Co-fermentation of sewage sludge and lignocellulosic biomass for production of medium-chain fatty acids.

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) production from sewage sludge and lignocellulosic biomass (fallen leaves and grass) was explored. Co-fermentation of sludge and lignocellulosic biomass significantly accelerated the caproate production and promoted the longer-chain MCFAs formation. Co-fermentation of sludge and grass achieved the highest caproate production of 89.50 mmol C/L, which was 18.04 % and 41.73 % higher than the mono-fermentation of grass and sludge, respectively. Co-fermentation of sludge and leaves produced 63.80 mmol C/L caproate, which was 11.09 % and 1.03 % higher than the mono-fermentation of leaves and sludge, respectively. Microbial analysis showed that co-fermentation enriched CE microbes like genus Clostridium_sensu_stricto_13, Caprocipiproducens, Terrisporpbacter and Praraclostridium, and suppressed the competitive microbes like genus norank_f_Caldilineaceae and Desulfomicrobium. Functional enzymes analysis revealed that co-fermentation of sludge and leaves promoted MCFAs production through strengthening reverse ß oxidation (RBO) pathway, while co-fermentation of sludge and grass stimulated MCFAs production by strengthening fatty acid biosynthesis (FAB) pathway.

Expression of Growth and Hunger Related Genes and Physio-Biochemical Responses in Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) Fed with Lysine and Betaine.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The growth promoting effect of lysine and betaine as well as the expression of candidate genes reflecting their efficacy, such as ghrelin, leptin, Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor (GHS-R), Insulin like Growth Factor (IGF- 1) and Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) was examined in Labeo rohita fingerlings. METHODS: One hundred eighty healthy juveniles from a homologous population were randomly distributed to 15 rectangular tanks of 150 litres capacity. The experiment was carried out for 60 days with five treatment groups consisting T1 (0.25% Betaine), T2 (0.5% Betaine), T3 (0.75% Lysine) and T4 (1.5% Lysine) and control group. The experiment was carried out for 60 days with five treatment groups consisting T1 (0.25% Betaine), T2 (0.5% Betaine), T3 (0.75% Lysine) and T4 (1.5% Lysine) and control group. At the end of trial, the growth parameters such as weight gain, SGR, PER were estimated from the weight of the triplicate groups. The digestive, metabolic and antioxidant enzymes were analysed using spectrophotometric methods. The intestine, brain and liver were sampled from the treatments and expression of different genes ghrelin, leptin, GHSR, IGF-1 and GHRH was also performed by realtime PCR. RESULTS: A significant (P<0.05) increase in weight gain, SGR, PER and lowest FCR was found in T4 group which was significantly (p < 0.05) different from other experimental groups. The highest mRNA expression levels of expression were found in T4 group which was similar to that of ghrelin gene mRNA of T2 group. The significantly (p<0.05) highest GHSR, GHRH and IGF-1 gene expression levels were found in T4 treatment group compared to other groups. CONCLUSION: The present study reveals that the lysine and betaine stimulate growth and expression of ghrelin GHRH, GHS-R and IGF-1 genes. The increase of IGF-I mRNA expression with lysine and betaine supplementation revealed that these compounds act as growth modulators. However, lysine was found to be a more potent modulator of growth compared to betaine.

[The changes of guaiacol peroxidase activity in the menstrual plasma of stainless steel IUD users and women with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease].

PIP: This paper is meant to discuss the effect of guaiacol peroxidase activity in the menstrual plasma of stainless steel IUD users, based on the comparison of guaiacol peroxidase activity of menstrual plasma of IUD users and women with chronic pelvic inflammatory diseases (PIDs). 40 healthy women ages 23-38 who did not take any oral contraceptive and who were not using an IUD comprised the comparison group, 24 women who had IUD inserted for 1-6 months and 18 women with chronic PID who were not using IUDs were the study group. Menstrual blood was taken for all the cases and controls and menstrual plasma was produced and stored under refrigeration and peroxidase activity was measures. The study results showed that the IUD group had significantly higher levels of guaiacol peroxidase activity than the controls. The difference in the guaiacol peroxidase activity between the PID group and the controls was not statistically significant. This implies that the reaction of PID was different from that of the non-bacterial inflammation of the endometrium. It also suggested that the increased level of guaiacol peroxidase activity may have a contraceptive effect.^ieng

Lysosomal enzymes in the human endometrium: a biochemical study in untreated and levonorgestrel-treated women.

