First Report of Fragaria chiloensis cryptic virus, Fragaria chiloensis latent virus, Strawberry mild yellow edge virus, Strawberry necrotic shock virus, and Strawberry pallidosis associated virus in Single and Mixed Infections in Strawberry in Central Mexico.

For phytosanitary purposes, the prevalence and incidence of viruses found in strawberry production within a centralized breeding program was investigated in Abasolo and Irapuato Counties, Guanajuato State, Mexico. Single and mixed infections of Strawberry mottle virus (SMoV) and Strawberry crinkle virus (SCV) were originally reported in the area (3), and subsequently, Strawberry latent ringspot virus (SLRSV) was also found (4). Samples of strawberry plants showing viral symptoms: stunting, mild chlorosis and reddening, occasional wrinkled, curled, and deformed leaves that may exhibit mottling, and chlorotic spots, forming a putative virus complex were collected in April and December 2007 and July and December 2008. The detection and identification of viruses reported in the United States, the country of origin of most of the imported plantlets, was carried out with sets of primers for 11 viruses, through reverse transcription (RT)-PCR (developed by Robert Martin and Ioannis Tzanetakis in Corvallis, OR). The endogenous NADH 2 subunit was employed to test the quality of the RNA extracted. Amplification conditions were: 40 cycles of 1 min at each temperature, denaturation at 95°C, annealing at 50°C for Strawberry necrotic shock virus (SNSV); 52°C for Strawberry mild yellow edge virus (SMYEV); 55°C for Fragaria chiloensis latent virus (FClLV), Strawberry pallidosis associated virus (SPaV), Fragaria chiloensis cryptic virus (FClCV), and SMoV; and 58°C for SCV and NADH dehydrogenase, followed by a final extension at 72°C of 5 min after completion of the 40 cycles. The cloning and nucleotide sequencing of amplified fragments revealed the presence of seven viral species in 40 samples collected. These were FClLV, SCV, SMoV, SNSV, SPaV, and SMYEV, which were allocated GenBank accession numbers of JQ629412, JQ629413, JQ629414, JQ629415, JQ629416, and JQ629417, respectively. Strawberry UC-4 and UC-10 (1,2) were planted as indicators of viral infections on an experimental plot. All seven viruses were detected in single or mixed infections. SMoV was the most commonly found in combination with other viruses. Out of 40 samples, 35 were positive for the presence of viruses and six had single infections, of which five had SMoV and one had SPaV. The remaining 29 samples had mixed infections with two or more viruses in a total of 22 combinations. The combination of FCICV + SMoV was present in five samples, whereas the combination of SMoV + SMYEV was in two samples. All other samples had two and up to six different viruses per plant. SMoV was detected in 26 out of the 40 samples tested. SNSV and FClCV were detected in 14 samples. SMYEV was present in 13 samples. SCV was present in nine samples, whereas SPaV and FClLV were found in eight samples each. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of FClLV, FClCV, SNSV, SMYEV, and SPaV in Mexico. References: (1) N. W. Frazier. Plant Dis. Rep. 58:28, 1974. (2) N. W. Frazier. Plant Dis. Rep. 58:203, 1974. (3) D. Teliz-Ortiz and A. Trejo-Reyes. Rev. Mex. Fitopatol. 7:38, 1989. (4) L. Pérez-Moreno et al. Rev. Mex. Fitopatol. 22:187, 2004.

Expresión y serorreactividad de la lipoproteína recombinante de 43-kDa de Bartonella bacilliformis / Expresión and seroreactivity of the recombinant Bartonella bacilliformis 43-kDa lipoprotein

Objetivo: La lipoproteína de 43-kDa de Bartonella bacilliformis fue obtenida en su forma recombinante (rBbLppB) ypurificada para evaluar su serorreactividad mediante ELISA. Materiales y métodos: Los niveles de anticuerpos IgG eIgM humanos en los sueros de pacientes con Bartonelosis confirmada y sueros de otras enfermedades (salmonelosis,Brucelosis y leptospirosis) frente a rBbLppB fueron evaluados por ELISA, se utilizó sueros de personas sanas comocontroles. Resultados: La sensibilidad y la especificidad del ELISA IgG fueron 70,4 y 90 respectivamente. Asimismo,la sensibilidad y especificidad de ELISA IgM fueron 85,2 y 90 respectivamente. Conclusiones: Estos resultadosdemuestran que el ELISA usando rBbLppB tiene una buena sensibilidad y especificidad y puede ser consideradacomo un buen antígeno para el diagnóstico de Bartonelosis causada por B. bacilliformis.

