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PubMedDate not supplied

Prevalence and risk factors of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in healthy males: a study on Finnish conscripts.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Prevalence of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the general population is not known. No one test alone can detect all HPV infections. GOAL OF THIS STUDY: To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in healthy males. Voluntary Finnish Army conscripts were examined using peniscopy, cytology (PAP smear) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in brush cytology samples. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 1,471 (99.6%) males completed the questionnaire soliciting their sexual habits, and 432 of them enrolled in the clinical study. RESULTS: The study group differed from the nonattenders in that they reported more often genitourinary symptoms (P < 0.001), had more casual sexual partners (P = 0.002), and previous STDs (P < 0.001). Classical genital warts were present in 24/432 (5.6%) and papular lesions in 8/432 (1.9%) males. Acetowhite lesions were disclosed in 151/432 (35.0%) cases, of which 61 (14.1%) had peniscopically typical flat HPV lesions. Koilocytes were found in 13/201 (6.5%) PAP smears. HPV DNA was disclosed by PCR in 16.5% (47/285) of the adequate cell smears, and in 7.1% of the males with no peniscopic abnormalities. When considering the men with HPV-positive PCR findings and/or typical peniscopic pattern as HPV-infected (26.2%), many casual partners, previous STDs and no use of condom were significant risk factors for genital HPV infections in the logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The reliable assessment of the prevalence of genital HPV infections in healthy males is not only skewed by the selection of the study group by symptoms and promiscuity, but also by the lack of a universally acceptable screening method. The data confirm sexual promiscuity as the most important risk factor for genital HPV infections.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Female genital and breast cancers in France: geographic distribution and estimation of incidence].

The aim of the study was to assess the incident number of female breast and genital tract cancers for the whole of France. The study focused on the 1983-1987 period and on 9.1% of the French population. The incident number of female breast and genital tract cancers was estimated for each site and for each of eight French administrative regions covered by a cancer registry qualified through the National Committee of Registries (Calvados, Côte-d'Or, Doubs, Hérault, Isère, Bas-Rhin, Somme, Tarn). Information on mortality rates was available at a regional level as well as at a nationwide level. The method estimated the national incidence rate modelizing the regional age-specific incidence rate as a function of corresponding mortality rate. Breast cancer was the leading site with 25,277 new cases per year while female genital tract cancers affected about 13,856 women. The cancer risk, estimated in using cumulative rate 0-74 years, was assessed at 7.1% for breast and at 1.2%, 1.4% and 1.1% for cervix uteri, corpus uteri and ovary respectively. Breast and genital tract cancers constituted 49% of the whole of cancers in women. Observed breast incidence rate was stable through French regions. There were pronounced contrasts in cervix uteri cancer risk, and some french regions displayed a high risk close to the observed European maxima. Interregional contrasts in risk of the other genital tract cancers were less striking. This study emphasized the importance of female breast and genital tract cancers for public health in France. The main aim of the French Cancer Registries Network is to provide a comprehensive description of cancer risk in France and to produce pertinent projection to 2005 horizon, combining the present data and the already accumulated 1988-1992 data.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Persistent stress as a predictor of genital herpes recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Results of several studies suggest that psychological stress and negative mood can trigger genital herpes recurrences, but results are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether short-term or persistent psychological stress or specific negative moods are predictive of genital herpes recurrences in women. METHODS: A prospective cohort study followed up participants for 6 months using weekly assessments of stress and mood, monthly assessments of life change events, and diary reports of genital herpes recurrences confirmed by medical examination when feasible. The community sample consisted of 58 women, aged 20 to 44 years, with a 1- to 10-year history of visible genital herpes recurrence and at least 1 recurrence in the previous 6 months. RESULTS: Persistent stress predicted recurrence in the subsequent week (odds ratio, 1.08 per unit increase in stress; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.15; P=.03). After adjusting for recurrence in the previous week, the more weekly persistent stress reported, the greater the likelihood of recurrence the following week. Also, an increased recurrence rate occurred after the month during which participants experienced their highest levels of anxiety (P =.03). There were no significant associations between recurrence and short-term stress, life events, depressive mood, anger, or phase of menstrual cycle. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent stressors and highest level of anxiety predicted genital herpes recurrence, whereas transient mood states, short-term stressors, and life change events did not. Women with herpes can be reassured that short-term stressful life experiences and dysphoric mood states do not put them at risk for increased outbreaks of recurrent genital herpes.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

The mucosa of the male genital tract; part of the common mucosal secretory immune system?

