of Schonlein-Henoch purpura (Sch-H) during intensification of symptoms were assessed on flow cytometer f. Coultier, using monoclonal antibodies. The control group consisted of 21 healthy children at the same age. The results showed decreased percentage of CD4 and increased percentage of CD8 with decreased CD4/CD8 ratio in both groups of examined children. In most cases also increased percentage of B lymphocytes (CD19) were noticed and especially in children from N IgA group increased concentration of immunoglobulin A in serum. Only in some patients increased percentage of natural cytotoxic cells NK were noticed. The results were similar either in N IgA or Sch-H groups.

[The course of post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis depending on methods of treatment for the preceding respiratory tract infection]. / Przebieg popaciorkowcowego klebuszkowego zapalenia nerek w zaleznosci od sposobu leczenia poprzedzajacego zapalenia dróg oddechowych.

UNLABELLED: The aim of our work was to assess the course of post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) in children according to the way of preceding respiratory tract infection treatment. The examinations were carried out in a group of 26 children aged 5-15 years, who were divided into two subgroups: I--12 children, who did not receive antibacterial treatment, and II--14 children who were shortly treated with different antibiotics (3-5 days). All the children had full symptomatic picture of post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis with haematuria, oedemas, hypertension and hypocomplementemia. The etiology was diagnosed retrospectively during observation of ASO titer dynamics and additionally in 18 after finding pathogenic Streptococcus strains in pharyngeal swab. The differences in the course of illness was shown only during first weeks. In children from the group I the course of acute APSGN was a little more serious, because haematuria, proteinuria and hypertension were observed longer. Symptoms of nephrotic syndrome were observed in two children, acute renal insufficiency in two children, and one with hypertensive encephalopathy. After 3 and 12 months no children had pathological signs. Erythrocyturia was observed in 19 of 26 children after 3 months and in 10 of 26 children after 12 months after illness with similar frequency in both groups. In 5 children with proteinuria renal biopsy showed mesangialis proliferative glomerulonephritis--1st degree. CONCLUSION: All observed children with APSGN were not cured properly during the respiratory tract infection preceding the disease, however even short antibacterial treatment caused the moderation of symptoms.

Antioxidative defense to lead stress in subcellular compartments of pea root cells.

Lead, similar to other heavy metals and abiotic factors, causes many unfavorable changes at the subcellular and molecular levels in plant cells. An increased level of superoxide anion in Pisum sativum root cells treated with 1 mM Pb(NO3)2 evidenced oxidative stress conditions. We found increased activities of enzymatic components of the antioxidative system (catalase and superoxide dismutase) in the cytosol, mitochondrial and peroxisomal fractions isolated from root cells of Pisum sativum grown in modified Hoagland medium in the presence of lead ions (0.5 or 1 mM). Two isoenzyme forms of superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD) found in different subcellular compartments of pea roots were more active in Pb-treated plants than in control. Increased amount of alternative oxidase accompanied by an increased activity of this enzyme was found in mitochondria isolated from lead-treated roots. These results show that plants storing excessive amounts of lead in roots defend themselves against the harmful oxidative stress caused by this heavy metal.

[Ultrasound-guided renal biopsy with automatic needle with a leader]. / Biopsja nerki pod kontrola obrazu ultrasonograficznego z uzyciem automatycznej igly z prowadnica.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this work was to discuss the results of percutaneous renal biopsy under control of ultrasound, using automated needle. 110 specimen in 55 children aged 3-18 years were obtained. Adequate biopsy was obtained in 53 children. Only in 26% of children the number of glomeruli in each specimen was below 8. The most frequent complication was microscopic haematuria, lasted 1-3 days, which was shown in 70.9% of children. Perirenal haematoma smaller than 2 cm was observed in about 12% of children and pain during the first day after biopsy in 20% of examined children. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous renal biopsy using automated biopsy needle under control of ultrasound is safe and efficient method, which is used for definitive diagnosis.

Comparison of two Salmonella enteritidis phage typing schemes.

