Biomedical subjects

M Kurpisz

Publications and source records attributed to M Kurpisz.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Teratozoospermia and its effect on male fertility potential.

Teratozoospermia and its significance for male fertility problems is discussed. Different points of view and available information concerning the phenomenon of teratozoospermia have been presented. Ongoing debate about the influence of sperm morphology on male infertility and IVF results emphasizes the fact that when sperm morphology is evaluated using strict criteria, this parameter is thought to have an excellent predictive value and shows a significant positive correlation with successful fertilization. Selective abilities of zona pellucida to differentiate between morphologically normal and abnormal spermatozoa, the superior role of acrosomal morphology assessment in the prediction of IVF outcome, and the involvement of cell surface molecules in the adhesion of spermatozoa to oocytes are described. The usefulness of the hamster oocyte penetration assay (HOPA), which is important not only because of its predictive value of sperm function, but also because of its role as a tool for visualizing sperm chromosomes, was found to be questionable in cases of teratozoospermia. Cytogenetic findings related to teratozoospermia are controversial as classical methodology of visualizing sperm chromosomes (through HOPA) may cause selection of sperm metaphases which can be obtained only from good-penetrating spermatozoa. There are few reports presenting chromosome complements of abnormal sperm visualized with the help of micromanipulation. There is clear evidence that a variety of genetic defects can affect spermatogenesis. The possible genetic background of teratozoospermia is discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

[Sperm morphology and xenogenic human sperm-hamster oocyte penetration assay in vitro].

The aim of this study was to evaluate sperm morphology (teratozoospermia) and its effect on xenogenic human sperm-hamster oocyte penetration assay (HOPA). Sperm morphology assessment was performed in 140 infertile patients and 25 healthy individuals. According to Kruger's strict criteria teratozoospermia was diagnosed in 38 individuals out of 140 infertile males. HOPA assay was performed for 20 teratozoospermic patients and 10 healthy volunteers. No significant decrease in HOPA values was observed in cases of isolated teratozoospermia. The sperm anomaly severely influencing HOPA values was asthenozoospermia. We believe that evaluation of sperm morphology according to the strict criteria of Kruger should be applied for routine andrological practice which reflects rapidly changing 'normal' values of human semen.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[May GM-CSF influence the ability to fertilize oocytes?].

The aim of this work was to evaluate the concentration of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-1 beta IL-6 and TNF alpha in follicular fluid obtained from mature oocytes during in vitro fertilization scheme and to determine a correlation between GM-CSF concentration and the analyzed cytokines. Material consisted of 36 samples of follicular fluid which were divided into two groups: the first one--17 samples of follicular fluid obtained from follicles with successful oocyte fertilization and cleavage and the second one--19 samples of follicular fluid with unsuccessful fertilization. The concentration of GM-CSF as well as IL-6, IL-1 beta and TNF alpha in follicular fluid was evaluated by using the ELISA immunosorbent assays. The mean concentration of GM-CSF, IL-6, IL-1 beta was similar in both groups, however, the frequency of occurrence of these parameters as well as coexistence of GM-CSF with analyzed cytokines were higher in the second group i.e. in the follicular fluid with unsuccessful fertilization. We found a positive correlation between concentration of GM-CSF and IL-6 in follicular fluid of all samples. The authors suggested that activation of macrophages to an increased release of GM-CSF during disturbance of oocyte's maturation might implicate a relation between immune and endocrine systems with cytokine mediation.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay↗

PubMed1998

Influence of beta-endorphin on the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates by rabbit alveolar macrophages.

