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Biomedical subjects

L Gandini

Publications and source records attributed to L Gandini.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial of glutathione therapy in male infertility.

Glutathione therapy was used for 2 months in a placebo-controlled double-blind cross-over trial of 20 infertile patients with dyspermia associated with unilateral varicocele (VAR) or germ-free genital tract inflammation (INF). The patients received either glutathione (group 1) or placebo (group 2) for 2 months, then they crossed over to the alternative treatment for a further 2 months. The patients were randomly and blindly assigned to treatment (one i.m. injection every other day of either 600 mg glutathione or an equal volume of a placebo preparation). The standard semen analysis and the computer-assisted sperm motility analyses were carried out before treatment and during the trial. Statistical cross-over analysis, case-control study and treatment efficacy test were carried out on groups 1 and 2 and differences in the effects of therapy between VAR and INF patients with varicocele or inflammation were tested. Glutathione therapy demonstrated a statistically significant positive effect on sperm motility, in particular on the percentage of forward motility, the kinetic parameters of the computerized analysis and on sperm morphology. The findings of this study indicate that glutathione therapy could represent a possible therapeutical tool for both of the selected andrological pathologies.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Nicotine, cotinine, and trans-3-hydroxycotinine levels in seminal plasma of smokers: effects on sperm parameters.

Sperm samples from 44 cigarette smokers and 50 nonsmokers attending an infertility clinic were examined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay and HPLC-mass spectrometry for the presence of nicotine (NIC), cotinine (COT), and trans-3'-hydroxycotinine (THOC) in seminal plasma. Smokers were found to have levels of COT and THOC in seminal plasma that were similar to those found in serum. The level of NIC was significantly increased in seminal plasma compared to serum. Total motility of spermatozoa was significantly and negatively correlated to COT and THOC levels in seminal plasma. Forward motility of spermatozoa was correlated only with cotinine semen levels. On the basis of these results, we suggest that the presence of tobacco smoke constituents in seminal plasma could provide a warning of the adverse effects of cigarette smoke on the physiology of reproduction.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Immunological infertility in humans.

This review deals with some of the most controversial problems in the field of immunologic infertility and antisperm antibodies (ASA) in humans: (a) sperm antigens and their identification; (b) the aetiopathogenesis of the immune reaction and the biological effects of ASA; (c) laboratory tests set up for ASA detection, and (d) the therapy for immunologic infertility both in vivo and in vitro.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1993

Supplementation of male inhibitory material to lipid A activated human mononuclear cell supernatants contributes to the suppression of polymorphonuclear cell phagocytosis.

Human normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with lipid A (LA), the biologically active moiety of bacterial lipopolysaccharides. LA-activated supernatants were able to suppress polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) phagocytosis of Candida albicans. This inhibitory activity was enhanced by the supplementation of male inhibitory material (MIM) to active supernatants. The addition of a recombinant human anti-interleukin-1 beta monoclonal antibody to activated supernatants in the absence or presence of MIM diminished or abrogated, respectively, the suppressive effect on PMN function. The mechanisms and the significance of MIM-mediated inhibition of phagocytosis under these circumstances are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Fertility and semen quality of workers exposed to high temperatures in the ceramics industry.

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that chronic occupational exposure to high temperatures may be detrimental to male reproduction. The study was based on 92 healthy ceramics oven operators with a long exposure to high temperatures, and 87 controls, recruited from the shipment department of the same industry. Interviews with all subjects provided data on sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and fertility problems. Semen analysis was carried out on 46 of the workers exposed to high temperatures, and 14 of the controls, and included evaluation of the sperm concentration, morphology, and motility, including computer-assisted sperm motion analysis (velocity, linearity, ALH, BCF). The results of the questionnaire showed that exposed individuals had a higher incidence of childlessness and of self-reported difficulty in conceiving than controls. The semen analysis showed no significant differences except in sperm velocity. Although differences in semen parameters, taken singly, were not statistically significant, the overall evaluation of the sperm parameters indicated a higher prevalence of pathologic sperm profiles among the exposed compared to the controls.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

In vitro sperm capacitation to treat antisperm antibodies bound to the sperm surface.

Our objective was to study antisperm antibody bound to the acrosome region during in vitro capacitation and to determine whether acrosome-antibody free sperm can be obtained from previously acrosome-antibody-coated sperm. The spermatozoa from a selected series of 14 patients were tested for sperm antibodies bound to the sperm surface using d-IBT and focusing on the acrosome positivity. The tests were carried out before the incubation and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 h of incubation in Tyrode's solution with 0.5% human serum albumin as the capacitation medium. Tests to evaluate acrosome region, sperm motion parameters, and zonae binding ability were carried out. In this way we were able to evaluate sperm function during capacitation protocol. The patients were 14 subjects selected according to good seminal characteristics, good post-rise sperm parameters, and high percentage of ASA bound to the sperm surface. In all cases the results showed that antisperm antibodies bound to the acrosome region were shed prior to the acrosome reaction. During sperm capacitation in human a modification, migration, or shedding of plasma membrane molecules takes place. The presence of antibodies in such an important area of the sperm head could certainly interfere in the fertilization process. Our data indicate that in vitro capacitation could provide an in vitro therapy capable of eluting antibodies from the acrosome region.

