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Biomedical subjects

M Glezerman

Publications and source records attributed to M Glezerman.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Decreased interleukin-2 production by rat uterine artery, aorta and uterine tissues during pregnancy.

Changes in size and function during pregnancy are unique to the uterine artery. The aim of this study was to determine the interleukin (IL)-6 activity of the uterine artery wall tissue in pregnant rats. A total of 18 Charles River white rats (nine virgin and nine in midpregnancy) were used for the study. Bilateral uterine arteries were obtained, together with reference tissues from aorta and uterus. IL-6 production was measured as optical density (OD)/mg protein, in control culture media, and in the presence of stimulants including IL-1, tumour necrosis factor alpha and lipopolysaccharide. Polyclonal rabbit anti-human IL-6 antibodies were used to assess IL-6 activity. In control culture medium, uterine artery tissue samples from virgin rats produced significantly higher concentrations of IL-6 than samples obtained from pregnancy animals (1.8 +/- 0.3 versus 0.9 +/- 0.25 OD/mg protein respectively (mean +/- SE, P = 0.001). Stimulation by lipopolysaccharide increased IL-6 activity of the uterine artery wall. In comparison with the uterine artery, the aorta produced higher activities of IL-6, and its production in virgin animal samples was higher than during pregnancy. Stimulants increased IL-6 production by both aorta and uterus tissues. Neutralization of IL-6 activity was obtained in a range of 77-93% in all samples. The lower level of IL-6 activity during pregnancy in the uterine artery and in reference tissues including aorta and uterus, may be related to acceptance of pregnancy by maternal tissues.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Maternal plasma and amniotic fluid cortisol and progesterone concentrations between women with and without term labor. A comparison.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to determine the amniotic fluid and maternal plasma concentrations of cortisol and progesterone in nonlaboring women at term and to compare them to those in women with active labor at term. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, cross-sectional study. Soroka Medical Center of Kupat Holim, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negro, Beer-Sheva, Israel. Thirty-five healthy women with normal term pregnancies were classified according to labor status into two groups: group A (16 women with spontaneous, active labor at term) and group B (19 women not in labor). RESULTS: We found a significant increase in the median concentration of plasma cortisol in women at term in active labor in comparison to those not in labor. In addition, the median concentration of cortisol in amniotic fluid in women in labor was also significantly higher than that in women not in labor. In contrast, no significant changes in median maternal plasma or amniotic fluid progesterone concentrations were detected between the groups. CONCLUSION: Human parturition is associated with a significant increase in the concentration of cortisol in both maternal plasma and amniotic fluid. These findings suggest that cortisol plays an important but still-undetermined role in human parturition.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Distinct expression levels of cytokines and soluble cytokine receptors in seminal plasma of fertile and infertile men.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the levels of interleukin (IL) 1 beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, and soluble TNF (sTNF) receptors types I and II, and IL-1 receptor antagonist in seminal plasma of fertile and infertile men. DESIGN: Prospective and comparative study. SETTING: Andrology clinic of a university hospital. PATIENTS: Four groups of normogonadotropic men: group 1, donors with proven fertility (controls, n = 15); group 2, azoospermic men (n = 12); group 3, infertile men with oligoteratoasthenospermia (n = 20); and 11 men with oligoteratoasthenospermia and genital infection (n = 11). INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Measurement of cytokines and cytokine-soluble receptors in the semen by specific commercial kits. RESULTS: The levels of IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 were similar in seminal plasma of controls and infertile men. The mean level of sTNF-I receptor in the seminal plasma of group 4 was 2.4 +/- 0.2 ng/mL, which was significantly lower than observed in seminal plasma of group 1 (3.88 +/- 0.5 ng/mL), the group 3 (4.1 +/- 0.4 ng/mL), or group 2 (3.03 +/- 0.35 ng/mL). The soluble receptor of TNF-II could not be detected in any group. Interleukin 1ra was 120 +/- 10 pg/mL in seminal plasma of group 1, but increased levels were detected in group 2 (420 +/- 180 pg/mL), group 3 (480 +/- 90 pg/mL), and even higher (760 +/- 120 ng/mL) in group 4 patients. CONCLUSIONS: During genital infection cytokines and various soluble receptors of immunoregulatory cytokines are expressed distinctly in seminal plasma. These factors also may be involved in the regulation of sperm cell functions and thus may affect male fertility. Our results may indicate local production of these factors in the secondary sex glands, independently of spermatogenesis.

Cytokines↗
PubMed1995

Malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary: a study of 20 cases.

