Placental mitochondrial content and function in intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and pregnancy hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia (PE) associated with IUGR share a common placental phenotype called "placental insufficiency", originating in early gestation when high availability of energy is required. Here, we assess mitochondrial content and the expression and activity of respiratory chain complexes (RCC) in placental cells of these pathologies. We measured mitochondrial (mt)DNA and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) expression in placental tissue and cytotrophoblast cells, gene and protein expressions of RCC (real-time PCR and Western blotting) and their oxygen consumption, using the innovative technique of high-resolution respirometry. We analyzed eight IUGR, six PE, and eight uncomplicated human pregnancies delivered by elective cesarean section. We found lower mRNA levels of complex II, III, and IV in IUGR cytotrophoblast cells but no differences at the protein level, suggesting a posttranscriptional compensatory regulation. mtDNA was increased in IUGR placentas. Both mtDNA and NRF1 expression were instead significantly lower in their isolated cytotrophoblast cells. Finally, cytotrophoblast RCC activity was significantly increased in placentas of IUGR fetuses. No significant differences were found in PE placentas. This study provides genuine new data into the complex physiology of placental oxygenation in IUGR fetuses. The higher mitochondrial content in IUGR placental tissue is reversed in cytotrophoblast cells, which instead present higher mitochondrial functionality. This suggests different mitochondrial content and activity depending on the placental cell lineage. Increased placental oxygen consumption might represent a limiting step in fetal growth restriction, preventing adequate oxygen delivery to the fetus.

Midrapidity antiproton-to-proton ratio in pp collisons at sqrt[s]=0.9 and 7 TeV measured by the ALICE experiment.

The ratio of the yields of antiprotons to protons in pp collisions has been measured by the ALICE experiment at sqrt[s]=0.9 and 7 TeV during the initial running periods of the Large Hadron Collider. The measurement covers the transverse momentum interval 0.45

Mitochondrial content and hepcidin are increased in obese pregnant mothers.

OBJECTIVE: Maternal obesity is characterized by systemic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress (OxS) with the contribution of fetal sex dimorphism. We recently described increased mitochondrial content (mtDNA) in placentas of obese pregnancies. Here, we quantify mtDNA and hepcidin as indexes of OxS and systemic inflammation in the obese maternal circulation. METHODS: Forty-one pregnant women were enrolled at elective cesarean section: 16 were normal weight (NW) and 25 were obese (OB). Obese women were further classified according to the presence/absence of maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); [OB/GDM(-)]: n = 15, [OB/GDM(+)]: n = 10. mtDNA and hepcidin were evaluated in blood (real-time PCR) and plasma (ELISA). RESULTS: mtDNA and hepcidin levels were significantly increased in OB/GDM(-) versus NW, significantly correlating with pregestational BMI. Male/female (M/F) ratio was equal in study groups, and overall F-carrying pregnancies showed significantly higher mtDNA and hepcidin levels than M-carrying pregnancies both in obese and normal weight mothers. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate a potential compensatory mechanism to increased obesity-related OxS and inflammation, indicated by the higher hepcidin levels found in obese mothers. Increased placental mitochondrial biogenesis, due to lipotoxic environment, may account for the greater mtDNA amount released in maternal circulation. This increase is namely related to F-carrying pregnancies, suggesting a gender-specific placental response.

Immunocytochemical localization of calmodulin in intact and acrosome-reacted boar sperm.

Localization of calmodulin on intact and acrosome-reacted ionophore A23187 induced boar sperm has been performed with indirect immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. The results obtained with immunofluorescence are in agreement with previous reports. Immunoelectron microscopy was performed with the methods of preembedding immunostaining and on-grid post-embedding immunostaining of Lowicryl K4M sections with the protein A-colloidal gold. The presence of calmodulin is demonstrated in the acrosomal content and in the equatorial and postacrosomal regions of intact sperm. Apparently, calmodulin is released in association with the plasma membrane and the outer acrosomal membrane in acrosome-reacted sperm and it is maintained in the equatorial and postacrosomal regions. These results provide further evidence that also in mammalian sperm multiple classes of calmodulin-binding proteins may be present.

Identification of actin in boar spermatids and spermatozoa by immunoelectron microscopy.

Actin was localized in testicular spermatids and in ionophore-treated ejaculated sperm of boar by use of a monoclonal anti-actin antibody labeled with colloidal gold. With the on-grid postembedding immunostaining of Lowicryl K4M sections, actin was identified in the subacrosomal region of differentiating spermatids, in the microfilaments of the surrounding Sertoli cells, and in the myoid cells of the tubular wall. Ejaculated sperm, labeled with the preembedding method, showed actin between the plasma membrane and the outer acrosomal membrane of the equatorial segment. Indirect immunofluorescence was positive in the equatorial segment and in the acrosomal cap of intact sperm, whereas reacted sperm at the anterior head region retained fluorescence only in the inner acrosomal membrane. Rhodamine-phalloidin failed to stain intact and reacted sperm. The distribution of actin in sperm head membranes (inner acrosomal membrane, membranes of the equatorial segment), which are retained after the acrosome reaction, is discussed.