The selective migration of mucosal-derived lymphoid blasts to other mucosal organs is taken to be an essential part of the common secretory immune system. In rats, proliferating lymphoid cells from mesenteric lymph nodes (mLN) and peripheral lymph nodes (pLN) were labeled in vitro using two different techniques, in order to test the hypothesis that the mucosa of the male genital tract is a preferential site for mLN lymphoid blasts to home to. A low but significant migration to male genital organs was found, but with no difference between blasts from pLN and mLN. Thus there is no evidence to include the male genital tract in the common mucosal secretory immune system. Recirculating lymphocytes from the thoracic duct entered the male genital organs with a similar distribution to the pattern of lymphoid blasts. There is probably an exchange between these immigrating lymphocytes and the different subsets, which are localized in the epithelium (T suppressor) and interstitial tissue (T helper) in male genital organs. The lymphoid cells in the male genital tract might play an important role in the immune function of seminal fluid and in sexually transmissible diseases.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

A comparative analysis of the interactions of the E6 proteins from cutaneous and genital papillomaviruses with p53 and E6AP in correlation to their transforming potential.

Common necessity for all papillomaviruses is to induce DNA synthesis in quiescent cells. This is commonly achieved by the E7 gene product, which interferes with the function of members of the retinoblastoma family controlling transition from the G1-phase to the S-phase of the cell cycle. Uncontrolled entry into S-phase activates, however, negative growth control signals which have to be bypassed to achieve production of progeny viruses. In addition to inherent activities of the E7 protein, high risk genital types encode an E6 protein that overcomes p53-mediated G1-arrest and apoptosis in concert with the cellular factor E6AP by targeting p53 for the enhanced ubiquitin-dependent degradation. The key question, which of these functions of genital E6 and E7 proteins is responsible for the carcinogenic phenotype, is still not completely answered. In contrast to high risk genital types no immortalizing or transforming activities have been found for the E7 proteins of the high risk cutaneous HPV8 and 47. On the other hand the ability of the E6 protein to transform established rodent fibroblasts seems to be a property shared by high risk genital and cutaneous types. To examine the existence of a common E6-mediated transforming pathway for both virus groups we compared the properties of the cutaneous E6 proteins with already known functions of E6 proteins of genital viruses. For this we analyzed the E6 proteins of low nak and high risk cutaneous and genital papillomaviruses with respect to cell transformation, to their abilities to bind, degradate, and influence the activity of human p53, and to bind E6AP. The results of our study demonstrate a clear lack of interaction between the transforming E6 proteins of HPV1 and HPV8 and both cellular proteins p53 and E6AP. In contrast, we found E6AP-independent binding of HPV16 E6 and HPV6 E6 to p53, although both proteins were different in their transforming potential. Of all four proteins investigated, only HPV16 E6 was able to bind to p53 and E6AP and to induce degradation of the p53 protein in the reticulocyte system. When we investigated in frame deletion mutants of the E6 protein of HPV16 for their abilities to bind to p53 or E6AP, degradate, and inhibit the transactivation function of p53 and to transform rodent fibroblasts, no correlation between the different activities could be found. Mutants still able to bind p53 and E6AP lacked transforming ability and other mutants that were transformation-competent were deficient in p53 and E6AP bindings.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed2004

Anatomical studies of the mouse genital tubercle.

BACKGROUND: To study the etiology of hypospadias, we propose the use of a mouse model, the embryonic mouse genital tubercle. In this study, we define the development of the mouse genital tubercle with special emphasis on urethral formation demonstrating anatomical similarities to human development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serial sections of genital tubercles from embryonic male and female mice ages 14 to 21 days gestation from timed pregnant animals, newborn and adult mice were immunohistochemical stained with antibodies to E-cadherin, cytokeratins 7, 10, and 14. Patency of the urethral was assessed by india ink injection via the bladder. Urethral lumen morphology was determined by the creation of plastic resin cast. Surface morphology of the genital tubercle was defined by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: India Ink injection into the bladder showed that the urethral lumen was patent from 14 days gestation. Plastic resin casts revealed that the male urethra was characterized by a S shaped curve, the presence of the bulbar urethral gland and a longer length than age matched females. The ontogeny of the genital tubercle development revealed two epithelial edges that subsequently touched and fused into the completed urethra. During development cytokeratin immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that the epithelial cells of the urethral lumen are of bladder origin and the surface cells of skin origin. CONCLUSION: The functional and developmental anatomy of the mouse genital tubercle provides a useful model to study normal and abnormal human urethral development.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Anatomical studies of the fibroblast growth factor-10 mutant, Sonic Hedge Hog mutant and androgen receptor mutant mouse genital tubercle.

