Association between HLA B7, DR2 and dysfunction of natural- and antibody-mediated cytotoxicity without connection with the deficient interferon production in multiple sclerosis.

In this study, 133 patients with MS were investigated for HLA-A,B,C,DR antigens, natural killer (NK) cell activity, and antibody-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). A higher frequency of HLA B7 and DR2 was found in this group of patients than in the healthy control group, as can be observed in other caucasoid populations as well. In Gypsies living in the same geographic area, almost a complete absence of the disease was observed, corresponding to a lack of B7; however, HLA DR2 was present in 56% of this population. NK activity and ADCC measured against the K-562 tumor cell line was found to be significantly lower in MS patients, most pronounced in the group of male patients. Interferon augmentation of NK activity showed similar impairment in the patient group, and their lymphocytes produced a significantly lower amount of interferon. A correlation was demonstrated between both killer cell function and HLA B7, DR2 in MS patients, however, it was significant only in the case of ADCC and DR2. No other correlations were found in relation to interferon augmentation, interferon production, and HLA antigens. The above finding underscores a possible HLA-linked pathogenetic role of NK and K cell dysfunction in MS. This is consistent with other, similar observations that a possible defect in virus immunity may exist in MS patients.

[Infectious agents and treatment of infertility with IVF and ET]. / Infekcní agens a lécba infertility metodou IVF + ET.

An infectious agent is a confirmed etiological factor of female tubal sterility. In conjunction with the recorded decline of fertility of the male population the participation of infection in this trend can be taken into consideration. In the submitted paper the authors are concerned with the detection of an infectious agent in spermatozoa in the sterile population and its role when using assisted reproduction techniques (ART). From the results ensues that cultivation examinations of spermatozoa before a programme of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF + ET) has its place in the screening of the treated couple. Detection of virulent types of microorganisms has a negative effect on results of IVF + ET. Groups of men with this finding should be treated with antibiotics with regard to sensitivity and at the same time cultivation examinations of their partners should be made an necessary treatment and provided.

[Results of IVF and ET 1992-95 at the Gynecological-Obstetrical Clinic in Olomouc--comparison of stimulation protocols]. / Výsledky IVF a ET v letech 1992-95 na Gynek.-porod. klinice v Olomouci--srovnání stimulacních protokolu.

The authors compared three types of stimulation protocols used in their department in 1992-1995. In the standard protocol they evaluated the use of hMG and FSH with regard to the number of abolished cycles and the number of achieved pregnancies. They compared protocol No. 1 "standard: CC + G (FSH), protocol No. 2 "short": GnRH-a + hMG (FSH) and protocol No. 3 "long" GnRH-a + hMG (FSH). They evaluated the number of abolished cycles, the effectiveness of the protocols as regards the number of obtained oocytes, the number of performed embryo transfers, the number of clinical pregnancies/embryo transfers and the number of cryopreservations. The abortion rate in relation to the used protocol was also evaluated.

[Effect of the number of transferred embryos on multiple pregnancy]. / Vliv poctu transferovaných embryí na cetnost gravidity.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the influence of the number of transferred embryos on multiple pregnancy. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTING: Department of Obstetric and Gynecology FN UP, Olomouc. METHODS: Over the last seven years 572 embryotransfers (ET) have been performed in our centre. RESULTS: Of the 173 pregnancies (P) achieved there were 56% singletons, 35% twins and 9% triplets. One embryo was transferred in 10% of cases and all 8 pregnancies (15% P/ET) ended with a live birth. Two embryos were transferred in 17% of cases. The pregnancy rate was 20% P/ET, 55% of pregnancies were twins and 10% pregnancies were lost in abortion or ectopic pregnancy. Three embryos were transferred in most cases (62%). The pregnancy rate was the highest in this group (36% P/ET) with 13% twins and 3% triplets. The overall pregnancy loss was 16%, the highest loss, 27%, recorded in triplets. Four embryos were transferred in 11% of cases. The pregnancy rate decreased to 28% P/ET, as well as the number of twins (6%), while the number of triplets increased slightly (5%). Pregnancy loss occurred only in singleton pregnancies. CONCLUSION: We can conclude that in our setting the pregnancy rate increases with a higher number of embryos up to three embryos transferred. Unfortunately, the higher pregnancy rate with three embryos transferred is on the expense of a higher risk and losses due to multiple pregnancy. Therefore we recommend to transfer two embryos unless there are some specific reasons.

[Embryo transfer after 5 days of culture]. / Embryotransfer po 5denní kultivaci.

