Teratogenic effects of insulin: an experimental study on developing chick embryo.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to observe the effect of insulin on chick embryos with reference to their growth and developmental defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental study was performed to assess any abnormal growth pattern caused by insulin. For this, two batches of 100 fertilized eggs were utilized. One batch of 50 was used as a control group and other as an experimental group. Insulin (2 IU) was injected on day 2 of incubation. Chicken eggs were dissected out on day 19 of incubation and were carefully observed for any congenital abnormalities. The embryos thus dissected out were subjected to measurement of crown-rump length (CRL), changes in weight of egg, volume of embryos were compared in two groups. The embryos were also examined for any congenital anomalies. RESULTS: No major malformations were observed. Decrease in weight and CRLs was lower in the experimental group as compared to their control counterparts. Values for volume of the embryo were similar in two groups. CONCLUSION: No obvious teratogenic effects are observed with insulin in the dose use for the study.

Dermatoglyphic pattern in male infertility.

Dermatoglyphics in infertile male patients were studied and compared with that of age matched controls to see whether any specific dermatoglyphic pattern exists in infertile male patients. Infertile male patients with abnormal semen profile were referred to Cytogenetic Laboratory for karyotyping. We selected twenty-four infertile male patients with abnormal semen profile. Out of twenty-four infertile male patients, nineteen were with normal Karyotype and five patients were with abnormal Karyotype. Loop was the commonest pattern observed in the infertile male patients. All these fingertip and palmar dermatoglyphic findings were compared with that of result on finger and palmar dermatoglyphics of equal number of age matched controls. Statistical evaluation was done with software "EPI- info, version-6.04 d". Infertile males had reduced number of loops as compared to that of controls which was statistically significant. Total whorls were increased in infertile male patients as compared to that of controls which was statistically insignificant. Percentage of true palmar pattern in I 3 and I 4 areas was reduced in infertile male patients as compared to that of controls which was statistically insignificant.

SRY-positive 46, XY male with vanishing testis syndrome, feminization and gynecomastia.

The vanishing testis with maleness is a rare syndrome with frequency of 1 in 20,000 males. Here, we report about a 30 years old male subject with vanishing testis syndrome, feminization and gynecomastia. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Leutinizing hormone (LH) levels were elevated whereas testosterone was below normal and anti-mullerian-hormone level was undetectable in the patient. The chromosomal analysis and DNA analysis of SRY and ZFY, DAX-I, AZFa, AZFb, AZFc and heterochromatic region of Y chromosome with STS primer (sY160) were done to detect any genetic changes at specified sites (both at chromosomal and molecular level). Karyotyping confirmed patient as 46, XY male, with no evidence of mosaicism in blood cells. PCR amplification of SRY gene indicated that the SRY gene of the patient was normal. PCR amplification of SRY, ZFY, DAX-I, AZFa, AZFb, AZFc gene and Y chromosome heterochromatic region using STS primer sY(160) did not reveal any microdeletions. The anti-mullerian-hormone level was undetectable indicating that the patient didn't have any testicular tissue in scrotum. Increased levels of FSH, LH and reversed androgen: estrogen ratio might have given rise to gynecomastia in the patient. SRY-positive 46,XY male with vanishing testis might be due to torsion of testis during descent in fetal period. The torsion of testis might have caused vascular occlusion and thereby regression of testicular tissue occurred, but the exact genetic condition yet to understand.

Social work practice and sex counseling.

Sexual health is an important part of total health as sexual problems can disrupt health, quality of life, and general wellbeing, causing in many instances marital problems or marriage dissolution, and emotional impoverishment. Social workers involved in sex counseling have wider responsibilities in view of increase incidence of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). Sex counselors and Clinical Psychologist today need to understand the changing social environment and challenging role in making people accept normal sexual practices, abstaining from perversion and safe sexual rehabilitation by behavioral therapy and counseling for having happy marital life. Challenges in sex counseling, existing sex practices in society and mode for future counselling has been discussed.