Objective: The Bartonella bacilliformis 43-kDa lipoprotein was obtained from its recombinant form (rBbLppB) and then, purified to evaluate sero-reactivity through ELISA. Material and methods: IgG and IgM humanantibodies levels in the sera of patients with confirmed Bartonellosis and sera of patients with other diseases (salmonellosis, Brucellosis and Leptospirosis), when contrasted with rBbLppB were evaluated by ELISA. Sera from some healthy people were used for controls. Results: Sensitivity and specificity of the IgG ELISA were 70,4% and 90% respectively. Also, sensitivity and specificity of the IgM ELISA were 85,2% and 90%, respectively. Conclusions: These results show that ELISA using rBbLppB is highly sensitive and specific and may be considered a good antigen for the diagnosis of Bartonellosis caused by B. bacilliformis.

Clonamiento, expresión y seroreactividad del antígeno recombinante flagelina de Bartonella bacilliformis / Cloning, expression and seroreactivity of recombinant antigen flagellin of Bartonella bacilliformis

Objetivos. Clonar el gen de la flagelina A (flaA) de Bartonella bacilliformis, expresar y evaluar preliminarmente la seroreactividad de la proteína recombinante a sueros de pacientes con Bartonelosis por B. bacilliformis. Materiales y Métodos. Se diseñó una pareja de oligonucleótidos iniciadores ûBbFlaA1 y BbFlaA2û para la amplificación del gen completo de la flagelina flaA de B. bacilliformis. El producto de amplificación obtenido se clonó en pGEM y luegose subclonó en el vector de expresión pGEX4T-1. Se indujo la expresión de la proteína de fusión rBbFlaA-GST con isopropil tio-β-D-galactosido (IPTG). La proteína de fusión producida fue digerida con trombina para liberarla de GST. Finalmente, una prueba de ELISA fue estandarizada para detectar los anticuerpos IgG contra la proteína de fusión rBbFlaA-GST y rBbflaA libre de GST. Se evaluaron sueros de pacientes con diagnóstico de Bartonelosis por B. bacilliformis (n= 30), sueros de individuos sanos (n= 20) y sueros de pacientes con otras enfermedades de posible reactividad cruzada; entre ellas, Brucelosis (n= 3), leptospirosis (n= 3) y salmonelosis (n=7). Resultados. Se determinó quepara la expresión óptima en E. coli BL21 de la proteína de fusión rBbFlaA se requiere que el cultivo crezca en caldo LB/ampicilina a 30 °C suplementado con 2 por ciento de glucosa a partir de un preinóculo de 100 μL (crecido por toda la noche), hasta que alcance una densidad óptica de 1 OD600 y se induzca por dos horas con 2,5 mM de IPTG. Finalmente, el 57,6 por ciento (17 de 30) sueros de pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de bartonelosis reaccionaron con la proteínarecombinante BbFlaA en el formato de ELISA. Conclusiones. Se logró expresar exitosamente en E. coli la proteína recombinante BbFlaA de B. bacilliformis, determinándose un protocolo de expresión y de purificación de rBbFlaA para la producción de esta proteína. Así también, el antígeno rBbFlaA es reconocido por anticuerpos de sueros de pacientes con Bartonelo...