The effects of anticalmodulin drugs on the ultrastructure of boar spermatozoa.

Trifluoperazine, N-6-aminohexyl-5-chloro-1-naphthalene sulfonamide (W7), and calmidazolium are known to be calmodulin inhibitors and cell membrane soluble substances. In mammalian spermatozoa, calmodulin is present and is retained to mediate several sperm processes, such as sperm activation, sperm-egg fusion, microtubule disassembly, etc. We examined the effects of anticalmodulin drugs on the ultrastructure of freshly ejaculated boar spermatozoa. Whereas all the drugs, at the low concentrations tested, appear to prevent acrosomal alterations, at higher concentrations, they induced these alterations. Unexpectedly, the outer acrosomal membrane appeared to be more sensitive to the drugs than the plasma membrane; vesicles formed within the acrosome from the outer acrosomal membrane even when plasma membrane maintained its structural integrity. These findings were confirmed by the analysis carried out by fluorescent light microscopy by utilizing fluoresceinated Ricinus communis agglutinins to specifically stain the acrosomes.

[Caries and malocclusions. A statistical-epidemiological study performed on 5399 children between 3 and 10 years old in the schools of Bari]. / Carie e malocclusioni. Indagine statistico-epidemiologica effettuata su 5399 bambini di età compresa fra i 3 e i 10 anni in alcune scuole del barese.

BACKGROUND: The high incidence of decay and malocclusion is an undiscussed fact now. What is the relation between this incidence and sanitary-social standards is to define still. The aim of this survey was to evaluate the incidence of decay and malocclusions in relation to different sanitary-social standards. METHODS: The authors carried out an epidemiological-statistical study upon the incidence of decay and malocclusions on 5399 children whose age ranged from 3 to 10. The subjects belonged to some quarters of Bari: Palese, Santo Spirito, San Paolo e Poggiofranco. Some forms were filled in for any subject upon which data on oral health, oral hygiene and occlusal disorders were annotated. Then some groups was divided on subject's age and origin was created. RESULTS: The incidence of decay and malocclusions resulted extremely high in all considered groups. The examination of data showed a clanger gap about the oral hygienic standards between first three quarters, formed into A group, and Poggiofranco, in the last's favour. CONCLUSIONS: Students and their parents showed a serious sub-estimation of the importance of oral health. An increase of quality and number of information on oral health is indispensable for many examination children and their respective parents.

Structure and possible functional role of septate junctions in the ovotestis of a pond snail: inter-Sertoli junctions.

Junctions between Sertoli cells, which form a continuous layer at the periphery of the 'acinus' in the ovotestis of Biomphalaria glabrata (mollusc gastropod), have been studied with conventional sections, lanthanum impregnation, replicas and scanning analysis of unstained sections. Extensive undulating septate junctions link Sertoli cells, which surround the various stages of spermatid differentiation. The morphology of the pleated septate junctions here presented indicates a possible role as a permeability barrier, which might result from the peculiar organization of the septa. The junctional complex is formed of areas where septa are parallel and regularly spaced, alternating with areas where septa separate and assemble with others, thus creating a complex system of channels, completely compatible with the sealing properties expected for these junctions. The morphology of septa, their possible anchorage within the membranes, and the interconnections linking the closely parallel septa are presented.

Immunoelectronmicroscopic localization of actin in ionophore-treated boar sperm.

Actin in ionophore-A23187 treated boar sperm has been localized by indirect immunofluorescence and immunoelectronmicroscopy (IEM), using an anti-actin monoclonal antibody. By IEM, after en bloc staining technique and treatment with 15 nm colloidal gold-IgM complex, actin was found associated with the plasma membrane (PM) and the outer acrosomal membrane vesicles and under the PM of the equatorial segment.

Morphological changes of Leydig cells in men with altered plasma testosterone and gonadotropin levels.

The ultrastructural features of Leydig cells in patients with high serum LH and low serum testosterone are described. The results are compared with the structure of Leydig cells in normal conditions and after treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) according to data existing in the literature. The continuous overstimulation of Leydig cells by higher levels of LH apparently induces significant modifications in many of the morphological elements characteristic of these cells. However, these differences were not constantly present in the cases observed. The abundance and the large size of mitochondria were the only common characteristics in the patients studied.

