Cytoprotective activities of Anacardium occidentale (Linn) on the testis of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

This study presents the protective effects of methanolic Anacardium occidentale leaf extract (AOLE) on the testes of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Forty male wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were randomly divided into four experimental groups A,B,C and D. Hyperglycaemia was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 0.1 M STZ (70 mg/kg b.w). Five days after the confirmation of hyperglycaemia by using a glucometer (Roche(R)) and compatible glucose test strips, groups A and B were treated with 300 mg/kg b.w of the extract and 1 I.U/kg b.w insulin respectively. Groups C and D served as hyperglycaemic and normal controls and received 1 ml/kg b.w citrate buffer respectively.After 16 days of treatment, blood was collected through retro-orbital puncture for insulin and reproductive hormone (FSH, LH and testosterone) analysis; the animals were then sacrificed and the testes were processed for histological staining. Data obtained were expressed as means of ten (10) replicates ± SEM and subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Scheffe’s post hoc test for multiple comparisons.Results showed that the levels of testosterone, FSH and LH in the AOLE- and insulin-treated rats increased significantly compared to the hyperglycaemic controls (P<0.05).Histological sections revealed improved cellularity, germinal epithelium, tubular diameter, cross-sectional area and luminal spermatids in the AOLE- and insulin-treated rats when compared with the hyperglycaemic control.AOLE improved the structural integrity of the testes, promoted spermatogenesis, and improved the profile of reproductive hormones (AU)

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Valores normales de hormona antimülleriana en niños españoles / Normal rate of anti-Müllerian hormone concentration in Spanish boys

Introducción: La hormona antimülleriana (AMH) es el factor testicular responsable de la regresión de las estructuras derivadas de los conductos de Müller. En este trabajo se presentan los valores normales de la concentración de AMH en los varones españoles en edad pediátrica. Asimismo, se ofrece un gráfico de distribución en percentiles de la concentración de AMH, que puede resultar útil para conseguir diagnósticos precisos en la evaluación diagnóstica de gónadas bilateralmente no palpables y en los procesos intersexuales. Pacientes y métodos: Se obtuvieron 240 muestras de sangre de niños de 0-18 años de edad, que fueron remitidos a nuestro servicio por diversas causas; 35 de las muestras se obtuvieron de sangre de cordón umbilical y se utilizaron para determinarla concentración de la hormona en el periodo neonatal. Se determinó la concentración por medio de radioinmunoanálisis por adsorción de enzimas usando anticuerpos contra la hormona recombinante humana. Resultados: La concentración de AMH (en ng/mL) muestra un valor mínimo (desviación estándar) en el periodo neonatal de 31,90 (21,46), durante el cual no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre individuos de este grupo según su edad gestacional o su peso al nacimiento; entre el mes de vida y los 4 años se observa un aumento de la concentración (51,55 [30,36]), seguido de un periodo en meseta hasta los 8 años (50,85 [36,77]). Posteriormente, se aprecia un descenso hasta un mínimo a los 12 años (38,60 [28,92]), con una disminución hasta niveles basales a los 14 años (14,50 [16,65]), que se mantiene tras esta edad (12,05 [28,43]). Conclusiones: Los resultados de este estudio coinciden con los de otros autores y confirman que la AMH puede utilizarse como marcador específico de tejido testicular en niños, especialmente en los neonatos, utilizando suero obtenido de sangre de cordón umbilical (AU)

Introduction: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is the testicular factor responsible of the müllerian duct derived structures regression. We present in this report a percentile graphic chart of AMH concentration, which would be useful to reach the adequate diagnosis in bilateral no palpable gonads and intersex disorders. Patients and methods: 240 blood samples were obtained from boys between 0-18 years of age who were referred to our department. 35 of these samples were obtained from umbilical cord blood and were used to determine hormone measurement at newborn age. AMH was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbentas say using antibodies raised against human recombinant AMH. Results: AMH concentration (in ng/mL) shows a minimum amount in newborn (31.90, standard deviation [SD] 21.46).There was not statistical significant difference between AMH concentration in this group depending on gestational age or birth weight. AMH level increases between 1 month and 4 years of life (51.55, SD 30.36) and then remains without variation, to 8 yr (50.85, SD 36.77). AMH level then decreases to a minimum at 12 yr (38.60, SD 28.92) and decreases to a basal level at 14 yr (14.50, SD 16.65) that persists afterwards (12.05, SD 28.43). Conclusions: These data are according to other author’s reports and confirm that AMH can be used as a testis-specific marker during infancy and childhood, particularly in newborns using serum obtained from blood of the umbilical cord (AU)