PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

G Potashnik

Publications and source records attributed to G Potashnik.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
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

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

Dibromochloropropane (DBCP): a 17-year reassessment of testicular function and reproductive performance.

The current study summarizes a 17-year reevaluation of testicular function and reproductive performance of 15 production workers with dibromochloropropane (DBCP)-induced testicular dysfunction. Sperm count recovery was evident within 36 to 45 months in three of the nine azoospermic and in three of the six oligozoospermic men with no improvement thereafter. A significant increase in plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and a nonsignificant decrease in testosterone level were detected in the severely affected individuals. There was no increase in the rate of spontaneous abortions and congenital malformations among pregnancies conceived during or after exposure. A low prevalence of male infants conceived during paternal exposure was found as compared with the preexposure period (16.6% versus 52.9%; P<.025). Restoration of fertility was followed by a gradual increase of this value to 41.4%.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

The significance of serum progesterone levels on the day of hCG administration on IVF pregnancy rates.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between serum progesterone level on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration (day 0) and pregnancy rate among patients undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Serum progesterone levels were analyzed retrospectively in 160 cycles. In 56 women ovarian stimulation was induced by gonadotropins only (group A). In 104 cases a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analog was given prior to gonadotropin administration (group B). At least three embryos were transferred in all cases. A significantly (p < 0.01) higher serum progesterone level (> or = 1 ng/ml) on day 0 was observed in the 43 patients of group A who did not conceive compared with the 13 who conceived. No significant difference in serum progesterone levels on day 0 was found between the 37 patients of group B who conceived and the 67 who did not. The pregnancy rate (0.36) in group B was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that in group A (0.23). However, the pregnancy rate (0.35) in patients in group A with low progesterone levels (< or = 1 ng/ml) was not significantly lower than that in group B. We demonstrated that elevated progesterone levels (> or = 1 ng/ml) on day 0 in patients receiving stimulation with gonadotropin only, might be detrimental to pregnancy. In view of these results, we suggest that early oocyte retrieval should be considered in patients whose progesterone level on the day of hCG administration exceeds 1 ng/ml following stimulation with gonadotropin only.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Assessment of nonarticular tenderness and prevalence of fibromyalgia in hyperprolactinemic women.

OBJECTIVE: To assess nonarticular tenderness and prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in hyperprolactinemic subjects. METHODS: Twenty-one consecutive women with hyperprolactinemia (HPRL) and 44 consecutive women with normal prolactin levels (PRL) were examined in the fertility unit by one observer during a 24-month period. Mean age was 31 years, range 22-46 years. Hyperprolactinemia was defined as PRL levels > 24.5 ng/ml (immunoradiometric assay). In all women, a count of 18 tender points (TP) was conducted by thumb palpation. Tenderness of some of the TP sites (9 points) as well as control point sites (4 points) was further assessed using a Chatillon dolorimeter. All women were questioned about the presence of widespread pain or aching. Women were considered to have FMS if they met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for diagnosis. RESULTS: Of the 21 women with HPRL, 15 (71%) had FMS vs only 2 of 44 (4.5%) normoprolactinemic women (p < 0.0001). Thresholds of tenderness of 9 fibrositic points were 2.7 (1.5) kg [mean (standard deviation)] for HPRL women vs 5.0 (1.4) (kg) for women with normal PRL (p < 0.0001). Thresholds of tenderness of 4 control points were 5.2 (1.5) (kg) for women with HPRL vs 6.8 (1.1) (kg) for normoprolactinemic women (p < 0.0001). The frequency of FMS was directly associated with the level of PRL. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that FMS is very common in a subset of women with HPRL and that its frequency is directly associated with the degree of hyperprolactinemia. Women with HPRL have lower thresholds of tenderness than women with normal PRL. More studies are needed to clarify the relationships between PRL, FMS and tenderness.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Efficacy of kallikrein in the treatment of oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia: a double-blind trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of kallikrein on sperm motility and sperm count in infertile oligozoospermic and asthenozoospermic men. DESIGN: Double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Multicenter trial in three andrologic clinics. PATIENTS: Infertile men with < 20 x 10(6) total sperm count and > 3 x 10(6) sperm cells/mL and/or sperm motility of < 30%. INTERVENTIONS: One hundred fourteen men received either placebo or 600 kallikrein units of kallidinogenase by mouth daily for 12 weeks. Semen analyses were performed before and at 6-week intervals during the trial. Compliance and incidence of adverse effects were assessed. RESULTS: The incidence of adverse effects was similar under placebo and under kallidinogenase treatment, usually mild, transient, and did not require the cessation of treatment in any patient. Kallidinogenase was not superior to placebo in improving sperm count and sperm motility. CONCLUSIONS: At the doses and for the duration given, our results were disappointing. The absence of a therapeutical effect, as evidenced in the present study may be due to the very low absorption rate of kallidinogenase after oral administration. Probably a much higher dose of kallidinogenase should be used to achieve a therapeutic affect.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Spermatogenesis and reproductive performance following human accidental exposure to bromine vapor.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate spermatogenesis and reproductive performance among 8 men and their spouses following accidental exposure to bromine vapor. Of the three cases with oligo-terato-asthenozoospermia (OTA), one had been diagnosed prior to and unrelated to the event. Mild OTA and unimpaired reproductive performance characterized the other two cases. Plasma levels of the follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were normal in all men. One first-trimester abortion and one late abortion (due to chorioamnionitis) occurred among the 5 pregnancies conceived shortly after the accident. Results of the present study suggest a mild degree of spermatogenic suppression and impaired reproductive performance following paternal exposure to bromine vapor during the above described accident. However, due to the small size of the study cohort, a confidential cause-result linkage could not be established.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed1992