[Poly-protein. I- A new process for obtaining leaf protein concentrates]. / Processo poly-protein. I-Un nuovo procedimento per ottenere concentrati proteici fogliari

The authors have devised a new process, called POLY-PROTEIN, for obtaining leaf protein concentrates from alphalpha juice by precipitation with polyelectrolites. The use of steam is avoided and the technology is very simple, making this process more economical than those already employed.

[Poly-protein. II--Precipitation of proteins from alfalfa juice by cationic polyacrylamide (author's transl)]. / Processo poly-protein. II--Coagulazione delle proteine del succo di erba medica mediante poliacrilammide cationica

This note reports some experimental results on the preparation of leaf protein concentrates (LPC) from alphalpha juice by means of polyelectrolites, according to Poly-Protein Process. The pilot plant is described with its working conditions, and the yield and the chemical composition of the products (pressed alphalpha, juice, green LPC and brown juice) are reported. In particular 50 liters of juice, obtained by pressing 100 kg of fresh alphalpha, gave 1.6 kg of green LPC (on a dry weight basis). The product so obtained has a high protein content (56.2%) and represents a particularly valuable product for its several prospective uses in the feed industry.

[Contraceptive methods, induced abortion, first sexual intercourse age, in a group of 1635 students of the University of Rome]. / Contraccezione, I.V.G., eta del primo rapporto in un gruppo di studentesse dell'Universita di Roma.

PIP: The authors report some data about contraceptive choice among young women examined in the Preventive Medicine Center of the University of Rome. Menarche age, menstrual cycle, age at 1st sexual intercourse, contraceptive method used, number of abortions, and pregnancies were examined. Moreover, the relationships between age at 1st sexual intercourse and contraceptive method and abortion were considered. Mean age at 1st intercourse was about 17.5 years. Pill and IUD were used by 11% and 5% respectively of the female students. Coitus interruptus was used among 83.3% of the cases. The prevalence of previous abortion was about 12.6%. The menstrual cycle characteristics did not influence the contraceptive choice of these students. Finally, previous abortion or pregnancy influenced contraceptive choice; in fact about 15% and 16.5% of the women with previous abortion performed or pregnancy experienced adopted the pill and IUD as contraceptive methods. (author's modified)^ieng

Lumbar and femoral bone density in perimenopausal women with irregular cycles.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of irregular cycles on bone mass in perimenopausal women. SETTING: University clinic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 118 healthy women aged between 45 and 55 years were divided into three groups according to the previous year's menstrual history (premenopause: regular cycles; perimenopause: irregular cycles; early postmenopause: 1-3 years since the last menstrual cycle). Among the perimenopausal group, only women presenting intervals without menstruation longer than 3 months during the year of the study were selected. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and of the proximal femur was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at the start of the study and after 12 months. RESULTS: The serum estradiol level was significantly lower in postmenopausal women and the FSH serum level showed a significant increase in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in comparison with premenopausal controls. Bone density at L2-L4, femoral neck, greater trochanter, and total femur did not show significant differences at the beginning of the between-group study. Only the density in Ward's triangle was significantly lower in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. After twelve months the densities of L2-L4, greater trochanter, Ward's triangle, and total femur showed a significant decrease in postmenopausal women in comparison. The perimenopausal group showed a significant decrease in total femur and Ward's triangle density in comparison with premenopausal. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of marked irregularity of menstrual cycles preceding menopause can influence bone mass, in particular at the femoral site.

Responsiveness of testis morphology to chemotherapy in childhood leukemia.

The appearance of seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells of children, aged 2.5 to 13 years, affected by acute lymphoblastic leukemia was analyzed in sections. The testicular biopsies were performed at the end of therapy (vincristine, prednisone, L-asparaginase, 6-mercaptopurine, intrathecal methotrexate), which was affected for the same period and at the same doses. Three age groups were considered (I, 2.5 to 5 years; II, 6 to 9 years; III, 12 to 13 years). Age groups I and II presented damage of some tubules (25-35%) and areas of degeneration. Histometric analysis performed for A type spermatogonial population gave a mean value corresponding to controls in age group I and a mean value significantly lower with respect to controls in age group II. Moreover, age group II presented a lack of increase in tubular cross section. These results suggest that there is a vulnerability both of whole tubules and of some areas of Sertoli cells and germ cels to cytotoxic-induced damage. Leydig cells appear to be the cells least sensitive to drugs, and hormonal data indicate that the hypothalamic pituitary function appears to be intact, despite chemotherapy. Long-term prospective studies of reproductive function in children receiving cancer chemotherapy are needed to determine the magnitude and duration of damage resulting from therapeutic treatment.

Chemotherapy does not affect the development of inter-Sertoli junctions in childhood leukaemia.