The comparison of two phage typing schemes for Salmonella enteritidis was performed. A total of 517 strains were phage-typed according to the schemes of Lalko [27] and Ward et al. [21]. Strains were isolated from food-poisoning outbreaks and other common sources in Poland, between 1986-1995. Above 99% of all strains tested were differentiated to the definitive phage type using the Lalko collection of typing phages. Phage types 1 and 7 (PTs 1, 7) were the most isolated. The typing phages of Ward enabled to assign 56.5% of all strains (a total of 14 phage types were presented), 37.1% - reacted with phages without showing any of the designated phage types and 6.4% were untypable. Phage type 8 (PT8) predominated. The majority of Salmonella enteritidis strains from one phage type outbreaks of Lalko presented different types of lytic reactions with the Ward phages. Only the correspondence of Salmonella enteritidis PT7 of Lalko with PT8 of Ward et al. [21] was observed.

[Bacteriophage types of Salmonella enteritidis occurring in Poland in 1986-1995]. / Typy bakteriofagowe Salmonella Enteritidis wystepujace w Polsce w latach 1986-1995.

The Lalko phages collection was used to phage type a total of 517 Salmonella Enteritidis strains isolated from food-poisoning outbreaks (312 strains) and other common sources (205 strains) in Poland, during the years 1986-1995. Above 99.0% of all strains tested were recognized as belonging to definitive phage type. Phage types 1, 6 and 7 were predominant. The strains of type 1 and 7 were most numerous. Of the 517 examined strains 312 were isolated from 46 food-poisoning outbreaks. Most of them came from the one phage type outbreaks; 8 mixed outbreaks were noted. The greatest number of the food-poisoning outbreaks was caused by Salmonella Enteritidis phage types 1, 6 and 7. Phage type 16 was isolated from persons for the first time.

[Salmonella serovars defined in Poland]. / Zestawienie serowarów Salmonella wystepujacych w Polsce.

One hundred and sixty nine serovars of Salmonella, belonging to 28 different O groups, were defined in the National Salmonella Centre. All the serovars were isolated in Poland. Above 70% (121/169) of them belonged to five O groups--O:4 (31 serovars), O:7 (28 serovars), O:8 (27 serovars), O:3,10 (20 serovars) and O:9 (15 serovars). Other O groups were represented by some (1 to 8) serovars. All the serovars were described according to the changes in taxonomy of the genus Salmonella and in serovars nomenclature. These changes, proposed by WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Salmonella (Paris, France), reflect the recent advances in Salmonella taxonomy.

[Salmonella serovars determined in the National Salmonella Center between 1995 and 1997]. / Serowary Salmonella okreslone w Krajowym Osrodku Salmonella w latach 1995-1997.

A total of 897 human and non-human (from animal, food, feed and other sources) isolates of Salmonella were serotyped in the National Salmonella Centre during the period 1995-1997. They had been referred to the Centre by several field laboratories all over the country. Serological and biochemical identification was performed according to the standard methods. Forty seven Salmonella serovars were isolated from human sources. The most common Salmonella serovars were S. Thompson, S. Mbandaka and S. Enteritidis. The other were S. Hadar, S. Infantis, S. Albany, S. Typhimurium and S. Virchow. The serovars isolated from the food products were almost the same as from human sources. A total of 37 Salmonella serovars were found in isolates from animal sources. The dominating serovars were S. Enteritidis, S. Mbandaka, S. Bredeney, S. Infantis, S. Anatum, S. Typhimurium, S. Hadar, S. Saintpaul, S. Agona, S. Virchow, S. Heidelberg and S. Thompson. The fact that a number of the same serovars were found on lists of the most commonly isolated serovars from human and animal sources underlines the importance of the relationship. The lack of information of Salmonella contaminated food products and animal infections was noticed More detail examination of isolates from animal sources is advised to help the fight against human salmonellosis.

[Use of WARD et al's scheme for bacteriophage typing of Salmonella enteritidis strains isolated in Poland]. / Zastosowanie schematu WARD i wsp. do typowania bakteriofagowego szczepów Salmonella enteritidis wystepujacych w Polsce.