Objectives: To clone the Bartonella bacilliformis flagellin gene (flaA), and to preliminarily express and assess reactivity of the recombinant protein against B. bacilliformis bartonellosis patients' sera. Materials and Methods: A couple of initiating oligonucleotides was designed -BbFlaA1 and BbFlaA2- for complete B. bacilliformis flagelline A gene amplification. The amplification product obtained was cloned in pEGM, and later it was subcloned in pGEX4T-1 expression vector. Fusion protein rBbFlaA-GST expression was induced with isopropyl thio-β -D-galactoside (IPTG). The fusion protein produced was digested with thrombin in order to release its GST contents. Finally, an ELISA test was standardized in order to detect IgG antibodies against fusion protein rBbFlaA-GST and rBbflaA GST-free. Sera from patients with bartonellosis caused by B. bacilliformis (n= 30), sera from healthy individuals (n= 20), and sera from patients with a possible cross-reactivity; i.e., brucellosis (n= 3), leptospirosis (n= 3), and salmonellosis (n= 7) were assessed. Results: It was determined that for optimal expression of fusion protein rBbFlaA in E. coli BL21, it is required that the culture grows in LB/ampicillin broth at a 30º C temperature, supplemented with 2% glucose from a 100 µL pre-inoculum (left to grow overnight), until it reaches a 1 optical density (OD 600), and being induced for two hours at 2,5 mM IPTG. Finally, 57,6% (17 of 30) sera from patients with a confirmed bartonellosis diagnosis reacted with BbFlaA recombinant protein in an ELISA format. Conclusions: B. bacilliformis BbFlaA recombinant protein was successfully expressed in E. coli, and an rBbFlaA expression and purification protocol was determined for producing this protein. Also, rBbFlaA antigen is recognized by antibodies present in sera from bartonellosis patients infected with B. bacilliformis.

[The process of cell degeneration]. / El proceso degenerativo celular.

It is well conceived that the intention of man in trying to solve human kind ailments, is being a long standing biological rule to give rational solutions at any rate. The response to the current problem studied, approaches a different view of the peripheral and local deteriorating phenomena and offers--in a non classical way--how to maintain the well-being of a population of otherwise healthy women, in trying to defer the degenerative cellular process. Interesting, as the proximity of the XXI century arrives, the technology and the biomedical level of progress seems to be for a way from the ideal, particularly when dealing with a process initiated years before the menopause. This critical period of hormonal imbalance makes also a definite++ e social change for women; such a combination of facts, prompt us to be aware that in society, a women is no longer biologically reproductive but certainly, productive, as an economical drive digure. Needless to say that we must be protective to her and to realize that the number of them will continue to an increase in the years to come. The following two comments intended to associate various levels of the current knowledge of one of the Public Health problems in women.

Disturbing the light-darkness pattern reduces circulating testosterone in healthy men.

This is an analytic-sagital-observational-endocrinological study of the environmental stress induced by disturbing the light-darkness pattern. A population of 15 males, ages 28-59 years old, participated at random. All had had a pattern sleep of 22:00-6:00 h. A blood peripheral sample was obtained in each between 8:00 and 9:30 h several days before 6 April 1997 (summer daylight change) (phase I). A second blood sample was obtained in the following 72 h right after 6 April 1997. No significant changes in estradiol levels were observed; however, on an individual basis 12/15 males showed a testosterone reduction ranging from 5.0 to 48.6%, and, on a group basis testosterone reduction was 4.5 +/- 1.3 vs. 3.5 +/- 1.0 (ng/mL) +/- SD, p = .05, comparing phase I vs. phase II. This finding shows the need to balance economical gain vs. changes in the health status of the population exposed to light-dark stress and may help slow the human biology deteriorating process.

[Endometrial interference of synthetic estrogens in fertility regulation.Is it necessary to interfere with the antiovulatory mechanism at the central nervous system level in order to obtain contraception?]. / Interferencia endometrial de los estrógenos sintéticos en la regulación de la fertilidad. Es necesario el mecanismo antiovulatorio a nivel del sistema nervioso central, para obtener la anticoncepción?

For some time the anti-ovulatory activity of certain estrogen/progestagen preparations was the main approach in fertility control. Up to date a drastic dosage reduction of both steroid hormones has been accomplished ameliorating the side effects on the one hand, and being active compounds as contraceptives, in the other. Currently, there are a wide variety of oral contraceptives available with a variety of estrogen doses combined with different progestagens. The estrogen content is a high as 80 micrograms and as low as 20 micrograms, moreover, such formulations are prescribed beginning the 1st or the 5th day of the menstrual cycle. By studying plasma and endometrial samples simultaneously obtained from chronic oral contraceptive users taking either 30 micrograms or 50 in such pills; a 17-beta-estradiol pattern was attained as that seen during follicular maturation in the ovulatory cycle only women under the lower dose of synthetic estrogen. However, in the endometrium such a cyclicity did not take place; in parallel circulating progesterone in both groups never reach levels greater than 5.0 ng/ml. Results offer to find a local critical period during the ovulatory menstrual cycle to achieve with much lower hormonal dosages a different approach in future methods of contraception.

[Health status in the population using contraceptives]. / Condiciones de salud en poblaciones usuarias de anticonceptivos.