OBJECTIVES: Congenital genital abnormalities have a diverse spectrum from hypospadias to cloacal anomalies. The molecular events in the normal and abnormal development of the genital tubercle (GT) are still obscure. Genetically engineered mice with specific gene deletions that affect genital anatomy are a useful tool to better understand the etiology of genital abnormalities. In this study, we compared the genital tubercle anatomy of the androgen receptor (AR) deficient, fibroblastic growth factor (FGF)-10 deficient and Sonic HedgeHog (Shh) deficient mutant male mice to that of the wild type male and female mouse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The lower pelvis of the androgen receptor deficient, FGF-10 deficient, Shh deficient mutant male and wild type male and female mouse at different gestational days (E13-21) and post natal ages (1 day-1 week) were studied. GTs were imaged, serially sectioned and stained immunohistochemically with antibodies raised against E-Cadherin, Cytokeratin 7, 10 and 14. Serial sections of the GTs were selected and three-dimensional computerized images were created to better elucidate the anatomy. RESULTS: AR deficient mutant male mouse revealed a distinctive GT anatomy, different from both sexes. The corporal bodies and glans remained hypoplastic whereas the urethral spongiosa was more developed than the wild type female counterpart. This finding is consistent with the AR mutant mouse being a unique morphologic phenotype distinct from the normal male and female. FGF-10 deficient mutant male mouse revealed normal corporal bodies with failure of the urethral plate to fuse ventrally consistent with hypospadias. The Shh deficient mutant mouse demonstrated complete agenesis of GT outgrowth and a persistent cloaca. CONCLUSION: Animal models bred by gene knockout technology or natural occurring mutants contribute to the basic understanding of normal and abnormal GT development. The anatomy of the these three mutant mice confirms the importance of the androgen receptor, FGF-10 and Shh in genital development.

Aging↗
PubMed1995

Genital-associated lymphoid tissue in female non-human primates.

We investigated genital-associated lymphoid tissue (GENALT) in non-human primates (macaques), by augmenting vaginal with oral immunization. The vaccine was a recombinant particulate SIV antigen (p27:Ty-VLP), linked to CT-B, and administered into the vagina by a paediatric naso-gastric tube and into the stomach by a gastric tube. Oro-vaginal or vagino-oral sequence of immunization elicited specific CD4+ T cell proliferative responses to p27 antigen in the genital lymph nodes and the spleen but not in unrelated lymph nodes. CD4+ T cells reconstituted with B cells and macrophages from the genital lymph nodes induced specific IgA and to a lesser extent IgG anti-p27 antibodies. However, the corresponding splenic cells induced greater IgG than IgA antibody synthesis. Intramuscular immunization primed splenic but not genital lymph node cells, and induced CD4+ T cell proliferative responses and predominantly B cell IgG antibody synthesis. Finding primed B and T cells in the genital lymph nodes after augmenting vaginal by oral immunization provides experimental evidence for GENALT in non-human primates. This primate model of vaginal immunization suggests 3 levels of specific immunity: (1) secretory IgA (and IgG) in the cervico-vaginal mucosal epithelium; (2) primed CD4+ T cells and B cells in the genital lymph nodes and the spleen; and (3) circulating CD4+ T cells, B cells and IgG and IgA antibodies specific to the immunizing antigen.

