Human erythrocyte antigens in Brazilian Capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.).

BACKGROUND: Investigation of erythrocyte antigens in New World monkeys, especially in the Brazilian ones, is scant and incomplete. METHODS: Determining the presence of 29 erythrocyte antigens from 11 human blood group systems (ABO, H, Rh, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, Lewis, P, MNS, Lutheran and Diego) on erythrocytes in nine Capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.). RESULTS: A majority (20 of 29) of human erythrocyte antigens were not found in this monkey genus. Erythrocyte phenotyping was very similar within this animal group, as five Capuchin monkeys differed from the other four in the ABO system only. CONCLUSION: The erythrocyte phenotype for this group of animals is less diversified than in humans. Some monkey erythrocyte antigens were similar in frequency, whereas others were different from those observed in human ethnicities.

Could zinc prevent reproductive alterations caused by cigarette smoke in male rats?

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of zinc on fertility through semen parameters, testosterone level and oxidative DNA damage to spermatozoa of rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Male Wistar rats (60 days old) were divided into four groups (n = 10 per group): control, cigarette-smoking (20 cigarettes per day), zinc (zinc chloride 20 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹) and zinc plus cigarette-smoking (zinc chloride 20 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹; 20 cigarettes per day). The treatment was applied for nine weeks and the following parameters were analysed: bodyweight, wet weights of the reproductive organs and the adrenal gland, plasma testosterone concentration, testicular function (seminal analysis and daily sperm production) and sperm DNA oxidative damage. The exposure to cigarette smoke decreased testosterone concentration, the percentage of normal morphology and the motility of spermatozoa. In addition, this exposure increased sperm DNA oxidative damage. Zinc treatment protected against the toxic damage that smoking caused to spermatozoa. This study showed a correlation between smoking and possible male infertility and subfertility, and also that the majority of smoking-induced changes in spermatozoa were prevented by zinc treatment. In conclusion, zinc, an antioxidant and stimulant of cell division, can be indicated as a promising treatment in men with infertility caused by the toxic components of cigarette smoke.

Applicability of papain solutions in immunohematology.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the enzyme activity of different presentations of papain solution to validate in-house preparations. METHODS: Two papain solutions were prepared, and the third presentation was a commercial solution. Tests were carried out with samples of red cells typed as weak RhD. RESULTS: In-house prepared papain solutions showed similar enzyme reactivity, and statistically no differences compared to the enzyme activity of the commercial solution. CONCLUSION: Evaluating the cost-benefit ratio, the in-house prepared papain solutions present more economic advantages, and can be incorporated into immunohematological routines as a way to cope with periods of financial crisis and cost-containment policies.

Evaluation of reproductive toxicity in rats treated with triclosan.

Triclosan (TCS) is an antibacterial agent used in a variety of consumer products such as: soaps, deodorant, and toothpaste, among others. Some studies have reported the (anti)androgenic effects of TCS in the male reproductive system, raising concerns about its effects on the reproductive axis. In this study, the (anti)androgenicity of TCS was evaluated in the Hershberger assay in 52-day old male Wistar rats. Additionally, the sexual behavior, sperm motility, sperm viability, and testicular histomorphometry were evaluated in a second protocol to investigate the reproductive effects of TCS in 49-day old male Wistar rats. The dosages were administered based on the acceptable daily intake for TCS, in addition to 3 and 10-fold higher doses. Our results demonstrated that TCS, in the doses administered, did not act as an endocrine disrupter (ED), with no (anti)androgenic effect in the Hershberger assay and without interfering with the parameters evaluated in the reproductive toxicity study.

Applicability of papain solutions in immunohematology / Aplicabilidade de soluções de papaína em imuno-hematologia

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the enzyme activity of different presentations of papain solution to validate in-house preparations. Methods: Two papain solutions were prepared, and the third presentation was a commercial solution. Tests were carried out with samples of red cells typed as weak RhD. Results: In-house prepared papain solutions showed similar enzyme reactivity, and statistically no differences compared to the enzyme activity of the commercial solution. Conclusion: Evaluating the cost-benefit ratio, the in-house prepared papain solutions present more economic advantages, and can be incorporated into immunohematological routines as a way to cope with periods of financial crisis and cost-containment policies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a atividade enzimática de diferentes apresentações de solução de papaína para validação de preparados in-house. Métodos: Foram preparadas duas soluções de papaína, e a terceira apresentação tratou-se de uma solução comercial. Os testes comparativos das reações enzimáticas foram realizados com amostras de hemácias tipadas como RhD fraco. Resultados: As soluções de papaína preparadas in-house apresentaram reatividade enzimática semelhante e estatisticamente sem diferenças em comparação com a atividade enzimática da solução comercial. Conclusão: Avaliando-se a relação entre custo e benefício, as soluções de papaína preparadas in-house são economicamente vantajosas, podendo ser incorporadas às rotinas imuno-hematológicas como forma de enfrentamento em períodos de crise financeira e em políticas de retenção de gastos.

Semen and reproductive parameters during some abstinence periods after cigarette smoke exposure in male rats

Cigarette smoking is very widespread globally and can also be implicated in male and female infertility. This study aimed to evaluate the testicular function throughout a complete spermatic cycle during abstinence from cigarette smoke exposure in order to identify a possible residual damage and whether the parameters could recover spontaneously. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control and cigarette smoke-exposed (20 cigarettes/day/2 months) groups. After finishing the treatment, according to the number of days after the last cigarette exposure (0, 15, 30, or 60 days), the rats were euthanized and analyzed for compromised sperm count and quality. Results showed residual damage on sperm concentration, motility and morphology; the recovery of these parameters occurred only at 60th days of abstinence. The study showed that cigarette smoke exposure damaged the semen and reproductive parameters and that the spontaneous recovery of some parameters occurred only after a complete spermatic cycle subsequent to stopping smoke exposure.

Sistema ABO e infertilidade / Infertility and blood group ABO system

OBJETIVOS: A incompatibilidade ABO está associada com algumas patologia e estudos sugerem também uma possível associação com a infertilidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se a incompatibilidade ABO entre os casais pode ser um fator contribuinte para o quadro de infertilidade. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Foram analisados 161 casais quanto ao grupo sangüíneo ABO e divididos em dois grupos: Grupo 1 - constituído por 72 casais férteis e grupo 2 - constituído por 89 casais inférteis. Análise estatística foi realizada pelos testes Fischers exact test e chi-square test p menor que 0,05. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram um aumento significativo na incompatibilidade ABO nos casais inférteis 38(42,7%) quando comparado com a dos casais férteis 15(25%). Observamos também uma maior freqüência do grupo sangüíneo O nos homens férteis e do grupo B nos homens inférteis. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem que a incompatibilidade ABO pode ser um fator contribuinte para a infertilidade, evidenciado pelo aumento significativo da incidência de casais ABO incompatíveis no grupo de casais inférteis