Cerebrospinal fluid and serum levels of interleukin-8 in patients with multiple sclerosis and its correlation with Q-albumin.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory-demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Autoimmune inflammation is common in the early stages of MS and is followed by neurodegenerative processes. The result of these changes is axon and myelin breakdown. The paraclinical examination methods are an important part of the diagnostic process. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and the cervical spinal cord and an examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are common paraclinical examinations. An increasing number of studies deal with CSF and serum levels of biomarkers and their role in MS. We hypothesized that the level of interleukin-8 (IL-8) could be different in MS patients than in controls. These differences may be related to damage of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). BBB damage is quantified by the quotient of albumin (Q-alb). METHODS: CSF and serum levels of IL-8 were assessed in 102 patients with newly diagnosed MS meeting McDonald's revised diagnostic criteria and in 102 subjects as a control group. We then correlated these results with Q-alb. RESULTS: Levels of IL-8 in CSF were significantly higher in MS patients than in controls (Mann-Whitney U test, p<0.0001). Serum levels of IL-8 were significantly lower in MS patients than in controls (Mann-Whitney U test, p=0.018). Spearman's correlation analysis proved a significant correlation between levels of IL-8 and Q-alb. CONCLUSION: As the etiology of MS is only partially known, research dealing with biomarkers in MS should continue. Better knowledge of etiology can provide a new perspective, especially for treatment.

[Comparison of reactive oxygen species production in neat semen and washed spermatozoa]. / Porovnání produkce reaktivních kyslíkových cástic v nativním ejakulátu a v suspenzi spermií.

OBJECTIVE: To determine Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production in neat semen and spermatozoa suspension using chemiluminescence and to examine correlation between both methods. SUBJECT: Prospective laboratory study. SETTING: Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, University Hospital, Olomouc. METHODS: The study included fertile volunteers (FV, n = 17), men from infertile couples (NM, n = 19) and men with idiopathic infertility (NMI, n = 15). ROS levels were determined by the same method in neat and washed semen samples. RESULTS: The ROS production in neat semen was lower than that in spermatozoa suspension. There was no significant diference in ROS production between volunteers and males from infertile couples. There was a significant correlation between log ROS in neat semen and in spermatozoa suspension in studied groups (FV r = 0.85, p = 1.5 x 10(-5); NM r = 0.76, p < 2 x 10(-4); NMI r = 0.75, p < 1.5 x 10(-3)). CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of ROS in neat semen is simpler, faster and better reflecting the actual level of oxidative stress than the same measurement in spermatozoa suspension. The implementation of this method can complement the algorithm of diagnostics and treatment of male infertility and be helpful in selection of patients for antioxidant or antibiotic treatment.

[Results of a study of serum hormones and biochemical findings in seminal plasma in subfertile men examined at the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics in Olomouc 1995-1996]. / Výsledky hormonálních vysetrení v séru a biochemické nálezy v seminální plazme u subfertilních muzu sledovaných na Gynek.-porod. klinice v Olomouci v letech 1995-96.

Based on a comparative study in a group of healthy men and men suffering from oligospermia and azoospermia, the authors consider it useful to examine FSH, LH, PRL and testosterone serum levels for possible evidence of testicular hypofunction and for detection of stress situations associated with raised PRL levels. As to seminal plasma, the authors consider it useful and relevant to assess citric acid levels, total acid phosphatases and in particular fructose with alpha-glucosidase.