Effects of leached components from silorane and methacrylate-based dental composites on the male mice reproductive system.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the potential toxic effects of leached components from either a methacrylate-based composite (Filtek Z250) or a silorane-based composite (Filtek P90) on the male mice reproductive system. METHODS: Sixty adult Syrian male mice were divided into six groups. In test groups, leached components from composite specimens in artificial saliva or 75% aqueous ethanol solution were administered intragastrically daily for 28 days. The mice were then euthanized and the following reproductive parameters recorded: body weight changes; weight of paired testes; testis volume; Gonadosomatic Index (GSI); sperm motility; sperm viability; daily sperm production and epididymal sperm count. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in body weight changes, weight of paired testes, GSI, testis volume, epididymal sperm count, and daily sperm production between groups. Sperm motility and sperm viability were significantly lower in all the test groups in comparison to the control groups. In addition, they were significantly lower in the test groups in which composite samples were immersed in aqueous ethanol solution. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, the present data indicate that leached components from dental composites could affect sperm quality and therefore could potentially cause adverse effects on the male mice reproductive system.

Reproductive health knowledge, attitudes and practices of Iranian and Afghan men in Tehran Province.

This study was carried out in south-west Tehran province to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of men, Iranians and Afghan refugees, regarding reproductive health. A questionnaire was used for the assessment. Mean scores for knowledge, attitudes and practices for Iranians were 4.38/30, 13.89/20 and 12.99/31 respectively; for Afghans the scores were 3.79/30, 11.66/20 and 11.88/31. Although the scores in both groups were low, Afghans showed significantly lower scores for attitudes and practices. Access to reproductive health services was the same for both groups. Further scrutiny of men's role in reproductive health, particularly social and cultural factors, is strongly recommended.

Reproductive health knowledge, attitudes and practices of Iranian and Afghan men in Tehran province

This study was carried out in south- west Tehran province to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of men, Iranians and Afghan refugees, regarding reproductive health. A questionnaire was used for the assessment. Mean scores for knowledge, attitudes and practices for Iranians were 4.38/30, 13.89/20 and 12.99/31 respectively; for Afghans the scores were 3.79/30, 11.66/20 and 11.88/31. Although the scores in both groups were low, Afghans showed significantly lower scores for attitudes and practices. Access to reproductive health services was the same for both groups. Further scrutiny of men's role in reproductive health, particularly social and cultural factors, is strongly recomended

Decrease in erythrocyte:plasma lithium ratio by concurrent administration of psychotropic drugs and lithium in mice.

1. Previous studies paying attention to concurrent use of lithium (Li+) with a neuroleptic were not done under constant and controlled conditions. We were therefore encouraged to do a prospectively controlled study, presuming constant relevant factors, on concomitant use of Li+ with neuroleptic as well as other psychotropic agents. 2. The effects of concurrent administration of chlorpromazine, haloperidol, imipramine and carbamazepine with Li+ on the erythrocyte:plasma Li+ ratio and the intraerythrocyte Li+ concentration were studied in mice by using a new, direct method of measuring erythrocyte Li+ concentration. 3. All of the foregoing agents with the exception of carbamazepine were observed to significantly decrease the Li+ ratio. 4. Lack of any significant effect by carbamazepine on Li+ transport may be an indication of this drug's efficacy as a supplement in Li+ therapy of bipolar affective disorders. 5. The decrease in Li+ ratio observed with chlorpromazine, haloperidol and imipramine may be explained through the mechanism by which these drugs stabilize the cell membrane and consequently affect Li+ transport in erythrocytes. 6. Moreover, our study proves that, although the Li(+)-sodium countertransport mechanism does not exist in mice, the same interaction between Li+ and other psychotropic drugs is seen. It can be concluded that such interaction is not mediated through Li(+)-sodium countertransport. 7. It is suggested that, with concurrent use of a psychotropic drug and Li+, the amount of intraerythrocyte Li+ concentration be measured, instead of relying on the plasma Li+ concentration alone.