The activities of four lysosomal enzymes, i.e. N-acetyl-beta-hexosaminidase, acid phosphatase, alpha-D-mannosidase and alpha-L-fucosidase have been measured in extracts of endometrial biopsies from untreated and levonorgestrel-treated women of fertile age. Values were compared with protein and DNA content, as well as with lactate dehydrogenase activity, used as reference constituents. In parallel, organ cultures were established from the same endometrial specimens and the release of lysosomal enzymes into the medium was followed. The human endometrium possesses a rich lysosomal equipment, comparable to that found in the human liver. In the untreated cycles, the activities of lysosomal enzymes show a coordinate response to the hormonal changes, decreasing by about 40% from the proliferative to the mid-late secretory phase. Long-term levonorgestrel treatment causes a marked cytoplasmic atrophy, as shown by decreased protein content and lactate dehydrogenase activity, whereas DNA content remains unchanged. In contrast, N-acetyl-beta-hexosaminidase, one of the most active lysosomal enzymes studied, shows a higher specific activity upon levonorgestrel. In both untreated and treated endometria, the organ cultures provide biochemical evidence for a higher release of N-acetyl-beta-hexosaminidase than of lactate dehydrogenase, indicating active secretion of the lysosomal enzyme. During levonorgestrel treatment, there was no correlation between clinically recognized spotting-bleeding patterns and lysosomal enzyme content in, or release from, the endometrium.

Fluctuations in the enzymatic activity of the human endometrium.

Cyclic fluctuations were studied in the activity of oxidoreductases playing a role in the major energy metabolic pathways, lysosomal and non-lysosomal hydrolases and some non-enzymatic cytochemical components demonstrable in different developmental physiological or pathophysiological phases of human endometrium. The total scope of the study involved 170 tissues and cytological specimens. The cytological material included microcurettings, aspirates, brush preparations and tissue prints. An evaluation of the usefulness of the application of enzyme cytochemistry to cytological material is included. The most important results were a cyclic fluctuation and a progestagenic controlled increase in the activity of many oxidoreductases, especially the NADPH regenerating enzymes of the pentose phosphate pathway, and of the NADP+ dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase. The histochemical evaluation of the activity of these NADP+ linked enzymes can therefore be recommended for the evaluation of the physiological status of the endometrial cells, especially in patients with infertility problems.

Enzyme immunoassay for specific determination of the synthetic estrogen, ethynyl estradiol, in plasma.

In this enzyme immunoassay for ethynyl estradiol, a conjugate of the 3-(O-carboxymethyl)ether with horseradish peroxidase is used as the label and a conjugate of the 6-(O-carboxymethyl)oxime with bovine serum albumin as the immunogen. A solid-phase antibody procedure is used in separating antibody-bound and free steroid. The lower limit of sensitivity of the assay is 2 pg per assay tube. Interference by synthetic progestagens was minimized by extracting the sample with an anti-estrogen serum before assay. Results obtained with a comparison radioimmunoassay and this procedure agreed well (r greater than 0.98).

PIP: An enzyme immunoassay for ethinyl estradiol (EE2) that incorporates the use of horseradish peroxidase label with use of a solid-phase separation technique is described and results obtained with this technique are compared with those of a conventional radioimmunoassay. For the enzyme assay, a conjugate of the 3-(O-carboxymethyl)ether with horseradish peroxidase is used as the label and a conjugate of the 6-(O-carboxymethyl)oxime with bovine serum albumen is used as the immunogen. The antibody bound and free steroid are separated by solid-phase antibody procedure. The assay has a lower limit of sensitivity of 2 pg per assay tube. The sample in each tube is extracted with an antiestrogen serum before assay to minimize interference by synthetic progestagens. The dose-response curve obtained with the assay procedure (12 replicate samples) compared well on all points with a standard radioimmunoassay. The only significant cross-reactions were found with lynestrenol (8.45%), norethisterone (8.45%), and norgestrel (1.17%). EE2 concentrations in 25 samples from subjects taking a contraceptive agent with EE2 (35 mcg) and norethisterone (500 mcg) were determined by the enzyme and radioimmunoassay. The agreement was satisfactory. In 3 volunteers given combined oral contraceptive with EE2, EE2 peak values (525 pm/liter) were reached in 3-90 minnutes and declined thereafter.

