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H Lederman

Publications and source records attributed to H Lederman.

23 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
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Human sperm acrosin activity with relation to semen parameters and acrosomal ultrastructure.

It was suggested that although not related to the standard semen parameters the level of the acrosin enzyme system is related to the fertility potential in men. Recently a simple clinical assay for total acrosin level was recommended for routine semen analysis. The improved clinical assay was analysed on the freshly liquified semen of 198 Asthenoteratozoospermic men and compared with the routine semen parameters including biochemical data and the ultrastructure of the acrosome. Only the sum of the per cent of live, motile, and normal-shaped spermatozoa had positive significant and reasonably high correlation with the acrosin level (r = 0.382, P < 0.0001). Each characteristic exhibits significant but low (< 0.35) correlation. Similarly negative significant and reasonably high correlation was obtained between the acrosin level and the sum of the principle acrosomal malformations observed by TEM (r = 0.396, P < 0.0001) while lower negative correlation was found only with agenesis or loss of the acrosome. Acrosin levels below 8.1 microIU 10(-6) cells were obtained in 4 specimens with above 80% round-form associated with more than 95% of agenesis of the acrosome. The possible significance of the low correlation obtained between the acrosin levels and seminal plasma zinc levels, malformations in the acrosomal equatorial region, and the presence of white blood cells is also discussed. We concluded that the acrosin activity reflects an aspect of male fertility which is not diagnosed by the routine semen analysis or by the ultrastructure of the acrosome, and is therefore a useful diagnostic sperm parameter.

Acrosin↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Relation of human sperm acrosin activity and fertilization in vitro.

The aim of the study described here was to determine the possible contribution of the acrosin activity test to routine semen analysis in enhancing the precision of the prognosis of IVF success in a group of patients in which the contribution of the egg factor to infertility was ruled out (20 cases) compared to a control IVF group (39 cases). Semen analysis, acrosin activity and acrosome ultrastructure were determined for all semen samples. The group with high fertilization rates was comprised of normozoospermic patients while the group with low fertilization rates was comprised of astheno-teratozoospermic patients. The mean acrosin level of the positive IVF group was significantly higher than that of the negative group (51.7 +/- 33.2 and 28.6 +/- 13.7, respectively). Two parameters: per cent motile spermatozoa and acrosin level, were found to have a significant positive correlation with subsequent successful IVF (r = 0.36, P < 0.006; r = 0.37, P < 0.004, respectively); and agenesis of the acrosome was found to have a significant negative correlation (r = -0.33, P < 0.01). The ability of these parameters to correctly predict fertilization success was 59%, with 5% false positive, among which 15.4% was predicted solely by the acrosin level (above 54 microIU 10(6) cells-1) and 23% solely by per cent motile spermatozoa (above 50%). Abnormalities of the acrosome ultrastructure did not contribute further to the correct classification. The apparent clinical benefit of the acrosin level test is discussed.

Acrosin↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Lymphedemas of the lower limbs: a lymphoscintigraphic study].

UNLABELLED: Patients with lymphoedema of the lower limbs (LLL) are usually affected by recurrent erysipelas. This bacterial infection is usually admitted as an aetiological factor, but it can be a consequence of some previous lymphatic abnormality. Classically, the commonest causative factors of LLL are bacterial infection, venous ulcers, trauma (leading to secondary lymphoedema) and congenital disorders of the lymphatic system (primary lymphoedema--praecox or tarda). PURPOSE: To identify previous lymphatics abnormalities in patients with LLL, admitted as having secondary lymphatic lymphoedema--as consequences of infection, trauma or other factors--, by using lymphoscintigraphic method. To observe advantages of this approach in practical assistance and evaluation of LLL cases. METHODS: Twelve patients with LLL, supposed to have primary (congenital) or secondary disorder affecting one or both lower extremities were submitted to lymphoscintigraphy at the Escola Paulista de Medicina of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Each patient received an intradermal injection of labelled Dextran (Dx-99mTc) at the first interdigital space of each foot and, after one to three hours, images of lower extremities, pelvic and abdominal areas were obtained with Gammatome CGR. RESULTS: Examination of all 24 lower extremities disclosed clinical diagnosis of lymphoedema in 17 (70.8%), being five (41.6%) with clinical signs of lymphoedema of both lower limbs and seven (58.3%) of a single one. The lymphoscintigraphic images revealed lymphatic disorders in 22 of the 24 extremities (91.7%). Lymphoscintigraphic abnormalities in clinically normal lower extremities were observed in five cases (41.3%). CONCLUSION: Lymphoscintigraphy is a non-invasive useful method to study LLL, with involvement of one or both limbs. It does not differentiate between primary and secondary lymphoedema, but makes possible to detect cases of normal appearance of the limbs with previous lymphatic defect(s), changing aetiological diagnosis. Some cases that appear to be secondary lymphoedema could be, in fact, associated with congenital abnormality(ies) of lymphatics, triggered by factors like trauma or venous ulcers.

Adult↗