In a study of 20 patients diagnosed with malignant ovarian germ cell tumors between 1961 and 1993, clinical and pathologic findings were evaluated. Of the 20 patients, seven (35%) had dysgerminoma, two (10%) endodermal sinus tumor, three (15%) malignant teratoma, one (5%) malignant struma ovarii, one (5%) primary ovarian carcinoid, two (10%) benign teratoma with malignant transformation, and four (20%) combination germ cell tumor. Twelve patients (60%) had stage IA, five (25%) stage IC, and three (15%) stage IIIC. Twelve patients (60%) underwent conservative surgery and eight (40%) had at least bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. At follow-up, 18 patients (90%) were alive free of disease, one (5%) had died of disease, and one (5%) had died of intercurrent disease. The actuarial 5-year survival rate was 93.3%. It is concluded that for young women who wish to preserve child-bearing capacity, regardless of the stage of the tumor, fertility-preserving surgery with complete surgical staging followed, if necessary by cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy is an appropriate and definitive treatment in the absence of involvement of the contralateral ovary and uterus. For patients in whom child-bearing capacity is not an issue, surgery should include total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with complete staging, followed if necessary by chemotherapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Ureaplasma urealyticum cervical colonization as a marker for pregnancy complications.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical significance of cervical colonization with (Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) and its possible relationship to pregnancy outcome. METHODS: Cervical cultures for Uu and serum antibodies to Uu were determined in four groups of pregnant women: (1) 117 women who underwent mid-trimester amniocentesis; (2) 47 women with preterm labor and intact membranes; (3) 34 women with preterm premature rupture of membranes; and (4) a control group of 315 healthy women with normal pregnancies. Statistical methods used were the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: A significant increase in the cervical colonization rate with Uu was detected in all study groups (62%, 77% and 74%, respectively) when compared with the control group (42%). Women at mid-trimester of pregnancy with a positive cervical culture and high levels of antibodies, had a higher rate of pregnancy complications than those with a negative culture and absence of antibodies (62 vs. 28%, respectively; P = 0.0006). CONCLUSION: Cervical colonization with Uu when associated with elevated titers of antibodies to Uu, may serve as a marker for the identification of a subpopulation of women who are at high risk for the development of pregnancy complications.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Breech presentation and cesarean section in term nulliparous women.

OBJECTIVE: To examine pregnancy outcome in nulliparous women with single term breech presentation. METHODS: Two departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the same hospital used different approaches to deliver nulliparous women with singleton breech presentation at term. One department (A) delivered by trial of labor and the other (B) delivered by elective cesarean section. Prospectively and blinded to obstetric condition, parturients were assigned to either department in a systematic alternate fashion. The study period covered 8 years (1985-1992). The pregnancy outcome parameters examined were: Apgar score, intra- and post-partum death and maternal and neonatal morbidity. Neonatal morbidity was classified in three major categories: non-neurological trauma, neurological signs and respiratory problems. RESULTS: The study included 264 women of whom 135 delivered in department A and 129 in department B. Department A had 35 vaginal and 100 cesarean births and department B 10 vaginal and 119 cesarean births. There was no intra-partum death and the only post-partum death occurred among vaginal deliveries. The Apgar score was significantly worse at 1 and 5 min in vaginally delivered babies of department B. Neonatal morbidity was significantly more frequent after vaginal births (P < 0.01). Maternal morbidity was significantly higher following cesarean sections (P < 0.01). Babies of vaginal deliveries had significantly higher non-neurological trauma (P < 0.01) and pathological neurological signs (P < 0.01) than those delivered by the abdominal route. CONCLUSION: The level of risk for mother and child in the nulliparous with term singleton breech, suggests cesarean section as the preferred route of delivery.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Fetal pelvic kidney: a challenge in prenatal diagnosis?

The objective of this study was to establish ultrasonographic guidelines for the prenatal diagnosis of fetal pelvic kidneys and assess the relationship to clinical outcome. The records of all ultrasonographic diagnoses of a fetal pelvic kidney between 1 January 1991 and 31 December 1993 were reviewed. After review of the sonographic evaluation, the prenatal records were obtained, to assess demographic data as well as the obstetric course and neonatal outcome. If a fetal pelvic kidney was suspected on prenatal ultrasound examination, its precise location and size were recorded and compared with neonatal sonograms. Twenty-six cases of fetal ectopic kidney were diagnosed of which 13 were on the right side and 13 on the left (24/26 cases were diagnosed in the late second trimester). The size of the ectopic kidney did not differ from that of the normal kidney. Except for one case of hydronephrosis, there were no associated structural anomalies. All prenatal diagnoses were confirmed by postnatal sonograms and all neonates had normal renal function. Our conclusions are that prenatal sonographic detection of fetal pelvic kidney is feasible, although in most cases the diagnosis is made beyond 24 weeks' gestation. The importance of prenatal diagnosis is that the parents can be reassured that normal renal function is highly probable and that early neonatal intervention is usually unnecessary.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Endogenous plasma growth hormone and the occurrence of pregnancies in patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer with ovarian stimulation.