Studies on the male antifertility agent-gossypol acetic acid. II. Effect of gossypol acetic acid on the motility and ATPase activity of human spermatozoa.

A marked reduction in the motility of the human spermatozoa was observed when spermatozoa were incubated with 10 and 100 microgram of gossypol acetic acid for different time period at 37 degrees C; the motility was reduced from 83% to 4% after 210 minutes (P less than 0.001). A significant decrease in the activities of Ca++ and Mg++ activated ATPase in the spermatozoa was observed after gossypol treatment (P less than 0.005). Changes in the zinc++ concentration in the spermatozoa after gossypol treatment were, however, not significant. The present investigations suggest that inhibition of the sperm motility after gossypol treatment may be due to the inhibition of the ATPase activity in the spermatozoa.

PIP: Freshly ejaculated human semen samples of proven motility were studied to test the hypothesis that inhibition of sperm motility after gossypol treatment (a polyphenolic pigment isolated from cottonseed) is caused by decreased adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity and/or imbalance in the molecules of biological significance. When sperm were incubated with 10 and 100 mcg of gossypol acetic acid for different time periods at 37 degrees centigrade, a marked reduction in motility was abserved. The motility was reduced from 83-4% after 210 minutes (P .001). Also, a significant decrease in the activities of calcium ion and magnesium ion activated ATPase in the sperm was observed after incubation in gossypol (P .005). Zinc ion concentration also showed a change, but it was not statistically significant. These data indicate that sperm motility inhibition after gossypol treatment is due to inhibition of ATPase activity in the sperm. This research was conducted in India.

Seminal acid phosphatase from normal, oligospermic, vasectomized, and azoospermic men.

PIP: The activity of seminal acid phosphatase was determined in both normal and abnormal human semen samples and the enzyme activity was correlated with total protein content of seminal fluid. Fresh human semen samples were collected from 88 subjects, aged 25-40, after 7 days of abstinence, by masturbation. Semen samples were grouped into 4 according to sperm count: 1) count above 40 million/ml and normal morphology; 2) count below 40 million/ml with normal morphology (oligospermic); 3) azoospermic (sperm absent); and 4) vasectomized males. Acid phosphatase was measured colorimetrically, and protein was assayed by the method of Lowry et al. Despite similar ejaculate volumes in both Groups 1 and 2, the percentage motility of sperm from oligospermic men (Group 2) was significantly less (P=.05). The protein content was found to be highest in oligospermic males, but not significantly higher (P.05). The normal, oligospermic, vasectomized, and azoospermic samples showed a decreasing order of acid phosphatase activity, and a significant difference of activity (P.05) was exhibited only when normal and azoospermic samples were compared. An inverse relationship between acid phosphatase activity and total protein content was found. The normal semen samples with high protein concentrations were found to possess low acid phosphatase activity and samples having low protein content showed approximately 3 times higher acid phosphatase activity. Statistical analysis has shown these are highly significant relationships (P.001 in each case).^ieng

[Exercise ECG and serum enzymes in women using oral contraceptives]. / Belastungs-Ekg und Serumenzymverhalten bei Frauen nach Einnahme von Ovulationshemmer.

In 45 women who in an average period of 5.6 years took oral contraceptives and who became evident in the transaminase screening a bicycle-ergometric load examination was carried out. At the same time before and after load estimations of enzymes (ALAT, ASAT, LDH, CK) were performed. Only in 4 women (8.9%) under load suspicious ECG-findings could be proved, which, however, could not be regarded as secure signs of ischaemia, but above all as falsely positive changes of the ECG in psychovegetative heart syndrome. The estimation of total enzyme activities did not achieve an additional gain of information.