Delayed health sequelae of accidental exposure to bromine gas.

The delayed health effects from accidental exposure to bromine vapors in a group of six people were evaluated. During the acute exposure, they had only some respiratory symptoms and skin burns of first to second degree involving small areas. All were treated in one hospital and released within 1-4 d. Six to 8 wk later, some still had health complaints such as cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, eye irritation, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and memory, sleep, and sexual disturbances, but no objective laboratory or clinical evidence of effects. Mechanisms that might have led to manifestations of such complaints 1-2 mo after the accident are discussed and possible ways to alleviate similar situations are suggested.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1992

The relationship between endogenous oestradiol and vitamin D3 metabolites in serum and follicular fluid during ovarian stimulation for in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of circulating oestradiol on serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD3), 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[24,25-(OH)2D3], and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] during gonadotrophin-induced ovarian stimulation in 10 healthy women undergoing in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF). The presence of these metabolites in the follicular fluid was also investigated. Plasma oestradiol increased from 25 +/- 3.2 (mean +/- SE) pg/ml before initiation of treatment to 2563 +/- 328 pg/ml on the day of injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) and 1641 +/- 299 pg/ml on the day of ovum retrieval (P < 0.01). Serum levels of 1,25-(OH)2D3 increased from 32.0 +/- 1.9 (mean +/- SE) pg/ml to 46.6 +/- 8.1 and 48.5 +/- 7.7 pg/ml (P < 0.05) on the day of HCG and ovum retrieval, respectively. No changes in blood levels of 25-OHD3 and 24,25-(OH)2D3 were found. The presence of vitamin D metabolites in follicular fluid is documented herein for the first time. All three metabolites were present in the follicular fluid but were significantly lower than in the concurrent serum (P < 0.01). A highly significant correlation was found between serum and follicular fluid levels: r = 0.787, P < 0.001 for 1,25-(OH)2D3; r = 0.738, P < 0.01 for 25-OHD3; and r = 0.751, P < 0.01 for 24,25-(OH)2D3. Our results suggest that raised levels of circulating oestradiol during gonadotrophin-induced ovarian stimulation are associated with a significant increase of serum 1,25-(OH)2D3.

24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3↗
PubMed1990

[Late health sequelae of accidental bromine exposure].

Health and environmental assessment of the consequences of accidental contamination of an area in the Negev desert is described and the effects of exposure to bromine vapor in 6 persons evaluated. They were only mildly affected during the acute spillage of the bromine, with some respiratory symptoms and first and second degree skin burns of small exposed areas on the legs. All were treated in hospital and were released within 1-4 days. 6-8 weeks later they demonstrated a complex array of complaints, including cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, eye irritation, headache, dizziness, fatigue, memory disturbances, sleep and sexual disturbances. These complaints could not be substantiated by objective clinical or laboratory examination. There was thus obvious magnification of the complaints 1-2 months after the accident.

Accidents↗
PubMed1990

Chlamydial IgG and IgA in serum and follicular fluid among patients undergoing in vitro fertilisation.

The point prevalence of IgG and IgA antibodies to Chlamydia was analyzed in serum and follicular fluid in 63 patients undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in comparison to sera of 298 healthy women by the single serovar (L2) inclusion immunoperoxidase assay (IPA). The presence of specific IgG and IgA to Chlamydia in follicular fluid was demonstrated. No statistical association was found between the presence of specific Chlamydia IgG and IgA in serum and follicular fluid to oocyte fertilization. The positive predictive value for mechanical infertility of Chlamydia IgG at titers of greater than or equal to 128 and IgA titers at greater than or equal to 16 was 91 and 92%, respectively, in this high-risk group for mechanical infertility. Multiple regression analysis singled out Chlamydia IgG levels as a major contributor to the variance between the groups of infertile patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

The combined suppression/stimulation therapy in IVF-ET programmes: expectations and facts.