In order to partially understand the health status of women under contraceptive therapy and their possible social hazard of it, a descriptive, prospective and transversal study was undertaken in a 500 individuals, ages 20-35 years old, who currently were regulation their fertility. Data were obtained by means of predetermined questions from subjects attending several clinics of the IMSS. Anyone refusing to participate was discharged questions. The analysis excluded 8/500 due to incomplete responses. In 334/492, hormonal practice was in use; the IUD met 36.6% and the minor groups of 4.4 and 2.8% the method chosen was surgical or natural respectively. The IUD had been used over three years in 60/187, while in 39/145 were on the pill the same period of time; only 23/100 preferred the injectables. No previous medical advice was carried out in order to prescribe the contraceptive and furthermore in 461/492 no laboratory clinical tests were required before. In only 22% of the population the Pap-smear had been taken two years before and in 89/492 was never considered. The contraceptive strategies was induce risks in the future with no solid etiology if a prescription is decided, before the health status is evaluated. It looks like that present report is the first description associating health and risks in a non-selected population under contraceptive methodology.

Inverted skin changes induced by estrogen and estrogen/glucocorticoid on aging dermis.

To evaluate hormone replacement therapy effects at the peripheral level, the present trial explored the oral effects of mestranol (80 micrograms/day for 10 days) and mestranol plus paramethasone (80 micrograms + 6 mg/day for 10 days) on the skin of postmenopausal women. This double-blind study included 13 patients. Skin biopsies were obtained from the thigh area by a single punch, 5 mm in diameter, before and after treatment, and the sections, six per sample, were micrometrically evaluated. Various features of the epidermis and dermis layers were stained using the hematoxylin and eosin, Masson, Verhoeff's and Gomori techniques. Statistically significant changes were found in the papillar dermis thickness; mestranol reduced it and mestranol plus paramethasone increased it. The current results encourage widening these observations of the possible advantage of this estrogen/glucocorticoid combination, in order to alleviate the cellular degenerative process.

Ethinylestradiol from contraceptive formulations and the ovarian response: an estrogen dose-dependency on natural estradiol concentrations.

To evaluate the competitive molecular phenomenon of ethinylestradiol from contraceptive formulations vs. endogenous 17 beta-estradiol in the intra- and extracellular compartments, a descriptive analysis was performed. Plasma and endometrial samples were simultaneously obtained on different days of the pseudomenstrual cycle from oral contraceptive users taking ethinylestradiol/norgestrel (30 micrograms/500 micrograms; n = 13) and ethinylestradiol/norethindrone (50 micrograms/1.0 mg; n = 14) in order to quantify the 17 beta-estradiol concentrations. From our results the chronic administration of these combined oral contraceptives demonstrated that the lower component ethinyl-estradiol (30 micrograms) does not compete substantially at the circulating level, permitting concentrations of natural estradiol such as those seen during follicular maturation in the ovulatory cycle. However, in the endometrium such a cyclicity is not seen, thus the possibility of a local infertility effect should be reconsidered to enable the investigation of a different approach in future methods of contraception.

PIP: One of the biological markers indicating ovarian follicle development during the natural menstrual cycle is the pattern in 17beta-estradiol levels observed at the preovulatory stage in mammals. Research and development of new oral contraceptive formulations, however, has been focused upon the progestogen component at the expense of efforts to increase the level of understanding about the estrogenic effect of the molecular interaction between synthetic ethinyl estradiol and natural estrogen hormones. The authors evaluated the competitive phenomenon of ethinyl estradiol at the intra- and extracellular compartments to assess the contraceptive action achieved and the level of interference on the natural cyclicity of 17beta-estradiol levels. 17beta-estradiol concentrations were measured from plasma and endometrial samples simultaneously obtained on different days of the pseudomenstrual cycle from 13 oral contraceptive users taking ethinyl estradiol/norgestrel (30 mcg/500 mcg) and 14 oral contraceptive users taking ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (50 mcg/1.0 mg). The chronic administration of these combined oral contraceptives demonstrated that the lower component ethinyl estradiol (30 mcg) fails to compete substantially at the circulating level, permitting concentrations of natural estradiol such as those seen during follicular maturation in the ovulatory cycle. Such cyclicity is not observed in the endometrium. The possibility of a local infertility effect should therefore be reconsidered to enable the investigation of a different approach in future methods of contraception.