This study was undertaken to investigate a possible relationship between endogenous secretion of growth hormone (GH) during ovarian stimulation and treatment outcome in patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer. Plasma samples obtained from 19 women who had successfully completed all stages of IVF/embryo transfer were analysed retrospectively. Based on the increase in GH during treatment, 11 GH responders and eight GH non-responders were identified. Mean daily GH concentrations for the GH responders and GH non-responders were 3.5 +/- 1.8 and 1.8 +/- 0.8, 5.4 +/- 2.3 and 0.5 +/- 0.2, and 9.0 +/- 1.9 and 0.7 +/- 0.1 ng/ml (P < 0.05) for days 10, 11 and 12 respectively. Plasma insulin-like growth factor-I slightly increased with treatment in both groups. No significant difference between these groups was found in relation to treatment duration, number of human menopausal gonadotrophin ampoules used, oestradiol peak values, and number of oocytes retrieved or fertilization rate. Seven of the 11 GH responder women conceived in comparison with one pregnancy among eight GH non-responder patients (P < 0.05). In view of the absence of differences in the clinical and laboratory parameters, we suggest that the occurrence of pregnancies among GH responder patients might be related to a positive local effect of GH or its mediators on uterine receptivity at the time of nidation.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Antibodies to Ureaplasma urealyticum in women with intraamniotic infection and adverse pregnancy outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between antibody response to Ureaplasma urealyticum and pregnancy outcome in women with ureaplasmal invasion of the amniotic cavity. METHODS: A cross section study was performed in our high risk pregnancy unit. Three groups of pregnant women were identified: 1) 271 women at the midtrimester of pregnancy (16-20 weeks), who underwent transabdominal amniocentesis for genetic indications 2) 161 consecutive women admitted with preterm labor and intact membranes. 3) 118 consecutive patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes. Amniotic fluids were cultured for Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis and also for other aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Serum antibodies to Uu were measured by a specific enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay. RESULTS: The prevalence of positive AF cultures with Uu in the 3 study groups was 2.9%, 4.3% and 17.8%, and the prevalence of antibodies to Uu in the AF-colonized patients was 50%, 86% and 57%, respectively. Adverse pregnancy outcome (preterm birth, low birth weight or fetal death) among all AF colonized women, was significantly higher in patients with antibodies to Uu than in those without antibodies; preterm delivery 90% vs. 43%, and low birth weight infants or fetal death 85% vs. 28%, p = 0.006 and 0.001 respectively. CONCLUSION: Women with intraamniotic infection with Uu and elevated levels of antibodies to Uu, had a higher rate of preterm delivery, and low birthweight infants/fetal death than those without antibody to Uu.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

The diagnostic value of amniotic fluid Gram stain examination and limulus amebocyte lysate assay in patients with preterm birth.

The purpose of this study was to determine the value of Gram stain examination and Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) test in the detection of intraamniotic infection. Ninety women with preterm labor and intact membranes (n = 55) or preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (n = 35) who delivered prematurely were included in the study. Amniotic fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as well as for mycoplasmas. Amniotic fluid analysis included Gram stain examination and limulus amebocyte lysate tests. The prevalence of positive amniotic culture was 32.2% (29/90) and the most common isolate was Ureaplasma urealyticum. Patients with preterm PROM group had a higher rate of infection than those with preterm labor and intact membranes 57.1% (20/35) vs. 16.4% (9/55), respectively (p = 0.0001). We found a lower gestational age at delivery and lower mean birth weight in neonates born to mothers with a positive amniotic fluid culture than those with negative amniotic fluid culture. The combined use of Gram stain examination and LAL test had a sensitivity and specificity of 51.7% (15/29) and 95.1% (58/61) respectively for the detection of positive amniotic fluid culture. We conclude that Gram stain examination and LAL test are rapid, simple and specific tests that can be used to detect microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity except in patients with mycoplasmas infections.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Infection of the amniotic cavity with Ureaplasma urealyticum in the midtrimester of pregnancy.