Effects of oestrogens on erythrocyte enzyme efflux in normal men and women.

In the normal female range for serum creatine kinase, the large diminutions associated with the reproductive period and with pregnancy are apparently related to oestrogen production. Specimens of heparinised blood from healthy men and women were stressed by chilling, and showed the predictably large efflux of erythrocyte aldolase and lactate dehydrogenase into plasma. In aliquots of the same specimens simultaneously stressed in the same way, previous substitution of the natural plasma with pregnant plasma rich in oestrogens gave a marked significant reduction in the efflux of both enzymes in women, but not in men. The significance of these findings is discussed.

PIP: Based on earlier evidence that intracellular enzymes are retained by internal arrangement dependent on adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then escape into the plasma during depletion, this study attempted to test external influences, such as hormones, which may also influence intracellular enzyme retention. 20 healthy adults, (10 men and 10 menstruating women) were studied. In addition, pregnant plasma was obtained from healthy pregnant women. Blood specimens from subjects were heparinized and then stressed by chilling; these specimens showed a large efflux of erythrocyte aldolase and lactate dehydrogenase into plasma. When additional aliquots of these same specimens, simultaneously stressed in the same ways, in which natural plasma had been substituted for by the pregnant plasma rich in estrogens, a marked significant reduction in the effux of both enzymes occurred in the female, but not in the male, subjects. These results imply that some difference in erythrocyte response exists between men and women, and that estrogens protect the female erythrocytes against stress. It is speculated that the rapidly rising estrogens during pregnancy may fortify women for their approaching labor, and more, broadly, may be a factor in women's longevity compared with men.

Effect of oral contraceptives on vitamin B6 nutriture of young women.

The effect of oral contraceptives (OC) on vitamin B6 status of young women was assessed by percentage stimulation of erythrocyte glutamic pyruvic transaminase (EGPT) activity. The subjects were studied under three groups--control (non OC users), cross-sectional study group (taking OC for over a period of 3 months) and follow up study group. No adverse effect of OC on mean basic EGPT, mean percentage stimulation level or in the incidence of deficiency was noted in cross-sectional study group as compared to controls. Similarly follow up of women before the initial of OC therapy and after a period of 3 months or 6 months usage also demonstrated no adverse effects on vitamin B6 nutriture. The vitamin B6 status showed no relationship with duration of OC use. Dietary vitamin B6 was below the recommended in majority of cases and showed no significant correlation with percentage stimulation of EGPT.

PIP: 3 groups of young women were studied to determine any effect oral contraceptives (OCs) may have on vitamin B6 status; this effect was assessed by percentage of stimulation of erythrocyte glutamic pyruvic transaminase (EGPT) activity. The 3 groups were: 1) control (non-OC users); 2) a cross-sectional study group who took OCs for 3 months; and 3) a follow-up study group. When the cross-sectional group was compared with controls, no adverse effect of OC use on mean EGPT, mean percent stimulation levels, or mean incidence of deficiency was found. Follow-up of the cross-sectional, using data from before OC use and at 3-6 months after use, similarly demonstrated no adverse effects on vitamin B6 nutrition. Therefore, it is concluded that vitamin B6 status shows no relationship with duration of OC use either. In the majority of cases, dietary vitamin B6 was below recommended levels, but this showed no significant correlation with percent stimulation of EGPT.

The effect of oral contraceptives on mononuclear cell cholesteryl ester hydrolase activity.

The influence of sex steroids on mononuclear cell cholesteryl ester hydrolase (CEH) activity in premenopausal women and women on combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives has been studied. In addition, plasma and mononuclear cell cholesterol and esters were measured along with plasma estrogen and progesterone levels. Mononuclear cell CEH activity in control women is highest on Day 20 of their menstrual cycle. The control women had significantly higher CEH activities than women on oral contraceptives. Plasma esters were higher in the oral contraceptive group. However, in mononuclear cells, free cholesterol but not cholesteryl esters were higher in women on oral contraceptives.