1. Alveolar rabbit macrophages were studied for superoxide and nitric oxide production at basal levels and upon stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), zymosan, cytokines (two types of interferon), and lipopolysaccharide in the presence (or absence) of beta-endorphin or hydroxylamine or both. 2. Beta-endorphin diminished (statistically significant at concentration of 10(-8) M) superoxide production by PMA-stimulated macrophages but augmented reactive oxygen generation (10(-12) M beta-endorphin) by zymosan-activated cells. 3. In the presence of hydroxylamine, beta-endorphin had a visible (albeit not statistically significant) suppressive effect on nitrite production by PMA-activated cells. 4. Cytokine-stimulated macrophages enhanced nitric oxide production in the presence of hydroxylamine and beta-endorphin in culture supernatants. 5. Beta-endorphin exerted different modulatory effects on the production of reactive oxygen and nitrite intermediates by rabbit alveolar macrophages (suppression or enhancement) that was strictly dependent on the method of cell activation.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Major histocompatibility complex expression on human, male germ cells: a review.

PROBLEM: The male reproductive compartment is an immunologically privileged site. The expression pattern of human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) may play an important role in the maintenance of immune tolerance toward differentiating gametogenic cells. This review presents current knowledge about HLA gene expression on human, male germ cells, on mRNA and protein levels, and on their methylation status. METHOD OF STUDY: Different techniques were applied to study HLA gene expression in human testis: (a) protein: e.g., cytotoxicity test, fluorescent labeling techniques, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and confocal microscopy; (b) mRNA: reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Northern blot hybridization, and in situ hybridization; and (c) methylation status. RESULTS: In normal testicular tissue we observe a lack of HLA-class I (classical) antigens expression and inversely related expression pattern of HLA class I classical and nonclassical genes. HLA-A, -B, -C, and -E loci are likewise methylated in somatic and germ cells, whereas -F and -G genes are less methylated in sperm precursors. CONCLUSIONS: Immunologic tolerance in human testis is actively maintained by the specific expression pattern of HLA genes regulated by hormones and growth factors.

Gene Expression↗

PubMed1998

Antisperm antibodies in prepubertal boys and their reactivity with antigenic determinants on differentiated spermatozoa.

PROBLEM: Antisperm antibodies induced in prepubertal boys with testicular failures were characterized by using four techniques of antibody detection. The reactivity of circulating antisperm antibodies in prepubertal boys and the reactivity of antibodies in sera samples of adult fertile and infertile males were compared against the same sperm antigenic pools (live or fixed spermatozoa, or sperm antigenic extracts). METHOD OF STUDY: The incidence of antisperm antibodies in sera samples of 69 prepubertal boys with testicular failures and 21 samples obtained from adult, male individuals was assessed by indirect immunobead binding test (IDIBT), flow cytometry measurement, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting. Immunoblot analysis was performed by using sperm extracts of glycosylated and deglycosylated solubilized membrane antigens. RESULTS: Sera samples were studied in a group composed of healthy prepubertal boys (n = 7) and prepubertal boys with testicular failures (n = 69). Applied tests of antibody detection revealed striking differences in a group of boys with testicular pathology. With IDIBT, 7% of the sera samples were found positive, whereas with flow cytometry measurement, 48% of the sera samples were positive. Immunosorbent assay (fixed sperm) indicated 32% positive cases in the same group. The sera samples were found to be positive in 65% of immunoblotting reactions with glycosylated antigens and in 70% of immunoblotting reactions with deglycosylated antigens. All applied detection assays were clearly negative on sera samples from fertile, adult males. Western immunoblotting indicated an immunodominant antigenic determinant of 58 kDa. CONCLUSIONS: Tests of antibody detection with the use of live sperm (IDIBT and flow cytometry measurements) presented low sensitivity (8% and 48%, respectively) in a group of prepubertal boys. This observation underlines the difficulties in assigning the prospective prognosis of future fertility status in prepubertal boys with antisperm antibodies.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Analysis of HLA class Ib gene expression in male gametogenic cells.