The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical significance of invasion of the amniotic fluid (AF) with Ureaplasma urealyticum in the midtrimester of pregnancy. Amniotic fluid and cervical swabs obtained from 214 asymptomatic women in the midtrimester of pregnancy (16-20 weeks) were cultured for U urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis. Inoculum size was determined by quantitative culture. Six of the 214 women (2.8%) had Ureaplasma in high titers in the AF. The pregnancy outcomes of 129 women were determined. Adverse pregnancy outcome occurred more frequently in women with a positive AF culture than in women with a negative AF culture (3/6 [50%] vs. 15/123 [12%], respectively; P = .035). We conclude that infection of the amniotic cavity with U urealyticum can be present in asymptomatic patients in the midtrimester of pregnancy and is a significant risk factor for spontaneous preterm labor and delivery. These observations suggest that routine culture of AF at the time of midtrimester amniocentesis can identify the group of patients at risk for a poor pregnancy outcome.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗
PubMed1995

Dose intensity of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in epithelial ovarian carcinoma. An important factor affecting survival.

Forty-three patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma, were treated by cyclophosphamide and cisplatin (CP) following initial laparotomy. The mean dose intensity (DI) and mean relative dose intensity (RDI) respectively were for cyclophosphamide: 166.69 mg/sqm/week and 0.67, and for cisplatin: 16.29 mg/sqm/week and 0.65. The mean average relative dose intensity (ARDI) was 0.66. The three-year survival for all patients was 44.3%. The three-year survival for patients receiving cyclophosphamide with a RDI of more than median value was 63.82%, while for patients receiving cyclophosphamide with a RDI of less than median value three-year survival was 26.3% (p < 0.02). The three-year survival for patients receiving cisplatin with an RDI of more than median value was 62.01%, as compared to 24.17% for patients receiving cisplatin with a RDI of less than median value (p < 0.02). The three-year survival for patients receiving the CP regimen with an ARDI of more than median value was significantly higher than that for patients receiving the CP regimen with an ARDI of less than median value (63.82% versus 26.03%, p < 0.02). Dose intensity of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in epithelial ovarian carcinoma is an important factor affecting survival.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Eradication of viridans streptococci from the amniotic cavity by parenteral antibiotic administration. A case report.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of evidence suggests that infection plays a key role in the pathogenesis of preterm labor and delivery. Recently, localized intrauterine infection was recognized as a major factor in preterm labor. CASE: We report a case of successful eradication of Viridans streptococci from the amniotic cavity in a patient with preterm labor and intact membranes at 30.5 weeks of gestation by parenteral administration of antibiotics. Following this treatment, preterm labor was arrested, and pregnancy prolonged until term delivery. CONCLUSION: Parenteral antibiotic treatment may be seriously considered for select patients presenting with preterm labor associated with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary: a study of 18 cases.

In a study of 18 patients diagnosed with ovarian granulosa cell tumor between 1961 and 1992, clinical and pathologic findings were evaluated. Of the 18 patients, 15 (83.3%) were diagnosed in Stage I and three (16.7%) in Stage III or IV. Six patients (33.3%) underwent conservative surgery and in 12 (66.7%) total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. At follow-up three patients (16.6%) had died of disease, three, 16 and 288 months, respectively, after initial surgery. The actuarial 5-year survival rate for Stage I was 100%, while that for Stages III and IV combined was 33.3% (P < 0.05). It is concluded that for patients with Stage IA, unilateral oophorectomy seems to be adequate treatment and for those with more than Stage IA, surgery should include total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy is advocated for patients in whom spread of tumor beyond the ovaries has occurred.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Perinatal outcome of triplet pregnancies following assisted reproduction.

PURPOSE: This collaborative work was undertaken to assess perinatal outcome of in vivo conceived triplets to those following in vitro fertilization and assisted reproductive technologies (ART). METHODS: 151 triplets were examined; 56 delivered following ART, 55 following ovulation induction by gonadotropins (GN), 27 following clomiphene citrate (CC), and 13 conceived spontaneously. RESULTS: Mean gestational length of triplets following ART (33.2 wks) was not different from those conceived following GN (33.4 wks) or CC (34.2 wks), but was significantly shorter compared to triplets following spontaneous conception (35.3 wks). Mean fetal birthweight following ART (1743 g) did not differ significantly from that following GN (1683 g) or CC (1863 g) but was significantly lower compared to those delivered after spontaneous conception (1963 g). Although no difference was found in the incidence of low birthweight infants between the groups studied, the incidence of very low birthweight newborns (<1500 g) following ART or GN was significantly higher than following spontaneous conceptions (30.6%, 30.3% vs 10.3%). Differences in perinatal mortality were not significantly different between the groups examined (77.9, 60.6, 111.0, 25.6/1000 for ART, GN, CC, and spontaneous conceptions respectively). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, a similar perinatal outcome was shown for triplets conceived following ART and those following ovulation induction by GN, suggesting that the in vitro conditions as such were not the main contributing factor influencing the clinical outcome but rather the GN treatment. Triplets conceived spontaneously have a better outcome compared to those following ovulation induction or ART in terms of gestational length and birthweight.

Birth Weight↗