[Estrogens. Contraceptive therapy]. / Estrógenos. Terapia anticonceptiva.

To evaluate the competitive molecular phenomenon of Ethynyl-Estradiol (EE-2) from contraceptive formulations against the endogenous Estradiol (E-2) at the intra and the extracellular compartments, plasma and endometrial samples were simultaneously obtained on different days of the pseudomenstrual cycle from oral contraceptive users under EE-2+ Norgestrel (30 micrograms/+ 500 micrograms) and EE-2+ Norethindrone (50 micrograms + 1.0 mg) in order to quantify EE-2 & E-2. When measuring both molecules it was shown that the chronic administration of steroids regardless of the pharmacological action of the progestin component the lower content of EE-2 (30 micrograms) does not compete substantially at the circulating level permitting the cyclic fashion of the natural estradiol while at the endometrial compartment such phenomenon is not seen thus, a local infertility effect should be reconsidered to anticipate a different approach in the future of contraception.

PIP: 27 women participated in a study of systemic and endometrial estradiol concentrations in oral contraceptive (OC) users. 13 women aged 15-22 used OCs containing ethinyl estradiol 30 mcg and norgestrel 500 mg for 4-24 months, and 14 women aged 18-28 used OCs containing 50 mcg ethinyl estradiol and 1.0 mg norethindrone for 1-28 months. A peripheral blood sample and an endometrial biopsy were obtained at random from each woman on different cycle days to measure the concentration of endogenous estradiol. The ovarian response defined by endogenous plasma and endometrial estrogen levels differed greatly in the two groups. In the 30 mcg group, plasma estrogen levels were similar to those described in an ovulatory menstrual cycle, while this profile was not observed in the 50 mcg group. The endometrial estrogen profile described for women not using hormonal contraception was not observed in either of the two dose groups.

[Estrogens. Replacement therapy. Mestranol 80 ug (1962) versus mestranol 20 ug (1994) in postmenopausal women. Clinical, local, and metabolic effects]. / Estrógenos. Terapia sustitutiva. Mestranol 80 ug (1962) vs. mestranol 20 ug (1994) en mujeres postmenopáusicas. Efectos clínicos, locales y metabólicos.

A group of 37 postmenopausal women ingested mestranol (MEE) 20 ug daily per 90 days. Cervical mucus, vaginal citology, endometrial biopsy, 17 beta estradiol (E-2) low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), were determined in all of them before (phase I) and after such treatment (phase II). Besides, the relieve of vasomotor symptoms, fernlike cristallization and pyknotic nuclei cells, increase and 3/4 of the endometrial samples showed proliferation, in phase II. Endogenous circulating E-2 was not disturbed regardless MEE treatment and inverse relationship was attained on circulating lipoproteins, while LDL-C decrease (p = 0.01), HDL-C increase (p = 0.001), after comparing phase I vs. phase II. Chlormadinone acetate (2 mg/day/3 days) was administered at the end of the MEE treatment to avoid endometrial estrogenic persistence. Current studies should be enlarged to support the usage of new dose and regimen of mestranol replacement therapy.

[Postpartum ovarian physiology. Pituitary gonadotropins, estradiol and prolactin during 12 months of postpartum physiology]. / Fisiología ovárica postparto. Gonadotropinas hipofisarias, estradiol y prolactina durante 12 meses a la resolución del embarazo.

In order to establish a relationship between hyperprolactinemia and FSH-LH associated to the ovarian physiology postpartum, a clinical/endocrinological follow-up was performed during a period of twelve months in a cohorte of seventeen women beginning pregnancy resolution. The study had two phases: Lactancy (LAC) and Post-lactancy (LAC) and Post-lactancy (POST-LAC). In both phases blood samples were obtained every week from the first one through the 52nd, to quantitate FSH, LH, prolactin (PRL) and estradiol (E-2). PRL levels were significantly higher during LAC as compared to POST-LAC: an inverse relationship in E-2/PRL was seen through the study. No significant changes for LH and FSH were attained in both phases. Concentrations of these gonadotropins were at the physiological levels and no differences in either one of the two phases were shown when compared to a nonlactating subject. There was a negative association in prolactin levels and the weeks postpartum, and on the contrary, a positive one for E-2. Thus, ovarian follicular development apparently is independent to the gonadotropic-hypophysis stimulus.