We have investigated mRNA expression for nonclassical MHC class I genes (HLA-E,-F,-G) in human gametogenic cells. Testicular tissue was treated by collagenase and the resulting cell suspension was further purified by fractionation on Percoll gradients in a two-step procedure. Three gametogenic cell fractions were analyzed: purified heterogenous suspension of gametogenic cells, fraction of round spermatids and fraction of elongated spermatids. Total RNA isolated from each cell population was subjected to both reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis using oligonucleotides specific for HLA-E, -F and -G. Both method gave similar results. We have found a considerable level of HLA-E mRNA, very low amounts of reamplified cDNA for HLA-F and both a complete lack of mRNA and reamplified cDNA for the HLA-G gene in the analyzed gametogenic cell fractions. Additionally, we have localized HLA-E molecules on the cells of the adluminal compartment within seminiferous tubules using immunostaining with monoclonal antibodies specific for HLA-E heavy chain followed by confocal microscopy analysis. The unique expression pattern of HLA class I antigens in the male gonad could play an important role in an efficient protection against an autoimmunological attack toward germ cells.

Blotting, Northern↗

PubMed1997

Protection from acetaminophen-induced liver damage by the synergistic action of low doses of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-inhibitor nicotinamide and the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine or the amino acid L-methionine.

1. An array of therapeutically used analgetic and antirheumatic drugs cause severe liver damage. The present study investigates the hepatoprotective effects of inhibitors of NAD-dependent adenoribosylation reactions and of antioxidants in analgesic-induced hepatic injury. 2. Male NMRI mice were treated PO with 500 mg/kg of acetaminophen, and the activities of both glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT) were determined in serum. 3. The acetaminophen-induced release of both GOT and GPT from injured liver cells could be inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, when mice were injected additionally either with increasing amounts (from (25 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg i.p.) of the PARP-inhibitor nicotinamide, with increasing amounts (from 25 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg i.p.) of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, or with increasing amounts (from 50 mg/kg to 300 mg/kg i.p.) of the amino acid L-methionine. 4. A combination of both nicotinamide and N-acetylcysteine (at the low dose of 12.5 mg/kg i.p. each) results in a complete protection from acetaminophen-induced release of GOT and GPT from injured liver cells. 5. A combination of both L-methionine and N-acetylcysteine or nicotinamide (at the low dose of 12.5 mg/kg IP each) resulted also in complete protection from acetaminophen-induced release of GOT and GPT.

Acetaminophen↗

PubMed1997

Effect of reactive oxygen species and the activity of antioxidant systems on human semen; association with male infertility.

A range of compounds with a role in oxidative stress were measured in ejaculates from 40 normozoospermic individuals and 93 infertile males. Ejaculates were classified according to WHO criteria. Seminal plasma and the sperm cell fraction were assessed separately for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, xanthine oxidase, capability for singlet oxygen trapping and content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). Pathological cases defined as oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, or teratozoospermia revealed different backgrounds of oxidative stress as reflected by different levels of tested substances in every type of sperm pathology. In the majority of abnormal ejaculates, a significant increase in intracellular activity of SOD, decreased intracellular levels of catalase, elevated levels of xanthine oxidase and TBARS, and severely impaired singlet oxygen trapping were observed when compared to normozoospermic ejaculates. Interrelationships between SOD and TBARS, and between xanthine oxidase and catalase, appeared to be of key importance when analysed separately in seminal plasma and in spermatozoa or in a combination of both. Elevated xanthine oxidase levels and low capacity for singlet oxygen trapping are statistically significant factors for the evaluation of male infertility which can develop as a result of persistent oxidative stress.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed1997

Chromosomal anomalies as a predisposing factor for male infertility.

A "genetic factor" can be the reason for about 20% of male infertility cases. This could be due to chromosomal aberrations in sperm with immediate effect on conception or may result in recurrent spontaneous abortions of paternal origin. Techniques for the analysis of sperm chromosomal aberrations are still far from ideal. Sperm penetration to zona-free hamster oocytes and random in situ hybridization with sperm DNA using a range of fluorescent probes--are currently under investigation. Sperm chromosome analysis was performed in three distinct subgroups, (a) healthy, fertile individuals, (b) healthy but infertile subjects, and (c) carriers of chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes. Sperm chromosomal aberrations occur in normal and fertile population in range from 1.9% to 15.8%. The aberrations are concerned both with number and structure of chromosomes. In infertile individuals, the main chromosome aberrations observed were translocations and pericentric inversions. Several hypotheses are also described indicating possible reasons for subfertility due to chromosomal anomalies. There are few gene families that can be involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis, mainly located on the Y-chromosome. Identification of defective gene(s) may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for infertility treatment.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Immunological characteristics of cervical mucus in infertile women.