PIP: Premenopausal women, 1 control group (n=9) taking no medication or using no oral contraceptives (OCs) and 1 treated group (n=10) receiving OCs for contraception, were studied to determine any effects OCs have on mononuclear cell cholesteryl ester hydrolase (CEH) activity. 9 of the 10 medicated women were taking Ortho Novum 1/50 and the other person was receiving Norlestrin 1/50. Normally menstruating women (controls) showed a significant rise in CEH levels on Day 20 of the menstrual cycle (P .05). The enzyme activity in women on OCs was significantly lower than control women in 3 of 4 testing periods. In addition, plasma and mononuclear cell cholesterol and esters were measured along with plasma estrogen and progesterone levels. Although free cholesterol levels in normal cycling (control) women and in the OC group did not vary significantly during the menstrual cycle between the 2 groups, the women on OCs had significantly higher ester levels than the control women in 3 of the 4 test periods P .05-.005). When paired ratios of plasma cholesterol to esterified cholesterol were compared between control and OC groups, the ratio of free/esterified was significantly higher in the control group in 3 of 4 tests. In the mononuclear cells, on the other hand, the cholesterol/cholesteryl ester ratio was significantly lower in the control group during the 4 test periods. No association between levels of endogenous sex hormones (estradiol, progesterone) and CEH activity were found. CEH levels may be related to incidence of atherosclerosis, and women taking OCs may have increased chances of developing this disease.

Female sex hormones and lysosomal stability in gingival polymorphonuclear leucocytes.

In a group of 5 women taking oral contraceptives, the concentration of polymorphonuclear leucocytes along the gingival margin and the activities of cathepsin D, beta-glucuronidase and elastase were found to increase significantly during the intermenstrual phases.

PIP: The release of lysosomal enzymes in the gingival crevice was determined among women taking OCs (oral contraceptives) in this longitudinal study. Cellular and enzymatic analyses were performed for up to 12 cycles during the menstruation itself (2 samples) and during the intermenstrual period (2-3 samples). From the washings, PMNs (polymorphonuclear leukocytes) were quantitated and epithelial cells were counted. The following enzymes were measured: cathepsin D, elastase, and beta-glucuronidase; 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-glucuronide was the substrate. PMNs increased in all 5 volunteers during the intermenstrual period (change through 12 cycles, 46,900 during menstruation and 118,000 intermenstrually). The number of epithelial cells/ml also increased significantly during the intermenstrual period (Li0). Total enzyme activities also rose significantly during the intermenstrual period, parallel to the increase in cells in washings of the gingival crevice. Intracellular specific activity of the 3 enzymes was found to be maximum at menstruation and decreased during the intermenstrual period.

Induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase by lymphocytes from women taking oral contraceptives.

The peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from two female subjects were assayed for AHH induction 40 days prior to and 30 days during ingestion of progesterone and estrogen analogues as oral contraceptives. Three habitual users of oral contraceptives were also studied. No in vitro inhibition of AHH induction was observed as a consequence of the use of these hormone analogues. Values obtained for enzyme activity suggest a slight increase in AHH induction resulting from the use of oral contraceptives. Further studies with larger numbers of subjects are required before the apparent increase in enzyme inducibility can be considered significant.

PIP: 2 healthy female volunteers were tested 3 times weekly to determine any effects of ingestion of a combined oral contraceptive (OC) agent on the inducibility of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), an enzyme known to be readily synthesized by human lymphocytes in the presence of carcinogens. These 2 subjects were assayed 40 days before and 30 days during ingestion. 3 habitual users of OCs were also studied. In the absence of OCs, the 2 highest values occurring at or immediately following the approximate time of ovulation. In the presence of a lower dose OC (.3 mg ethinyl estradiol and .3 norgestrel), the daily levels of AHH inducibility followed a cyclical pattern very similar to that found in the absence of OCs, with a peak at Day 17. On higher dosage (.5 mg ethinyl estradiol and .5 mg norgestrel), a greater degree of variability was noticed, but the overall inducibility pattern followed the same general trend. Hence, no in vitro inhibition of AHH induction was observed as a consequence of using hormone analogs; but the values, shown graphically, obtained for the enzyme activity suggested a slight increase in AHH induction resulting from the OC use. Further, larger studies are called for.