Administration, Intravaginal↗
PubMed2001

Prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence and pelvic genital prolapse in females with anal incontinence or rectal prolapse.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, severity, and associations between urinary incontinence and genital prolapse in females after surgery for fecal incontinence or rectal prolapse. METHODS: All patients who underwent surgery for fecal incontinence (Group I) or rectal prolapse (Group II) were compared with a control group of females (Group III) by 43 questions regarding demographic data, past medical and surgical history, and diagnosis and treatment of anal and urinary incontinence and genital and rectal prolapse. The type (stress, urge, and total) of urinary incontinence was determined and graded using an incontinence severity questionnaire (Individual Incontinence Impact Questionnaire). RESULTS: Overall response rate in the three groups of patients was 40.1 percent. The questionnaire was sent to 240 patients operated on for fecal incontinence or rectal prolapse, and 83 of them responded (34.5 percent). The patients were distributed into three groups: Group I consisted of 51 patients (mean age 56.7 +/- 14); Group II consisted of 32 patients (69.7 +/- 11); and Group III consisted of 40 patients (60.5 +/- 16). The prevalence of urinary incontinence in Group I was 27 (54 percent), in Group II was 21 (65.6 percent), and Group III was 12 patients (30 percent; P = 0.003). Genital prolapse was present in 9 (17.6 percent), 11 (34.3 percent), and 5 patients (12.5 percent), respectively (P = 0.03). The prevalence of coexistent urinary incontinence and genital prolapse in both study groups was 22.8 percent (19 patients). There were no statistically significant differences between Groups I and II relative to prevalence, type, and severity of urinary incontinence and genital prolapse, but there were significant differences between the two study groups and the control group. Of the patients in the study group, 67 percent had urinary incontinence before or at the time of surgery. CONCLUSION: There is a higher prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence and pelvic genital prolapse in females operated on for either fecal incontinence or rectal prolapse than in a control group. Therefore, female patients with fecal incontinence or rectal prolapse should be evaluated and treated by a multidisciplinary group of pelvic floor clinicians, including a gynecologist or urologist with special training in female pelvic floor dysfunction and a colorectal surgeon.

Aged↗
PubMed1982

Recurrent genital herpes simplex virus infection in pregnancy: infant outcome and frequency of asymptomatic recurrences.

Eighty pregnant patients with a history of recurrent genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection were followed up with frequent genital examinations and cultures for HSV during their pregnancies. Recurrences of genital HSV during pregnancy were documented in 67 patients. Ninety-six percent of these had external genital lesions noted at some time during their pregnancy. One hundred eighty-six (93%) of the 199 recurrences of the disease were associated with external genital lesions. Of 13 episodes of asymptomatic viral shedding documented in this patient population, six were from the vulva alone, five were from the cervix alone, and two were from both the vulva and the cervix. Of 11 episodes of cervical HSV shedding, seven were asymptomatic and four were associated with external symptomatic lesions. Despite frequent recurrences of genital HSV infection during pregnancy, all study patients were delivered at term, and although they had a high rate of delivery by cesarean section (32.5%), the outcome of their infants was good.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Genital herpes in pregnancy: risk factors associated with recurrences and asymptomatic viral shedding.

One hundred forty-seven women with recurrent symptomatic genital herpes simplex virus acquired prior to the start of pregnancy (group 1) and 15 women whose first symptomatic episode of genital herpes was acquired during pregnancy (group 2) were followed weekly during the course of gestation. Among women with recurrent genital herpes antedating pregnancy, the mean number of recurrences per trimester increased from 0.97 to 1.26 to 1.63 in the first through third trimester, respectively (p less than 0.05 for comparison between each trimester). The median number of symptomatic recurrences of genital herpes during gestation was four in women in group 1 compared to one in women in group 2 (p less than 0.01). Asymptomatic viral excretion from the genital tract was, however, more common in women in group 2 (33%) than in women in group 1 (12.9%) (p less than 0.05). Herpes simplex virus was isolated at 5.5% of routine visits in group 2 women compared to 1% of routine visits among group 1 women. Logistic regression analysis indicated young age also was associated with more frequent asymptomatic viral shedding. Asymptomatic herpes simplex virus excretion was more common from the vulvar area than the cervix, and women in group 2 were more likely to shed virus from both sites simultaneously than women in group 1. Age and recent acquisition of genital herpes are risk factors for asymptomatic excretion of herpes simplex virus during pregnancy.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Incidence of genital herpes simplex virus at the time of delivery in women with known risk factors.

