Putative Effects of Sex Hormones on Urinary Tract Infection.

Urinary tract infections affect mostly females. The infection and possible consequent ascent of bacteria is enhanced by various risk factors. Sex hormones regulate gene transcription implicated in immune cell development and maturation, in regulation of immune responses and immune signalling pathways. Limited knowledge is available; however, recent findings underline the importance of understanding the interactions between sex hormones and urinary tract infection to diminish the occurrence of complications related to this infection. This review summarizes and discusses the current knowledge on the correlation and impact of sex hormones on urinary tract infections.

Effect of DSS on Bacterial Growth in Gastrointestinal Tract.

Inflammatory bowel disease is an idiopathic autoimmune disorder that is mainly divided into ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Probiotics are known for their beneficial effect and used as a treatment option in different gastrointestinal problems. The aim of our study was to find suitable bacterial vectors for gene therapy of inflammatory bowel disease. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium SL7207 and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 were investigated as potential vectors. Our results show that the growth of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 was inhibited in the majority of samples collected from dextran sodium sulphate-treated animals compared with control growth in phosphate-buffered saline. The growth of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium SL7207 in all investigated samples was enhanced or unaffected in comparison with phosphate-buffered saline; however, it did not reach the growth rates of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917. Dextran sodium sulphate treatment had a stimulating effect on the growth of both strains in homogenates of distant small intestine and proximal colon samples. The gastrointestinal tract contents and tissue homogenates did not inhibit growth of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium SL7207 in comparison with the negative control, and provided more suitable environment for growth compared to Escherichia coli Nissle 1917. We therefore conclude that Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium SL7207 is a more suitable candidate for a potential bacterial vector, even though it has no known probiotic properties.

[The first pregnancy and birth after cryopreservation of oocytes in the Czech Republic--importance of the method for reproductive medicine]. / První tehotenství a porod po kryokonzervaci oocytu v CR--význam metodiky pro reprodukcní medicínu.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to develop methods for successful cryopreservation of human oocytes. DESIGN: Case-controlled study and case report. SETTING: Sanatorium Pronatal, Prague. METHODS: Propanediol (PrOH)-sucrose was used as cryoprotectant medium for cumulus-free oocytes and stepwise dilution of cryoprotectant post-thaw. RESULTS: The method was used in three patients (38 denuded oocytes) and yielded excellent survival and fertilization rates (89.5% and 73.5% respectively). In all patients embryo-transfer was possible, one patient got pregnant and delivered a healthy baby. CONCLUSION: Our data show that cryopreservation may ensure that the integrity of the human oocyte is adequate for normal fertilization and embryo development.