Epididymal and testicular enzymes as monitors for assessment of male antifertility drugs.

PIP: Since the synthesis and maturational processes of sperm are associated with characteristic alterations in different marker enzyme activities in testes and epididymis, it is possible to monitor these enzymes to investigate whether 3 antispermatogenic agents, WIN 18 446, alpha-chlorohydrin (AC), and cyproterone acetate (CA), have any characteristic effects on biochemical events associated with spermatogenesis and maturation of sperm; acid, neutral, and alkaline proteinases, particulate and soluble arylamidases, and sialidase were studied after treatment with 1 of the 3 agents in male albino rats (CIBA strain) by measuring these enzyme levels in rat testicular and epididymal tissues. After WIN treatment, sialidase activity as well as sialic acid content increased in the testis, whereas no such effect occurred in the epididymis at any dose. At low dose, AC (10 mg/kg/day for 7 days) and CA (50 mg/kg/day for 10 days) decreased the sialic acid content and the sialidase activity in the epididymis, whereas the sialic acid and sialidase activity in the testis remained unchanged. At higher dose levels, AC (25 mg) and CA (50 mg) both affected the tissues significantly, i.e., enhancing sialidase activity and lowering sialic acid content. Therefore, the effect of CA and AC is more prominent on the maturational phenomena than the testicular spermatogenesis. AC and CA deserve further investigation for use as a male contraceptive. The relationship between proteinase, sialidase, and arylamidase activities and different phases of spermatogenesis and maturation was established by these test results.^ieng

The effect of oral contraceptives on mononuclear cell cholesterol ester hydrolase activity in premenopausal women taking oral contraceptives: relevance to atherosclerosis.

PIP: Among the many, multifactorial etiologies of atherosclerosis is excessive filtration and deposition of lipids, particularly cholesterol esters, in arterial walls; furthermore, the monoclonal theory purports that the artheroma is an uncontrolled proliferation of cells similar to a benign tumor. These 2 aspects of atherosclerosis pathogenesis were studied in 5 healthy women on birth control pills by investigating the level of mononuclear cell cholesterol ester hydrolase (CEH). Control subjects underwent identical investigation. Mononuclear CEH activity was signficantly lower in women on oral contraceptives than in controls in 4 of the 5 test intervals and showed no signficant fluctuation in activity. Average value of CEH in 5 women on birth control pills was 927+ or -81 pmol/mg of protein/hour. In 5 men followed at 5-day intervals, no significant fluctuation of CEH activity was found. Mean average was 2373+ or -92. Total cholesterol and its ester in both plasma and mononuclear cells showed no signficant differences at the 5-day intervals between men and women. However, plasma cholesterol/cholesterol ester ratios were significantly higher in women than men at each of the 5-day intervals from Days 5-25. An additional link between female hormones and atherosclerosis is suggested by the finding that women on oral contracepitves, known to be predisposed to premature atherosclerosis, show reduced and nonfluctuating levels of mononuclear cell CEH.^ieng

A study of peroxidase levels in human cervical mucus as an index of ovulation.

Fourteen healthy women were screened for the following parameters throughout one complete menstrual cycle: levels of urinary oestrogens and pregnanediol; levels of plasma and urinary gonadotrophins; and pH, protein content and levels of peroxidase in the cervical mucus. It was found that concentrations of peroxidase in the cervical mucus were not a reliable index of ovulation.

PIP: Samples of cervical mucus, plasma, and urine were collected daily through 1 complete menstrual cycle from 14 healthy volunteers not taking oral contraceptives and screened for pH, protein content, levels of peroxidase in the cervical mucus, and for levels of urinary estrogens and pregnanediol and plasma and urinary gonadotropins. Ovulation occurred in 13 of the women. It was found that although peroxidase concentrations are a reliable indication of ovulation in veterinary science, it is a poor indicator in human beings. Only 2 of the women had a peak of peroxidase activity at ovulation. Others had 1 or 2 peaks before and/or after ovulation. In the anovulatory cycle a wide fluctuation is seen. Charts present the findings.

Carbonic anhydrase activity in human cervical mucus and its response to various contraceptives regimes.