A total of 143 women with known risk factors for genital herpes simplex virus had cultures performed at the time of delivery. A total of 123 were without symptoms, of which three (2.4%) had positive herpes simplex virus cultures at the time of delivery. Fifteen women had lesions clinically consistent with genital herpes simplex virus at the time of delivery and five (33.3%) were culture positive. Five women had only prodromal symptoms of genital herpes simplex virus, but two of these (40%) had positive herpes simplex virus cultures from the site of previous lesions. Of the 10 women with positive herpes simplex virus cultures in this group of 143, no infant was delivered with evidence of neonatal herpes simplex virus infection, including two who had vaginal deliveries. The results of this study support the recommendations that in women without symptoms but with known risk factors for genital herpes simplex virus, a trial of vaginal delivery be allowed and that in women with either a lesion clinically consistent with genital herpes simplex virus or prodromal symptoms of genital herpes simplex virus a cesarean section be the mode of delivery.

Cesarean Section↗
PubMed1983

Effects of engrailed in the genital disc of Drosophila melanogaster.

engrailed has been postulated to be the "selector gene" involved in the establishment of the anterior-posterior compartment border in several imaginal discs and in at least the first two abdominal segments of Drosophila melanogaster. Our study of the effects of different mutant engrailed genotypes on genital disc development provided the following major results: All three terminal primordia (female and male genitalia, and analia) were affected. Different heteroallelic combinations showed different expressivities, and three terminal primordia were differently affected by the same mutant genotype. The engrailed genotypes deleted specific elements of the adult terminalia without causing associated pattern duplications. The reduced morphology of the male engrailed genital disc was analogous to the pattern deletions observed in the adult terminalia. That the engrailed phenotype is stable was demonstrated by culturing in vivo intact and fragmented engrailed genital discs. Cell death was found in a significant number of mature male en2/en3 genital discs. The results are discussed in terms of the segmental organization of the genital disc and in terms of the "selector gene" function postulated for the engrailed locus. The interpretation that each terminal primordium has an anterior and a posterior compartment is presented and it is assumed that in the genital disc engrailed transforms posterior cells into anterior cells that do not develop, thereby causing the deficiency pattern of the engrailed phenotype.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Genital stimulation facilitates maternal behavior in estrous ewes.

Only a small proportion of ewes at estrus have been found to respond maternally to newborn lambs, and this low maternal responsiveness may be partially attributable to the absence of the genital stimulation which occurs at parturition. Therefore, the effect of artificial genital stimulation on maternal behavior of estrous ewes was investigated. Estrus was synchronized in 33 ewes by placement and withdrawal of progestin-saturated vaginal sponges. Estrous ewes were divided into two groups, a control group and a group receiving 5 min of artificial genital stimulation, and observed following presentation of newborn lambs. Significantly more stimulated ewes licked the lamb and emitted low-pitched bleats in a 30-min test. When genital stimulation was subsequently administered to control ewes, more of them also became maternal so that the two groups were no longer significantly different. These results indicate that absence of genital stimulation is one of the factors contributing to the low maternal responsiveness of estrous ewes. They also demonstrate for the first time that artificial genital stimulation is effective in eliciting maternal behavior in nonpregnant ewes even at physiological concentrations of estradiol.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in sexual ducts and genital tubercle of rabbit fetuses during sexual organogenesis: effects of fetal decapitation.

Testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) have been measured in the plasma, sexual ducts and genital tubercle in rabbit fetuses of both sexes during sexual organogenesis. T and DHT were also measured in decapitated male fetuses. In male, T appeared successively in testes (day 19), mesonephros (day 20) and Wolffian ducts (day 22). In sexual ducts, T levels increased from 20 to 25 days, then stabilized until birth. Since DHT was measurable, in sexual ducts of males only from 24 days onwards, T itself is the active hormone on the differentiation of Wolffian ducts. In female fetuses, T and DHT were undetectable, in sexual ducts, at any gestational age. In the genital tubercle T was undetectable in both sexes. In the genital tubercle of males DHT levels increased from 19 to 25 days, then stabilized. In female fetuses, DHT was episodically measurable in the genital tubercle but at levels always lower than in males. DHT is the active hormone on the differentiation of genital tubercle. In male decapitated fetuses T and DHT levels were reduced in sexual ducts and genital tubercle but the differences were not significant.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

[Genital bacterial carriage during the last trimester of pregnancy and early-onset neonatal sepsis].

