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Biomedical subjects

E Lenton

Publications and source records attributed to E Lenton.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Induction of ovulation in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques: recombinant human FSH (follitropin alpha) versus highly purified urinary FSH (urofollitropin HP).

This multicentre, open, randomized, study compared the efficacy and safety of recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH; follitropin alpha) with highly purified urinary human FSH (uFSH; urofollitropin HP) in women undergoing ovulation induction for assisted reproductive techniques. Following long down-regulation with buserelin, patients received two ampoules of 75 IU (150 IU) s.c. rFSH or highly purified uFSH for 6 days, after which the dose could be increased until they fulfilled the criteria for human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) administration. Of 168 patients recruited, 155 received at least one dose of FSH, and 137 received HCG [68: rFSH (85%); 69: uFSH (92%)]. Following oocyte retrieval and fertilization, up to three embryos were replaced/patient and luteal support was given. The mean number of oocytes retrieved/patient was 10.2 +/- 6.0 for rFSH patients compared with 10.8 +/- 6.1 in the uFSH group (not significant). There was a trend towards fewer ampoules used (22.3 +/- 6.5 versus 24.3 +/- 6.5), higher pregnancy (44.3 versus 41.4%) and live birth rates (33.8 versus 26.7%), as well as a lower miscarriage rate (0.0 versus 16.7%) in favour of rFSH. However, no significant differences in efficacy parameters were recorded. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome occurred in 8.6% and 7.9% of rFSH and uFSH patients respectively. In conclusion, this protocol was effective in inducing multiple follicular development and high numbers of oocytes were retrieved with both drugs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

A rapid method for the measurement of the oxoreductase activity of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in granulosa-lutein cells from patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization.

The presence of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD; EC1.1.1.146), the enzyme responsible for the interconversion of cortisol and cortisone, in granulosa-lutein (GL) cells is associated with a poor outcome in in-vitro fertilization (IVF). We have developed a simple method of assessing the reductase component of 11beta-HSD in these cells which is sufficiently rapid to provide data on the enzyme's activity prior to embryo replacement. Cells were pooled from follicular aspirates and challenged with cortisone within 2 h of aspiration. Cortisol secretion was then measured by radioimmunoassay. Conversion of cortisone to cortisol was linear for up to 3 h and was completely inhibited by glycyrrhetinic acid, a specific 11beta-HSD inhibitor. Initial velocity rates were determined for eight cortisone concentrations (range 0.1-8 micromol/l), and the apparent Km calculated (1.6 +/- 0.4 micromol/l). There was no evidence of substrate/product inhibition and conversion of cortisone to cortisol was <2% in all experiments. In subsequent work, cells were challenged with cortisone (6 micromol/l) for 2 h. Cells challenged for 2 h immediately following purification from follicular aspirates produced varying amounts of cortisol (range 25-150 nmol/pooled follicles from each patient, n = 10 patients), while basal outputs were <6 nmol/l. Enzyme activity was also examined in cells on a per follicle basis from individual patients and found to vary considerably (e.g. 19, 53 and 36 nmol/l cortisol/1000 cells, three follicles). Having established the method for assessing 11beta-reductase activity within GL cells, we performed a small prospective study on a series of 20 patients examining the enzyme activity within 110 individual follicles. 11Beta-reductase activity varied greatly from patient to patient and from follicle to follicle ranging from <0.024-0.57 nmol cortisol/microg DNA but at present low patient numbers preclude a meaningful correlation between enzyme activity and pregnancy rate. In summary, we have developed a simple, rapid (<8 h) assay for detecting the reductase activity of 11beta-HSD in GL cells isolated from pooled or individual follicles. This procedure is sufficiently quick to aid in the choice of embryo for replacement.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗
PubMed1993

An evaluation of counselling for couples undergoing treatment for in-vitro fertilization.

Fertility difficulties, along with their investigation and treatment, are widely believed to cause significant psychological problems. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of a non-directive counselling intervention with couples undertaking their first cycle of in-vitro fertilization treatment. Couples were randomly assigned to either a control group, given information about the treatment programme, or to an experimental group, given the same information plus three sessions of counselling before, during and on conclusion of the first treatment cycle. Psychological assessments were made at three points in the treatment process. Ratings were also obtained from the couples on the stress engendered by different parts of the treatment, the effects on their relationship and satisfaction with counselling. The results showed the patients to be generally well adjusted and anxiety levels dropped over the course of treatment. Counselling compared to information alone did not lead to any enhanced reduction in levels of anxiety or depression. The implications of the findings for service provision are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Cytogenetic and histological studies in a series of subfertile males.

Cytogenetic and histological studies were carried out on a series of 68 men during investigations for subfertility. Somatic chromosome analysis identified 4 cases with abnormal karyotypes. Meiotic chromosome analysis identified 4 cases with abnormal meiosis. Analysis of cell stages of the spermatogenic cycle in cytogenetic preparations identified 12 cases with missing cell cycle stages. Histological analysis of tissue samples identified defects of the spermatogenic cycle in 23 cases. A kinetic model of spermatogenesis is used in order to relate the different types of abnormality to the spermatogenic cycle.

Adult↗