Role of thymoquinone and ebselen in the prevention of sodium arsenite-induced nephrotoxicity in female rats.

The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of thymoquinone (TQ) and ebselen (Eb) on arsenic (As)-induced renal toxicity in female rats. Sodium arsenite was orally administrated at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight daily for 28 days, either alone or 1 h before TQ (10 mg/kg) or Eb (5 mg/kg) administration. Renal tissue As concentration and oxidative stress markers, including lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitrite/nitrate, and glutathione (GSH) levels, were determined. In addition to the oxidative stress response, antioxidant enzyme activities including that of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase were measured. Exposure to As elicited a significant increase in As concentration and significant modifications to the redox state of the kidney, as was evidenced by a significant elevation in LPO and nitrite/nitrate concentration, with a concomitant reduction in GSH content and antioxidant enzyme activity. The oxidant/antioxidant imbalance observed in As toxicity was associated with a significant elevation in renal tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein, and caspase 3 levels, in addition to a significant decrease in Bcl-2 levels. Post-administration of TQ and Eb markedly prevented As-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and As accumulation in the renal tissue and reduced histological renal damage. These findings demonstrate that TQ, the main bioactive phytochemical constituent of Nigella sativa seed oil, and Eb, an organoselenium compound, could significantly inhibit As-induced oxidative damage, apoptosis, and inflammation, and significantly attenuate the accumulation of As in renal tissues by facilitating As biomethylation and excretion.

Basal serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels as predictors of pregnancy in unstimulated donor insemination cycles.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of basal serum follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol levels in predicting pregnancy in women undergoing artificial insemination with donor sperm for severe male factor infertility. METHOD: A retrospective chart review of 48 women who had at least 2 cycles of artificial insemination with donor sperm and who had undergone testing for basal serum follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol levels prior to or during therapy. RESULTS: There was no difference in age or mean basal serum follicle stimulating hormone between women who conceived (clinical pregnancy) and those who did not. Women who conceived had significantly lower mean serum basal estradiol levels (P = 0.02) and significantly fewer numbers of treatment cycles (P = 0.041). The highest pregnancy rate was among those women with normal basal serum follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol levels. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed basal serum estradiol to be a more reliable predictor of pregnancy than follicle stimulating hormone. CONCLUSIONS: Basal serum follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol levels may be useful in predicting success with artificial insemination with donor sperm. It may be useful to obtain basal serum follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol prior to initiating artificial insemination with donor sperm.

The incidence of asymptomatic uterine anomalies in women undergoing transcervical tubal sterilization.

The incidence of congenital anomalies of the uterus has generally been obtained from studies of women undergoing evaluation for infertility, and has been reported as 1-10%. However, the true incidence of uterine malformations is not known. This study reviews hysterosalpingograms obtained for evaluation of tubal closure after transcervical sterilization in normal multiparous women using methylcyanoacrylate and the FEMCEPT device. Of the 840 hysterosalpingograms studied, 16 congenital uterine anomalies were identified, for an incidence of 1.9%. The presence of anomalies in this population of women may more closely represent the incidence of congenital uterine anomalies in the general population.

Hysteroscopic resection of intrauterine scars using a new technique.

The authors describe a 5-year experience with 27 patients who had confirmed intrauterine scars at hysteroscopy, all of whom underwent resection of the scar. Of the 27, 14 became pregnant at least once, and 13 did not conceive. Hysteroscopic and hysterographic evidence of intrauterine scar was in general more severe in those who did not become pregnant. There were no cases of abdominal placentation in the 18 pregnancies after surgical repair, although there was 1 case of postpartum hemorrhage. Details of technique, including postoperative use of estrogen and the intrauterine device, are discussed.

Symptomatic intrauterine retention of fetal bones.

Four patients with symptomatic intrauterine retention of fetal bones are discussed. Presenting complaints included infertility, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginitis, and spontaneous passage of fetal bones. Two patients had uterine anomalies; 1 patient had a retained twin pregnancy. Pelvic ultrasound and x-ray films of the pelvic cavity are helpful in making a diagnosis. Hysteroscopy is invaluable both in confirming the diagnosis and in achieving successful removal of fetal bone.

Excision of submucus fibroids with hysteroscopic control.

Hysteroscopy offers a new option in the diagnosis and management of submucus fibroids. The hysteroscopic excision of submucus fibroids in five cases is described. The problems and potentials of this approach are discussed.