[Premature ovarian insufficiency and nuclear organizer regions in triplicate]. / Insuficiencia ovárica prematura y regiones organizadoras nucleolares en tripleta.

Silver-staining of the nucleolus organizer region, which represents transcription of ribosomal ribonucleic acid genes, was herein studied in the acrocentric chromosomes of a patient with premature ovarian failure. The demonstration of an additional nucleolar organizer region in the peripheral lymphocytes, suggests a causal relationship between transcriptive activity and this type of ovarian failure.

[The critical period in natural fertility]. / El periodo crítico de la fertilidad natural.

In order to learn the natural expectancy period of first pregnancy as well as the influences of some biosocial variables, a clinical-retrospective study was performed within 1120 gravida I women. All of them attended the major institutes of health care in Mexico City (IMSS, ISSSTE, SS and DDF). Data were obtained by means of predetermined questions from subjects after the first postpartum hours. None of them had previously used any contraceptive method. Results showed age at the first pregnancy: 21.6 +/- 3.8 (years); gestational interval 22.1 +/- 19.9 (months) and a 67% achievement rate the following twelve months of sexual activity. Eutocia was seen in 54% of these population and significant linear correlation was attained between age of the patient and the gestational interval. It seems that this is the first information regarding the fertility critical period within our society.

PIP: The interval between first intercourse and pregnancy and the influence on it of various biosocial variables were studied in 1120 women who gave birth in maternity centers in Mexico City belonging to the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), the Institute of Social Security Services for State Workers (ISSSTE), the Secretariat of Health (SS), and the Medical Services of the Department of the Federal District (DDF). Women who had used contraceptives or who had a history of infertility or of endocrine or metabolic diseases were excluded. Data were obtained by means of questionnaires administered postpartum. The average age of the women was 22 + or - 4 years. 60% were married and 40% single. 41% were housewives and 59% were employed. 2% were illiterate, 22% had primary educations, 48% had secondary educations, and 8% were professionals. The average age at menarche varied from 12 to 13 years. Average age at first intercourse was 20 + or - 4 for the IMSS, 22 + or - 4 for the ISSSTE, 18 + or - 3 for the SS, and 17 + or - 2 for the DDF subsamples. The average age at first pregnancy was 21.6 + or - 2.8 years, and the average gestational interval was 22.1 + or - 19.9 months. But 67.5% of the total sample became pregnant in the 12 months following first intercourse, as did 82.9% of the SS and 86.3% of the DDF subsamples. The interval between first intercourse and first pregnancy was 8 years or more for 1-2% of the sample in each institution. 36% of women in the IMSS group, 73% in the SS and DDF groups, and 77% in the ISSSTE group had normal vaginal deliveries. 18% in the ISSSTE, 21% in the SS and DDF, and 51% in the IMSS groups had Cesarean deliveries.

Role of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in spontaneous gynecomastia of adolescents.

To test a possible hormonal mechanism of gynecomastia at puberty, a group of pubertal spontaneous gynecomastia (PSG) and healthy young volunteers (HYV), Tanner's stage II-V, were studied. Peripheral blood samples were obtained for measuring follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E-2) and estrone (E-1). No difference was established in steroids in pituitary hormonal concentration when both groups were compared on a sexual stage-matched control basis, except for T 2 SD in 5/9 subjects of PSG and DHT 2 SD in all of PSG. The T:DHT ratio varied from 5.0 to 15.4 in PSG and from 0.42 to 2.224 in HYV. Whether spontaneous gynecomastia might exist in an enzimatic blockade of 5 alpha-reductase and whether a decrease in the T:DHT ratio might favor the estrogen action for the progression of breast enlargement deserve further analysis.

Biosocial trends at first pregnancy in Mexican women not exposed to contraceptive methods.

PIP: Infertility is a problem for many couples who wish to conceive and bear children. This paper investigates the relationships of educational status, age, onset of menarche, first sexual intercourse, menstrual cycle, gestational interval, and coital frequency to infertility in 509 Mexican women who were not exposed to any contraceptive method. This study was conducted to gain insight into when infertility studies should commence during the course of a woman's sexual life. Two thirds of the women were married. On average, menarche took place at age 13 years, first intercourse at age 20, and they had sexual intercourse 9 times/month. 68% of women became pregnant within the first 12 months of sexual activity; earliest pregnancy was at age 14 and the latest was at age 44. A significant linear correlation was observed between chronological age and gestational interval with the achievement of first pregnancy significantly related to age and coital frequency. Overall, first pregnancy was achieved in almost 90% of monthly menstruating women. Significant estimated risk of sterility exists for older women and when periods of expectancy for pregnancy are longer than 1 year.^ieng

Role of stress in male fertility.