OBJECTIVE: To find out whether: 1) the blastocysts transfer rises the successfulness of IVF and ET (G/ET) and 2) the 2-blastocyst transfer lowers the incidence of multiple pregnancies (IR). DESIGN: Prospective study of 46 patients involved in a prolonged 5-day cultivation of IVF and ET programme. SETTING: Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Teaching Hospital and Palacky University in Olomouc. METHODS: Patients with at least 5 acquired embryos were included in the group. The cultivation in media commercially produced by Scandinavian IVF Science took 5 days. RESULTS: In 91% of patients in the observed group (n = 46) morulas or blastocysts were acquired. The IVF and ET success rate after 5-day cultivation and subsequent transfer of two embryos was 37% pregnancies per a started cycle (G/cycle), 40% pregnancies per an embryotransfer (G/ET) and the implantation rate (IR) was 31%. Relatively high percentage of double pregnancies (53%) is alarming. Following parameters were assessed: age, sterility cause, number of previous IVF cycles, stimulation scheme, E2 level on the day of hCG application, number of acquired oocytes and pronuclear stages, percentage of grown blastocysts, the quality of transferred embryos and endometrium thickness on the day of transfer. The only statistically significant difference was found in E2 level on the day of hCG application. Pregnant patients had lower levels of estradiol (average value 11.8 +/- 4.8 nmol/l) compared to patients who did not become pregnant (18.6 +/- 11.9 nmol/l). CONCLUSION: In selected groups of patients who refuse multiple pregnancies only one blastocyst should be transferred.

[Results of a study of serum hormones and biochemical findings in seminal plasma in subfertile men examined at the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics in Olomouc 1995-1996]. / Výsledky hormonálních vysetrení v séru a biochemické nálezy v seminální plazme u subfertilních muzu sledovaných na Gynek.-porod. klinice v Olomouci v letech 1995-96.

Based on a comparative study in a group of healthy men and men suffering from oligospermia and azoospermia, the authors consider it useful to examine FSH, LH, PRL and testosterone serum levels for possible evidence of testicular hypofunction and for detection of stress situations associated with raised PRL levels. As to seminal plasma, the authors consider it useful and relevant to assess citric acid levels, total acid phosphatases and in particular fructose with alpha-glucosidase.

Results of space experiment program "Interferon".

The results of the biological space experiment "Interferon" performed by two international cosmonaut teams (26 May 1980, and 16 May 1981) aboard space laboratory Solyut-6 are reported: (1) Human lymphocytes separated from blood of healthy donors and placed into "Interferon I" equipment could be kept for 7 days in suspension culture under spaceflight conditions. Interferon production could be induced in human lymphocytes by preparations of different origin: virus, synthetic polyribonucleotides, bacterial protein and plant pigment. An increased lymphocyte interferon production in space laboratory compared to ground control was observed. (2) Human interferon preparations and interferon inducers placed in space laboratory at room temperature for 7 days maintained their biological activity. (3) A decrease of induced interferon production and natural killer activity of lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood of cosmonauts was observed on the 1st day on Earth after 7-days spaceflight.

[The ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome with pericardial and pleural effusions complicated by supraventricular arrhythmia]. / Ovariální hyperstimulacní syndrom s perikardiálním a pleurálním výpotkem komplikovaný supraventrikulární arytmií.

Problems which arise in conjunction with the use of assisted reproduction methods are no longer resolved only by the gynaecologist. The authors demonstrate on the case of a female patient the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis and therapy of developed ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)--the most serious complication of assisted reproduction.

[Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome as a rare cause of pericardial effusion. 2 case reports]. / Ovariální hyperstimulacní syndrom jako vzácná prícina perikardiálního výpotku. Dve kazuistiky.

Assisted reproduction techniques (ART) are modern medical methods which should help infertile couples to resolve their problems. With the introduction of ART new ethical and technical problems arise. The authors wish to demonstrate on the submitted two case-histories the need of interdisciplinary collaboration of the specialist in internal medicine and gynaecologist when dealing with a serious complication of ART--ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Effect of the interferon inducer tilorone in inbred CBA mice.

Tilorone hydrochloride (200 mg/kg) was administered intragastrically to inbred CBA mice. After 5, 18 and 48 hr the number of circulating leucocytes and peritoneal cells as well as the migration of unstimulated peritoneal cells, the blood corticosteroid level and interferon production were investigated. In spite of the considerable decrease of the number of mononuclear cells in the blood and polynuclear ones in the peritoneal exudate, the drug induced production of circulating interferon and stimulated its synthesis by peritoneal cells. The blood corticosteroid level and the mast cell count in the peritoneal cavity were significantly elevated, but the migration of peritoneal cells in antigen-free medium decreased.

Interferon synthesis in mouse peritoneal cells damaged by X-irradiation.

NDV-induced interferon of peritoneal cells of irradiated (X-rays, 400 R) and control mice was investigated in vitro. Irradiation or treatment with hydroxyurea (10(-5) M) and mitomycin C (25 microng/ml) did not change interferon synthesis in spite of an 80--90% inhibition of 3H-thymidine incorporation. Increased doses of mitomycin C and treatment with actinomycin D and puromycin blocked interferon production. De novo interferon synthesis occurred in cells with damaged replicative activity of DNA caused by irradiation or by treatment with antimetabolites.