The benefits of combined pituitary suppression/ovarian stimulation therapy in IVF-ET programmes could be avoiding an untimely LH secretion, synchronization of the ovarian response to stimulation, an increased number of ova obtained and embryos replaced and a higher pregnancy rate. The first two advantages can be considered as direct effects of the combined therapy, while the others result, at least partly, from the more aggressive use of gonadotrophins. The capability of combined GnRH analogue/gonadotrophin treatment to avoid failures due to premature luteinization of follicles seems to be unequivocal. In order to obtain a better synchronized ovarian response to stimulation, new treatment schemes, based on prolonged use of currently available agonists or on application of potent synthetic GnRH antagonists, will have to be developed. Basic studies concerning the presence and the extent of a direct effect of GnRH analogues upon ovarian function would also help in a better understanding and more efficient application of the combined suppression/stimulation therapy in IVF-ET programmes.

Embryo Transfer↗
PubMed1988

Chlamydia specific IgG and IgA antibodies in women with obstructive infertility as determined by immunoblotting and immunoperoxidase assays.

The prevalence rate of IgG and IgA antibodies to Chlamydia was analyzed in 50 women with laparoscopy-verified tubal infertility and in 50 age-matched control women by single serovar (L2) inclusion immunoperoxidase assay (IPA) and by immunoblotting technique (IB). Women with tubal infertility had significantly (p less than 0.001) elevated IPA Chlamydia IgG antibody titer greater than or equal to 128 and greater than or equal to 256 than controls (64% vs 16%. Odds ratios = 9.3 and 50% vs 10%, Odds ratio = 9 respectively). The prevalence rate of IPA IgA antibody titer (greater than or equal to 16) to Chlamydia was also significantly higher (p less than 0.001) in women with tubal infertility than controls (48% vs 8%, Odds ratio = 10.6). Antibodies to at least 19 chlamydial structural polypeptides ranging in molecular weight from 30 kD to 204 kD, were detected by the IB technique in the IPA seropositive sera. Antibodies to 57-60 kD were detectable in almost all the IPA IgG and IgA seropositive sera. The prevalence rate of IgG antibody to 57 kD-60 kD was significantly higher in women with obstructive infertility than healthy woman (84% vs. 56% p less than 0.01; Odds ratio = 3.8). More significantly, higher differences to 57-60 kD polypeptide were found in the case of IgA between the infertile women and controls (52% vs. 10%, p less than 0.001; Odds ratio = 9.7). The significance of IPA and IB technique for screening of infertile women is discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Results of in vitro fertilization in women with antisperm antibodies in serum, cervical mucus, and follicular fluid.

This study was undertaken to investigate the presence of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in serum, cervical mucus, and follicular fluid (FF) of women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). IgG and IgA ASA directed mostly against sperm head were found at similar concentrations in serum, cervical mucus, and FF of 2 of 34 patients. Ninety-one percent fertilization and 100% cleavage rates, respectively, were observed in one of the two patients. No fertilization occurred in the second patient. In both women, in vitro sperm penetration tests revealed hostile mucus and repeated postcoital tests were poor. It is concluded that the sperm-cervical mucus penetration test and mucus ASA measurements are useful in establishing the diagnosis of immunological infertility.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

The effect of different LH-RH agonists on the levels of immunoreactive gonadotropins.

The present study compared the effect of D-Ser(tBU)6-des-Gly-LHRH-ethylamide in the form of a nasal spray, D-Trp6-LHRH, which is applied in daily intramuscular injections, and the long-acting preparation, D-Trp6-LHRH, which is given as a monthly intramuscular injection, on the function of the pituitary-ovarian axis. Forty spontaneously menstruating women not belonging to the PCOD group participated in the study, the results of which indicate that the three LH-RH agonists used are similarly effective in their ability to down-regulate the pituitary-ovarian axis. The time required for the appearance of the suppressive effect, as measured by reduced levels of gonadotropins and estradiol as well as by the abolishment of the hypophyseal response to rising estrogens, usually does not exceed 14 days and is never more than 28 days. The immunoreactive LH-reducing effect of the LH-RH agonists was true only if the basic levels of the hormone were higher than 11 mIU/ml. This fact might be particularly significant in patients with polycystic ovarian disease or in perimenopausal women.

Buserelin↗