The presence of local or circulating antisperm antibodies (ASA) in some women may cause infertility. We have examined 43 cervical mucus (CM) samples. In order to determine the total amount of immunoglobulins of individual subclasses we used the rocket immunoelectrophoresis of Laurell. To determine the specificity of the immunoglobulins to sperm surface antigens we employed the immunobead-binding test (IBT). Seventeen CM samples (39.5%) revealed high levels (> 0.22 microgram/microliter) of immunoglobulins. They were mainly of the IgA class, however IgG's were also present. We have found IgM in only two test samples (4.6%). Only two CM samples (4.6%) yielded positive results in indirect IBT. The obtained results show a complex immunological status of the human uterine cervix. Immunological response developed in this compartment may be directed against sperms as well as other antigens.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

[Evaluation of autoantibodies against oocyte theca cells in peritoneal effusion and serum of women with endometriosis].

The aim of the study was evaluation of presence of the antibodies against theca of the oocyte in peritoneal effusion and in serum in fertile and infertile women with minimal endometriosis in luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Antibodies were measured by means of ELISA method. Median of the antibodies against theca was three-fold higher in peritoneal effusion in infertile women. No differences were stated in serum.

Ascitic Fluid↗

PubMed1997

[Chromosomal abnormalities in male gametes].

Most of the human chromosomal abnormalities seems to be of a germ-cell origin. Human oocytes are difficult to obtain and to handle, so most of the studies has been performed on male gametes. Genetic status of spermatozoa may be critical for human reproduction as well as wellbeing of fetus. The ability to identify and to characterize chromosomal aberrations in human sperm would lead to understanding of the mechanism causing chromosomal abnormalities and to approach possible preventive strategies. The aim of this paper was to present current data concerning the chromosomal aberations in human spermatozoa. Presented overview strongly underlines the importance of genetic investigations of male gametes.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Influence of diet free of NAD-precursors on acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in mice.

Recently, we demonstrated the hepatoprotective effects of nicotinic acid amide, a selective inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP; EC 2.4.2.30) on mice suffering from acetaminophen (AAP)-hepatitis, suggesting that the AAP-induced liver injury involves a step which depends on adenoribosylation. The present study investigates the effects of a diet free of precursors of NAD, the substrate on which PARP acts, in female NMRI mice with AAP hepatitis and evaluates the influence of simultaneous ethanol consumption in these animals. Liver injuries were quantified as serum activities of glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT). While AAP caused a 117-fold elevation of serum transaminase activities in mice kept on a standard laboratory diet, which was significantly exacerbated by ethanol and inhibited by nicotinic acid amide (NAA), adverse effects were noted in animals fed a diet free of precursors of NAD. In these animals, only minor increases of serum transaminase activities were measured in the presence of AAP, and unlike the exacerbation caused by ethanol in mice on a standard diet, the liver damage was inhibited by 50% by ethanol. A further 64% reduction of hepatitis was observed, when NAA was given to ethanol/AAP-mice. Our results provide evidence that the AAP-induced hepatitis and its exacerbation by ethanol can either be reduced by end-product inhibition of PARP by NAA or by dietary depletion of the enzyme's substrate NAD. We see the main application of NAA as for the combinational use in pharmaceutical preparations of acetaminophen in order to avoid hepatic damage in patients treated with this widely used analgesic.

Acetaminophen↗

PubMed1996

Suppression of inflammatory arthritis by simultaneous inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and NADPH oxidase.