UNLABELLED: Bacterial infections remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in newborn infants. OBJECTIVE: To determine the bacterial ecology and pathological status of the genital organs during the last trimester of pregnancy and the germs of the following early-onset neonatal sepsis, in order to evaluate the risk of materno-foetal infections and to find out a drug prophylaxis. METHOD: Vaginal and endocervical samples, usually taken during the first trimester of pregnancy were delayed and taken during the last trimester of pregnancy. A macroscopic examination described the aspect of the vagina, the cervix uteri, leukorrhea and of possible inflammatory lesions or ulcerations. A microscopic examination searched for parasites, epithelial cells, clue cells and leukocytes. The appropriate bacteriological cultures were performed after reading the Gram stain and scoring the vaginal flora. The clinical and cytobacteriological aspects were used to identify the bacterial ecology and the pathological genital states. An exploration was carried out in every newborn suspected of infection. RESULTS: Genital samples were collected from 306 pregnant women. Among them, 118 were at 29-32 weeks of gestation, 104 at 33-36, and 84 at 37-40. The most frequent germs were C. albicans (33,5%), Enterbacteriaceae (20.3%) including E. coli (10.9%), S. aureus (15.4%), Gardnerella (13.6%), and Trichomonas (10.6%), in monomicrobian (79.2%) and polymicrobian carriage (20.8%). Lower genital tract pathological states such as vaginitis (29.4%), bacterial vaginosis (21.5%) or endocervicitis (10.4%), asymptomatic bacterial carriage (23.5%) and normal genital flora (15%) were identified. These pregnancies led to 334 live births with 27 cases of early-onset neonatal sepsis to which endocervicitis (25%) and vaginosis (19,7%) were most often linked. CONCLUSION: Genital samples at the last trimester of pregnancy could evaluate the risk of maternofoetal infections and allow to adapt a drug prophylaxis of Enterobacteriaceae, the most frequent germ of neonatal infections, as it has been done for Streptococcus agalactiae. But larger studies are required to evaluate the risk of maternofoetal infections and to state the drug prophylaxis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Effects of long-term food restriction on genital reflexes in paradoxically sleep-deprived male rats.

The purpose was to ascertain whether the different schedules of long-term food restriction (FR) exert influence on genital reflexes (penile erection-PE and ejaculation-EJ) induced by paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) in male rats. Diet restriction began at weaning with 6 g/day and food was increased by 1 g per week until reaching 15 g/day by adulthood. Rats submitted to FR and those fed ad libitum were distributed into PSD or maintained as control groups and challenged with saline or cocaine. The results indicated that PSD+saline induced PE and EJ in both ad libitum and FR groups, but cocaine only potentiated reflexes in ad libitum group. In an attempt to revert the effects of FR on genital reflexes, we provided food ad libitum to the restricted group during the PSD period (4 days). When compared to FR rats, an increase in the frequency of PE was observed in the FR group fed ad libitum during PSD (both groups were challenged with cocaine). Further, we sought to investigate motivational behavior by placing food within the behavioral cage during the evaluation of genital reflexes. The FR PSD+saline group challenged with food did not display genital reflexes but when injected with cocaine the responses were similar to those observed in FR PSD+cocaine rats not challenged with food. Our data suggest that the facilitatory effect of PSD on genital reflexes did not override the inhibitory effect of FR on erectile function, but different schedules of FR produce distinct effects on genital reflexes. Further studies are warranted to dissect the effect of food restriction on sexual behavior.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Secretory immunoglobulin A in saliva of women with oral and genital HPV infection.

UNLABELLED: Secretory IgA contributes towards the protection of mucosal surfaces against invading microorganisms. OBJECTIVES: Quantify secretory IgA titers in the saliva of women with HPV in the oropharynx and/or in the genital area. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy women with clinical genital HPV lesions and 70 women without HPV infection were tested for oral HPV DNA and the levels of total IgA in their saliva. One millilitre of saliva was collected, centrifuged and stored at -80 degrees C for the measurement of secretory IgA by nephelometry technique. A pool of oral pharyngeal cells was collected for HPV identification by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Oral HPV PCR was positive in 29 (21%) women (26 women with genital HPV and only 3 women without genital HPV). Titers of secretory IgA were extremely lower in-patients with HPV DNA in the oropharynx when compared to HPV negative women (p<0.0001). Genital HPV and smoking were also associated to low levels of total sIgA in saliva (p<0.01). After multivariable analyses only the presence of HPV in the oral cavity and/or in genital area, but not smoking, was related to low levels of total secretory IgA. CONCLUSION: Women with low levels of total secretory IgA could be more susceptible to having their oral mucosa colonized by HPV.

Adult↗