Sperm DNA fragmentation in couples with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortions.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation in couples with idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and in those with no history of infertility or abortion. In this cohort study, 30 couples with RSA and 30 fertile couples as control group completed the demographic data questionnaires, and their semen samples were analysed according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards (September 2009-March 2010) for evaluation of sperm DNA fragmentation, using sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) technique. The percentage of morphologically normal sperm was significantly lower in RSA patients compared with control group (51.50 ± 11.60 versus 58.00 ± 9.05, P = 0.019), but not in other parameters. Additionally, the level of abnormal DNA fragmentation in the RSA group was significantly higher than in the control group (43.3% versus 16.7%, P = 0.024). Our results indicated a negative correlation between the number of sperm with progressive motility and DNA fragmentation (r = -0.613; P < 0.001). The sperm from men with a history of RSA had a higher incidence of DNA fragmentation and poor motility than those of the control group, indicating a possible relationship between idiopathic RSA and DNA fragmentation.

Inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme by ramipril in serum and tissue of man.

Studies in animal models have indicated that ramipril is a potent inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in serum and tissue. In our study, the normal range of ACE activity and the inhibitory effect of short-term oral administration of ramipril on ACE activity in human serum and tissue samples of renal cortex, heart and blood vessels were determined. ACE activity in the renal cortex (125.2 +/- 11.5 nmol/mg per min) was greater than 600 times that of the heart (0.20 +/- 0.01 nmol/mg per min), greater than 500 times that of the veins (0.23 +/- 0.09 nmol/mg per min) and greater than 150 times that of the arteries (0.80 +/- 0.23 nmol/mg per min). ACE activity in the renal cortex and arteries 2 h after last dosing was almost completely inhibited by ramipril whereas ACE activity in the veins and heart was inhibited to a lesser extent. Our results demonstrate in man, for the first time, an inhibition of tissue ACE following short-term oral treatment with an ACE inhibitor.

Efficacy and tolerability of Icatibant (Hoe 140) in patients with moderately severe chronic bronchial asthma.

Bradykinin (BK) has been identified as a mediator in human bronchial asthma. The current phase II study was designed as a multicentered, double blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group pilot study to investigate the efficacy of the B2 BK receptor antagonist Icatibant in adult patients with chronic asthma. Patients were treated t.i.d. with 900 micrograms or 3000 micrograms of nebulized Icatibant, or placebo. Treatment was for 4 weeks, followed by a 2-week placebo run-out. Icatibant was very well tolerated, and led to a dose-dependent improvement in objective pulmonary function tests (PFTs) measured by the investigators (e.g. FEV1 and PEFR). At 3 mg t.i.d., a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between Icatibant and placebo of about 10% was achieved after 4 weeks of treatment for all PFTs. At 900 micrograms t.i.d., the improvement in PFTs was smaller. By contrast, no clinically relevant improvement in global symptom score (nor a reduction of rescue medication) was found when compared with placebo. The observed improvement in objective PFTs started between weeks one and two, gradually increased until the end of active treatment, and slowly decreased during the placebo run-out phase, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect. No acute bronchodilator effect was found. In conclusion, Icatibant showed a profile expected for an anti-inflammatory asthma drug.

Biochemical changes and manifestations of envenomation produced by Odonthobuthus doriae venom in rabbits

Many toxins from scorpion venoms cause neurotransmitters release by activating the autonomic system. The aim of the present work was to determine osmotic fragility of red blood cells (RBCs) and serum biochemical changes produced by the venom of Odonthobuthus doriae (O. doriae), a dangerous species of scorpion in Iran. For this study we selected 2 groups, each one containing 10 New Zealand white rabbits weighing 2 ± 0.2 kg. In vivo and in vitro osmotic fragilities as well as packed cell volume (PCV) were determined. Serum was separated and used for determination of glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, uric acid (UA), triglycerides, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST, EC 2.6.1.1), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT, EC 2.6.1.2). Results indicate that Odonthobuthus doriae venom (0.5 mg/kg, IV) causes a significant increase (p<0.05) of serum glucose, UA, PCV, ALT, and AST. Increase was also observed in BUN, but it was not statistically significant. On the other hand a significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Increased in vivo osmotic fragility of RBCs was significant too, but in vitro osmotic fragility did not show a significant change. These results support the hypothesis that the biochemical variation caused by scorpion venom can be due to an autonomic storm and release of catecholamines.(AU)