Acrosome↗
PubMed1992

[Metabolism and action of L-carnitine: its possible role in sperm tail function].

The authors report a review on the L-carnitine effects on the male genital tract. L-carnitine represents a cofactor in the transport of long chain fatty acids inside mitochondria and their subsequent oxidation. Therefore, its main role is that of intramitochondrial vehicle of acyl groups. In particular, the effects of L-carnitine on the male genital function seem connected mainly with the high concentration of L-carnitine in the epididymis; the uptake of the L-carnitine from the blood is an active, in part androgen-dependent, mechanism. Moreover, epididymal spermatozoa are able to concentrate L-carnitine (while they become progressively more impermeable to such a substance) during their passage from the caput to the cauda epididymis. The main function of the L-carnitine in the epididymis is to give to the spermatozoa an energetic substrate. In fact, this function should be of great importance since the epididymal spermatozoa employ fatty acid oxidation for their energy metabolism; on the contrary, the ejaculated sperm employ glycolytic process. As a consequence of the above-mentioned effects of L-carnitine the dosage of this substance in the evaluation of the integrity of the processes of maturation of the spermatozoa was proposed. Finally, there is growing interest in the use of L-carnitine as a therapeutic tool in some forms of male infertility.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

A comparison of the direct immunobead test and other tests for sperm antibodies detection.

The authors report the results of a correlation study between the direct Immunobead Test (d-IBT) and other techniques for antisperm antibodies detection. The Gelatin Agglutination Test (GAT) and Tray Agglutination Test (TAT) were used to detect antibodies in blood serum and seminal plasma ("indirect methods"). The Direct IgG Mixed Antiglobulin Reaction Test (d-MAR test) was used to detect sperm antibodies bound to the sperm surface ("direct method"). A good concordance between the methods, measured by phi and K tests, was found and satisfactory mathematical models were established by regression analyses.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1990

[Male genito-urinary tract infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and seminal characteristics: use of minocycline].

The authors evaluated the activity of Minocycline in 30 male patients with urinary tract infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) and alterations of the seminal parameters using three different dosage schedules (100 mg/day for 10 days, 200 mg/day for 10 days and 200 mg/day for 20 days). At baseline, at the end of therapy and one month after clinical and bacteriological parameters and seminal characteristics, including some sperm function tests (acridine orange test to study chromatin heterogeneity; triple staining technique, to study acrosome; swim-up technique, to study the sperm kinetics) were verified. The seminal characteristics were checked again three and six months after the end of the therapy. All the results show that Minocycline is an excellent drug for the treatment of urinary tract infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis both for its therapeutic efficacy and for the absence of side effects. Although 10 days cycles using 1 cap/day are sufficient to eliminate inflammation and infection, in order to obtain more valid results it is preferable to use the following dosage schedule: 200 mg/day of antibiotic (100 mg twice daily) for 10 days. The results of our trial show that in cases of Chlamydia trachomatis infection associated with dispermia (reduced nemaspermic concentration, hypomotility, teratozoospermia, increased number of leucocytes), if the parameters of sperm function are within normal limits, the resolution of the infection is usually followed by a recovery of normozoospermia. Follow-up performed 3 and 6 months after the end of treatment showed an increase in the number of spermatozoa, a percentage increase in their motility, mostly in the progressive motility, and a reduction of the atypical forms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Enoxacin in the treatment of male genital infections in patients with antisperm autoimmune pathology].

Anti-sperm antibodies are frequently present in patients bearing infections of the genital tract and a cause-effect relationship is suspected in these two pathological conditions. In an open, uncontrolled study, the Authors tested the therapeutical effect on both autoimmune anti-sperm and infectious genital tract diseases. Thirty patients, age 30.3 +/- 3.6 years (mean +/- D.S.; range 25-42), were admitted to the study. In all patients the clinical diagnosis was confirmed by a positive sperm culture for enoxacin sensitive germs. Eleven out of 30 patients (36.7%) were also found to be positive by both immunofluorescence and immunoenzymatic tests for Chlamydia Trachomatis at the beginning of the study. At day 0 (first menstrual cycle day of the patients' partner) enoxacin treatment (300 mg twice daily) was started with the patients and their partners for a period of 30 and 12 days respectively. Sperm culture and both the above mentioned tests for Chlamydia Trachomatis were subsequently repeated on day 5 of therapy (first control) and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months (2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th controls respectively) after the end of treatment. Statistical analysis of the results was performed by both Dunnett and Chi-square tests as appropriate. Isolated germs from pre-treatment sperm culture were classified as Enterococcus (17/30 cases: 56.7%) E. Coli (8/30: 26.6%), Klebsiella (2/30: 6.6%) and St Albus, Proteus and Enterococcus-Klebsiella coinfections (1/30 cases: 3.3% each).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Laser radiation and motility patterns of human sperm.