The inter-Sertoli junctions of children aged between 5 and 12 years, affected by acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, were analyzed in sections and freeze-fracture replicas. The testicular biopsies were performed at the end of therapy, when patients were in continuous remission for over 30 months. Chemotherapy does not seem to affect the development of junctions that were studied in sections and freeze fracture. Two age groups were considered (I, 5 to 8 years; II, 9 to 12 years). In age group I, oval Sertoli cells were connected by occasionally focal points of fusion, which in replicas appeared as scattered, interrupted ridges on the P face and grooves on the corresponding E face. In age group II Sertoli cells presented cytoplasmic extensions and interdigitations. Tight junctions appeared close to one another in conventional sections. Freeze fracture evidenced extensive although isolated areas formed by intervining strands. Lanthanum penetrated freely the intercellular spaces and gap junctions were observed in both age groups. The results suggest that tight junctions formation is initiated long before puberty; a progression in the complexity of the strand organization is present as the tubules mature; the strands reorganize in parallel and continuous rows only at puberty.

Fetal echocardiography using transvaginal and transabdominal probes during the first period of pregnancy: a comparative study.

The authors compare the diagnostic possibilities of fetal transabdominal echocardiography versus transvaginal echocardiography. A larger diagnostic capacity is verified in different gestation ages with transvaginal probe between the 11th and 14th week of gestation. The results are emphasized by colour Doppler.

Intranasal salmon calcitonin in postmenopausal osteoporosis: effect of different therapeutic regimens on vertebral and peripheral bone density.

Sixty postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to three types of treatment with intranasal salmon calcitonin (SCT) plus calcium 500 mg daily (group A: 100 IU daily of SCT; group B: 100 IU daily of SCT for alternate cycles of 2 months with a 1-month interval; group C: 100 IU daily of SCT for alternate cycles of 3 months of treatment followed by a 3-month interval) or calcium 500 mg daily alone (control group). Lumbar density significantly decreased in the control group while it maintained the initial value in both continuously or cyclically treated groups. The bone density of the proximal and distal forearm in treated and control groups did not show significant changes after 12 months.

Effect of oral and transdermal hormone replacement therapy on lipid profile and Lp(a) level in menopausal women with hypercholesterolemia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized clinical study was to evaluate the hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) effect on plasma lipoproteins and Lp(a) profile in 42 menopausal women with primary hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol > 240 mg/dL). SETTING: University clinic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 42 hypercholesterolemic menopausal women were randomly assigned to the following groups; (1) transdermal estradiol, 50 micrograms + medroxyprogesterone 10 mg/day for days; (2) conjugated equine estrogens, 0.625 mg/day + medroxyprogesterone acetate 10 mg/day for 12 days; (3) no treatment. At baseline and after 3 and 6 months two blood samples were collected with a 24-hour interval in order to reduce intraindividual and laboratory variability. Serum total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and Lp(a) were determined. RESULTS: Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol significantly decreased after 6 months in both treated groups in comparison to untreated women; HDL cholesterol and triglycerides showed only minimal changes. HRT at the dosage utilized in the study did not seem influence the Lp(a) concentrations after 3 and 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Both transdermal and oral estrogens at medium dosage have a favorable influence on total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol level of hypercholesterolemic menopausal women, but Lp(a) remains resistant to manipulation.

Hormonal and metabolic effects of transdermal estradiol/progestagen administration in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects on hormonal and metabolic variables and bone density of a transdermal system delivering estrogen and progestagen. DESIGN: Twenty-one patients were included in the study and randomly assigned to the following treatments: group A was treated with transdermal 17 beta-estradiol, 50 micrograms/day (Estraderm TTS 50), from the first to the fourteenth day of the cycle and with a transdermal combination of 17 beta-estradiol (50 micrograms/day) and norethisterone acetate (NETA) 250 micrograms/day during the following 14 days; group B was treated with Estraderm TTS 50 from the first to the twenty-eighth day, adding oral medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), 10 mg/day, during the final 14 days. DHEAS, testosterone, SHBG, prolactin, gonadotropins, and estrogens were measured in basal conditions and after 6 months' therapy. In the same schedule, lipid patterns (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides), phosphocalcium variables (osteocalcin, calcitonin, parathormone), and bone mineral density were also studied. RESULTS: Both treatments were efficient in reducing menopausal symptoms. An increase of DHEAS (P < .05) and a decrease of FSH and LH (P < .02, < .01, respectively) were observed in group B. No significant modifications in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism were shown in either group after 6 months. The calcium-regulating hormone osteocalcin (BCG) decreased significantly (P < .05) only in group A; calcitonin, parathormone, and bone density were unchanged after treatment. CONCLUSION: Transdermal administration of estrogen plus progestagen reduces menopausal symptoms, but does not induce changes in metabolic variables and hormonal levels (androgens and prolactin).