Specific or non-specific noxious agents induce several disorders in body systems. In the following series some of those agents are associated with disturbances in the pituitary-testis-axis. Testicular responses which represent an adaptive mechanism to the stress may be associated with various syndromes of unexplained infertility.

[Synthetic progestogens versus oral progesterone]. / Progestágenos sintéticos vs progesterona oral.

The antecedents of progesterone natural hormone and related structural groups, chemically and biologically, were described. The synthesis and semi-synthesis of these compounds, is reviewed, and molecular changes, which gave more potency for clinical use, is reviewed. The pharmacology of these groups is manifested, particularly, by the identification of a receptor, its physico-quemical characteristics and relative affinity for tissues as endometrium and myometrium. Furthermore, the progestational quality, the antiestrogenic one, antiandrogenic one and its applications, were evaluated. Finally, several biologic indicators which support the use of oral progesterone and that suggest the re-evaluation of tissular dynamics in reproductive tract, were reviewed.

[Pharmacodynamics of synthetic estrogens. Review article]. / Farmacodinámica de los estrógenos sintéticos. Artículo de revisión.

Some details about the function of natural and synthetical hormonas are reviewed, particularly estrogens as ethynyl estradiol and its 3, Methyl ether (mestranol); its peripheral concentration vs tissular hormonal contents, a relationship of biological importance as the first step in its hormonal action and the cummulative local effects that could explain some intra and extracellular phenomena.

PIP: Some studies of the peripheral concentration and concentration in reproductive tissues of ethinyl estradiol (EE) and mestranol are reviewed. Orally administered EE is observable in the peripheral circulation within 30-60 minutes. A 1970 study of radioactive EE demonstrated that the endometrium and ovaries captured most of the EE, with levels in the uterus and serum much lower. Adipose tissue was found to be important in storing the hormones. Other studies of radioactive mestranol and EE demonstrated that the compounds were deposited in other organs in significant quantities and that the deposits were perhaps irreversible or of very slow release. The ability of estrogens to remain concentrated at the systemic level and not just in reproductive organs may be related to some adverse effects reported in women using oral contraceptives (OCs). Advances in radiochemistry and immunology in the 1960s made it possible to measure steroid hormone levels in different tissues. The capacity of the endometrium to concentrate natural steroids such as 17-beta estradiol and progesterone during the ovulatory menstrual cycle was demonstrated in 1978. A subsequent study showed that the endometrium captured and stored the synthetic estrogen EE in even greater concentrations than the natural estrogen estradiol. A study of the pharmacodynamics of EE in hysterectomized women showed that 24 hours after the 1st dose of 30 mcg the EE was not detected in the peripheral circulation. But the peripheral concentration increased with continuous daily administration of 30 mcg of EE. 27 days after suppression of treatment it was still detectable in the peripheral circulation. Another experiment was designed to measure simultaneously the concentrations of EE in the peripheral circulation and in the endometrial tissue of 36 women terminating use of OCs containing norgestrel and EE after 2-36 months of treatment. The study showed that synthetic estrogen was still observable in the endometrial tissue 1 month after discontinuing OC use. Inexplicably, levels of EE were higher in the circulation in the cycle after treatment than in the final treatment cycle. 5 of the women participated in the study for 3 posttreatment cycles. EE was observed in the circulation 1 month after termination of OC use in 5 women, 2 months after termination in 4 women, and 3 months after termination in 3 women. The persistence of EE in the tissue months after termination of treatment suggests the need for further research and assessment of possible resulting risks.

[Pharmacodynamics of synthetic estrogens. A review]. / Farmacodinámica de los estrógenos sintéticos. Artículo de revisión.

Some details about the function of natural and synthetical hormonas are reviewed, particularly estrogens as ethynyl estradiol and its 3, Methyl ether (mestranol); its peripheral concentration vs tissular hormonal contents, a relationship of biological importance as the first step in its hormonal action and the cumulative local effects that could explain some intra and extracellular phenomena.