TH1-type proinflammatory cytokines induce the expression of phagocytic nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and prime the membrane-bound NADPH oxidase of neutrophils and monocytes of mice so as to attain an activated state, which upon a second stimulus releases up to 6-fold increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) than do unprimed phagocytes. Enhanced levels of ROS and NO deregulate inflammatory signal transduction pathways, which play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of arthritis. The antiarthritic reactivity of diphenylene iodoniumchloride (DPI), an irreversible inhibitor of NADPH oxidase and NOS, was tested in male DBA/1xB10A(4R) hybrid mice suffering from potassium peroxochromate-induced arthritis. Daily doses of 2.8 mu mol/kg of DPI sufficed to inhibit the arthritis by 50%. A complete inhibition was obtained with 10 mu mol/kg of DPI. The reduction of overt arthritic symptoms correlated well with both the reduced levels of ROS and NO in plasma of DPI-treated mice. Our data support the hypothesis that oxidative stress and nitric oxides play a pivotal role in the pathology of arthritis, which can be therapeutically targetted by NADPH oxidase- and NO synthase-inhibitors.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

The easy formation of antisperm antibodies in prepubertal boys and the difficult humoral response in severe-combined immunodeficiency mice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare mechanisms controlling the development of antisperm antibodies in situations with different status of active immunosuppression. DESIGN: Antibody activity against human sperm was analyzed by immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in sera samples of prepubertal boys and in circulation of sensitized immunocompromised mice. SETTING: Procedures were performed in a university laboratory. PATIENT(S): Prepubertal healthy boys and patients with testicular failures. INTERVENTION(S): Blood was collected from healthy individuals and from patients with diagnosed testicular pathology; antisperm antibodies were rechecked after surgical intervention (orchidopexia or removal of the pathological gonad). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Antisperm antibodies in quantitative ELISA. RESULT(S): Significant antibody activity to finally differentiated human sperm was detected in sera samples from prepubertal boys with testicular failures (cryptorchid or mobile testis), especially in individuals with both pathological gonads. "Naive" human lymphocytes deposited to peritoneal cavity of immunocompromised mice did not respond to in situ challenge with sperm antigens. CONCLUSION(S): High antisperm antibody levels in prepubertal boys may suggest low immunosuppressive activity at this age. This situation may influence future fertility status of these individuals. Immunocompromised mice effectively prevented humoral response to sperm antigens suggesting different mechanism than T suppressor cell activity.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Seminal plasma can be a predictive factor for male infertility.

Seminal plasma from ejaculates of 10 healthy, fertile volunteers and 63 infertile males was analysed for superoxide dismutase (SOD) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activities using a chemiluminometer. There was not statistically significant difference in the activity of either enzyme between control and infertile populations (113 +/- 74 IU/ml for SOD and 1.17 +/- 0.52 IU/ml for XO) in samples from normozoospermic ejaculates. Sperm progressive motility was positively correlated with SOD activity in seminal plasma of corresponding ejaculates (P < 0.05) and negatively with XO activity (P < 0.001). An 'oxido-sensitive' index was defined as the SOD/XO ratio and was found to be inversely related to sperm progressive motility samples (P < 0.01). Analysing this index among all tested samples of semen including those with pathological spermiograms, as well as normospermic (N) samples we found statistically significant (elevated) differences in oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT) in comparison with N (P <0.05); OAT samples were also significantly different from oligospermic (O) and oligoteratospermic (OT) samples (P < 0.05). This suggests that the 'oxido-sensitive' index of seminal plasma may be a simple diagnostic factor, useful in the determination of male infertility.

Clinical Enzyme Tests↗

PubMed1996

[Immunologic response against spermatozoa in the human genital tract].

Spermatozoa are immunogenic and may induce an immune response in reproductive compartments. There have been controversies concerning the effect of naturally existing antisperm antibodies on fertility of males and females. It is known, that men or women suffering from unexplained infertility have often antisperm antibodies in their urogenital secretions and/or serum. Systemic and local immune responses to sperm antigens differ between each other and they may differently affect the fertilisation process. Physiologically, females are protected from an immune response against "foreign", spermatozoal antigens. Nevertheless under local pathological conditions antisperm antibodies can be induced and may interfere with fertilisation.

Adult↗