Human sperm were exposed in vitro to laser radiation. An increase in progressive sperm motility was associated with a faster rate of sperm ATP consumption. Computer-assisted analysis of sperm motility confirmed the positive effect of laser irradiation on velocity and linearity of sperm.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1989

[Outlook for the use of the colpocystoproctogram in the pre- and postoperative diagnosis of patients with urinary stress incontinence].

Colpocystoproctography is an X-ray investigation that uses radio-opaque material to highlight the bladder and urethra, vaginal canal and rectum. Twenty-five patients (7 suffering from SUI, 7 operated on for SUI and cured, 7 operated on for SUI with relapse, 4 suffering from prolapse without SUI) were submitted to this X-ray examination so as to determine mutual space relations within the pelvic viscera and the efficiency of their support mechanisms. The following parameters were examined: the anterior angle, the urethro-pelvic angle, the vagino-pelvic angle, the ano-rectal angle, the pubo-vesical distance and the position of the vesical neck with respect to the subpubic margin, in three different pictures recorded at rest, during voluntary contraction of the pelvic floor and in the contrary condition of increase in abdominal pressure. The purpose of the study is to see which data provide useful clinical indications in the pre- and post-operative stages in patients with SUI. The extreme variability of the data under dynamic conditions limits the usefulness of the X-rays taken with the pelvic floor at rest. It can be stated that the anterior angle (a.v. 30 degrees) expresses the anatomic condition of the vesical neck supports; the vagino-pelvic angle (a.v. 106 degrees) is an indicator of the support function of the vaginal walls with respect to the cervico-trigonal region, while good elevation on the neck of the bladder and its closeness to the posterior side of the pubic bone are necessary for complete cure. Colpocystoproctography may therefore represent an important diagnostic tool for assessing what operation is available today as the most suitable for correcting the anatomic defect.

Female↗
PubMed1988

Antisperm antibodies detection with the immunobead test as viewed by TEM.

The immunobead test (IBT) was used for the detection of antisperm antibodies. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study ultrastructural aspects of this technique. This brief communication aims to present some ultrastructural evidence using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Antibodies↗
PubMed1987

Post-vasectomy antisperm immune reaction after testosterone-induced azoospermia.

We describe preliminary experiments on the effects of testosterone-induced azoospermia on post-vasectomy antisperm antibody reaction in two subjects. Progressive resumption of spermatogenesis following gradual suspension of testosterone therapy was still associated with antisperm antibody formation. Post-vasectomy antisperm antibody production does not seem to be triggered exclusively by acute, sudden and massive reabsorption of spermatoza after vasectomy but also by slow, gradual and late sperm antigen reabsorption.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Lipids of the sperm plasma membrane: from polyunsaturated fatty acids considered as markers of sperm function to possible scavenger therapy.

This article is, in part, a review of present knowledge regarding the lipid metabolism of the sperm cell and the lipid composition of the sperm plasma membrane. It is also a summary of our research on this topic, reporting published and unpublished data. The article tries to cover both basic and clinical research. Sperm cells use lipid metabolic pathways for the production of part of their energy. The double leaflets of the membrane are not simply a passive, bilayer, lipidic film in which the receptors receive their molecular specific signals, but are a very specialized structure. Complete maturation of the lipids of the sperm cell membrane is reached after passage of the spermatozoon through the epididymis. A specific composition of phospholipids and a significant concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been shown to be present in sperm membranes. Plasmalogen is a special kind of phospholipid found exclusively in spermatozoa and other cells with the capacity to react promptly to stimuli. In addition, we have found a high concentration of the n-3 PUFA family in the sperm membrane. Seminal plasma has a highly specialized scavenger system that defends the sperm membrane against lipoperoxidation. Various pathologies and systemic predisposition can lead to an antioxidant/pro-oxidant disequilibrium. Clinical trials with natural scavengers could be a useful research area in which to seek a treatment for these pathologies. Of the natural scavengers, glutathione has been shown to restore the physiological constitution of PUFA in the cell membrane under certain conditions.

Biomarkers↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Control and impairment of immune privilege in the testis and in semen.

It has long been known that the testis is an immunologically privileged site in the body, and that human seminal plasma possesses a generalized immunosuppressive activity. Multiple factors participate in the establishment of immunotolerance in the testis: the blood-tubular barrier; the local production of immunosuppressive molecules by Sertoli cells; and the Fas system as regulator of immunological homeostasis in both physiological and pathological conditions. Cytokine-induced up-regulation of Fas as well as of integrin ligands, which are known to be specific binding molecules for lymphocytes on the Sertoli cell surface, indicates that the 'nursing' cells of seminiferous epithelium might be important in the impairment of immune privilege, causing autoimmune orchitis. In addition, the soluble form of Fas-ligand protein present in the seminal plasma of infertile patients might suggest a role for this immunomodulatory protein in male infertility. Finally, an understanding of the mechanisms underlying immune privilege in the testis and in semen might help to clarify how cells expressing 'non-self' antigens (such as male gametes) can escape the immune system in both the male and female genital tracts.

Female↗