The typing phages set of Ward et al. was used to type a total of 517 strains of Salmonella Enteritidis isolated in Poland in 1986-1995. According to the Ward et al. scheme, 56.5% of the strains tested were assigned to 14 different phage types. Phage types 8, 4, 1 and 4a were placed first, second, third and fourth, respectively. They were dominated both in the outbreak isolates and in the isolates from the other sources. Ten phage types were represented by single strains. Other strains reacted with phages without showing any of the designated phage type (37.1%) or were untypable (6.4%). The Ward et al. scheme seems to demonstrate not enough high degree of strain discrimination for Salmonella Enteritidis isolates in Poland. It seems that the Ward et al. scheme is not enough useful for the epidemiological investigations of Salmonella Enteritidis in Poland.

[Nephrotoxicity evaluation of cytostatic agents in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia]. / Ocena nefrotoksycznosci cytostatyków u dzieci z ostra bialaczka limfoblastyczna.

Urinary excretion of the markers of tubular nephrotoxicity, total NAG and isoenzymes A and B and B-2-M, were evaluated in urine of 21 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia after the first injection of cytostatic administrated according to the BFM scheme: VCR + Rub, L-aspa, CY, Ara-C. Every administrated drug caused temporary elevation in urinary excretion of total NAG and isoenzyme B and B-2-M. GFR was unchanged. These results point to nephrotoxicity of cytostatics. Peak total NAG, isoenzyme B and B-2-M excretion was observed on the third day after L-aspa and Ara-C injection.

[Evaluation of the combined effect of cupric chloride and sodium nitrite on selected biochemical parameters in rat plasma (subchronic exposure)]. / Ocena lacznego wplywu chlorku miedziowego i azotynu sodu na wybrane parametry biochemiczne osocza szczurów (narazenie subchroniczne).

The study was performed on 4 groups of male Wistar rats, receiving p.o. through 3 months every day: 1). Sodium nitrite in dose 30 mg/kg b.w. x day (0.2 LD50); 2). Cupric chloride in dose 4.67 mg/kg b.w. x day (0.03 LD50); 3 ). Cupric chloride and sodium nitrite in amounts as above, and 4). Control group--received dest. water. The activity of alanine aminotransferase (AlAT), aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGTP-ase) and creatinine and urea level in blood plasma were determined 24 hours after the last application of compounds. There was showed, that every day rats' intoxication with sodium nitrate during 90 days caused the significant increase of gamma-glutamyltransferase activity and decrease of urea level in the blood plasma. Subchronic exposure to copper and copper with sodium nitrate causes no effect on biochemical parameters were studied.

[Use of salazopyrin in Schonlein-Henoch disease]. / Zastosowanie salazopiryny w chorobie Schonleina-Henocha.

A favourable effect was achieved of treatment with salazopyrin of severe abdominal of Schoenlein-Henoch disease (SH). Salazopyrin was used in two children with generalized form of SH, with paroxysmal abdominal pain and bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.

[Evaluation of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and its isoenzyme activities in the urine of children with primary and secondary hypertension]. / Ocena aktywnosci N-acetylo-beta-D-glukozaminidazy (NAG) i jej izoenzymów w moczu dzieci z nadcisnieniem pierwotnym i wtórnym.

The total activity of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and its isoenzymes A and B was determined in the urine of 18 children aged 9-18 years with essential hypertension and 21 with nephrogenic hypertension. The results were compared with those in a control group of 30 healthy children. The obtained results show that in children with stabilized hypertension (above the 95 centile) of essential type the proportion (above the 95 centile) of essential type the proportion of urinary isoenzymes are changes, with higher activity of the B isoenzyme. On the other hand, in children with nephrogenic hypertension the total activity and the activity of the B isoenzyme are increased. After reduction of blood pressure following hypotensive treatment (below the 90th centile) the activity of NAG and its isoenzymes was again normal in essential hypertension and was much reduced in nephrogenic hypertension. The study demonstrated that hypertension leads to transient damage to the proximal tubules which is reversed by effective hypotensive treatment.