Carbonic anhydrase activity is present in human cervical mucus throughout the normal menstrual cycle. Lowest activity occurs in the ovulatory phase. A similar pattern of activity is seen in the presence of either an 'inert' or copper-releasing intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD). The overall levels of activity are not significantly altered by the presence of either type of IUCD. A cyclic pattern of activity is retained even though endogenous ovarian function is suppressed by combined oestrogen-progestogen oral contraceptives.

PIP: Carbonic anhydrase activity and its response to various contraceptive regimes were studied in human cervical mucus. Carbonic anhydrase activity was found to be present throughout the normal menstrual cycle. The lowest activity occurred at the time of ovulation (p .01). A similar pattern of activity was seen in the presence of either an "inert" or copper-releasing IUD. The overall levels of activity were not markedly altered by the presence of either type of IUD. A cyclic pattern of activity was retained even though endogenous ovarian function was suppressed by combined estrogen-progestogen oral contraceptives.

Effects of progesterone on some enzymes of fat and carbohydrate metabolism in rat liver.

The known effect of progesterone on carbohydrate metabolism prompted a study of some of the hepatic "lipogenic" and "gluconeogenic" enzymes in rats treated with progesterone. Several enzymes providing lipid precursors (phosphofructokinase, malic enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and citrate cleavage enzyme) showed increased specific activity. These changes may represent insulin effects. Specific activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, usually associated with control of gluconeogenesis, was also increased. The latter is compatible with increased capability for glycogenesis, which is recognized as a progesterone effect.

PIP: The effects of progesterone on some of the hepatic enzymes associated with lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis in rats is presented. Progesterone was given, 1.25 mg, twice daily, for 14 days followed by 2.5 mg twice daily for 7 days. Animals were killed after 21 days of treatment. Enzymes studied included phosphofructokinase (PFK) malic enzyme (ME), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD), citrate cleavage enzyme (CCE), glycerol-3-phosphatee dehydrogenase (g-3-PD), fatty acid synthetase (FAS), pyruvate carboxylase (PC), phosphenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), fructose-1,6-diphosphatase (FDPase), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). PFK, ME, G-6-PD, and CCE were elevated significantly after progesterone administration, while FAS and G-3-PD were unchanged. These changes may represent insulin effects. Progesterone treatment also results in increased PEPCK. This enzyme is associated with control of gluconeogenesis. PEPCK is considered to be a key rat-limiting enzyme in the "dicarboxylic acid shuttle." This finding may indicate an increased capability for glycogen formation.

Effects of CdCl2 on the secretory functions of sex accessory glands of rats.

PIP: The effects of cadmium chloride (Cd) alone (1 mg given as a single injection) or in combination with ascorbic acid (AA; 100 mg/day for 10 days) on the secretory functions of sex accessory glands of rats were studied in healthy male albino rats. Animals were sacrificed after 10 days treatment and the seminal vesicles (SVs), dorsolateral prostate (DLP), ventral prostate (VP), bulbourethral glands (BU), and coagulating glands (CO) were excised and weighed. Weight of all accessory glands were decreased by 10 days treatment with Cd. Cd + AA gave similar results. AA concentration increased in all glands and was significantly increases in CO (p less than .01). Levels of ascorbogin increased in all glands except CO and BU and in the latter a significant (p less than .001) increase was found. The rate of AA utilization increased significantly (p less that .001) in the accessories. A significant (p less than .001) reduction in the activity of succinate dehydrogenase was observed in Cd-treated rats with a further reduction with combined treatment. Alkaline phosphatase decreased (p less than .001) after Cd treatment but AA in combination restored it to control levels. Cd increased acid phosphatase (p less than .001) and was further activated by Cd + AA. Phosphorylase activity was elevated with Cd (p less than .001) but recovery occurred in SV and BU with Cd + AA. Glycogen increased (p less than .001; .01) with both treatments as did citric acid. Protein results were inconsistent with Cd but activation was found in most glands under combined treatment. The results reveal that most androgen-dependent biochemical constituents and organ weights were affected significantly by a single injection of Cd. AA had a protective and beneficial influence on the restoration of structural integrity and metabolism in sex accessory glands.^ieng