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M Piasecka

Publications and source records attributed to M Piasecka.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Evaluation of sperm genomic integrity of normozoospermic men: a prospective study.

The objective of our study was to evaluate the incidence of spermatozoa with nuclear DNA strand breaks in patients with normal routine sperm parameters (26 subjects). Sperm DNA fragmentation was measured using TUNEL test assessed in flow cytometer. Variable percentages of sperm with damaged DNA (9.42 +/- 7.68%; range: 2-36) were found. Two categories of patients were distinguished: (1) patients (8 out of 26 subjects) with < or = 4% of TUNEL-positive sperm and (2) patients (18 out of 26 subjects) with > 4% of TUNEL-positive sperm. A significantly lower percentage of normal sperm forms was found in patients with > 4% of TUNEL-positive sperm than in patients with < or = 4% of TUNEL-positive sperm. Moreover, a significant negative correlation (r(s) = -0.50) was noted only between a proportion of normal sperm forms and a proportion of TUNEL-positive spermatozoa. In electron microscope, a large number of spermatozoa with immature chromatin was observed more frequently in subjects with > 4% of TUNEL-positive cells (11 out of 18 subjects). Our results suggest that in some patients with normal routine sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation may be associated with poor sperm morphology. The diminished sperm genomic integrity may result from molecular disturbances in nuclear remodeling process during spermiogenesis. TUNEL assay is a screening tool that may help to discriminate between fertile and infertile men and may help to predict successful in vitro fertilization.

Chromatin↗
PubMed2004

Diagnostic evaluation of oxidoreductive capability of sperm mitochondria.

In the present paper, morphological and functional features of human sperm midpiece, contributing to the assessment of sperm fertility potential, have been described. The NADH-dependent NBT screening assay was used to identify and visualise: 1/ morphological defects of sperm midpiece, 2/ immature sperm forms with extensive cytoplasmic retention, reflecting developmental failure in spermatogenic remodelling process, 3/ cytoplasmic sperm conglomerates, related to apoptotic bodies and 4/ sperm NADH-dependent oxidoreductase system at the mitochondrial level, related to the reaction intensity. The used assay is an adequate marker of sperm mitochondrial activity and sperm maturity. It can also help discover sperm defects that result in asthenozoospermia and can be used as an additional indicator in the evaluation of the sperm midpiece, as well as in routine morphological examination of spermatozoa, having a considerable predictive value for in vivo and in vitro fertilization.

Humans↗
PubMed2004

Aging process of epithelial cells of the rat prostate lateral lobe in experimental hyperprolactinemia induced by haloperidol.

The aim of the study was to examine the influence of hyperprolactinemia, induced by haloperidol (HAL) on age related morphology and function changes of epithelial cells in rat prostate lateral lobe. The study was performed on sexually mature male rats. Serum concentrations of prolactin (PRL) and testosterone (T) were measured. Tissue sections were evaluated with light and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical reactions for Anti-Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) were performed. In rats of the experimental group, the mean concentration of: PRL was more than twice higher, whereas T concentration was almost twice lower than that in the control group. Light microscopy visualized the following: hypertrophy and epithelium hyperplasia of the glandular ducts, associated with increased PCNA expression. Electron microscopy revealed changes in columnar epithelial cells, concerning organelles, engaged in protein synthesis and secretion.

Aging↗
PubMed2002

Germ cells with nuclear DNA fragmentation related to apoptotic cells in rat testis in experimental hyperprolactinemia induced by metoclopramide.

The cells with nuclear DNA fragmentation related to apoptosis were detected by TUNEL technique in the seminiferous epithelium of control rats and of rats with experimental hyperprolactinemia induced by metoclopramide. The percentage of convoluted tubules with apoptotic cells and the number of apoptotic cells (predominantly spermatogonia and spermatocytes) was increased in the experimental group. The results indicated stage-specific germ cell apoptosis. In the experimental group, apoptotic cells were most evident at early (I-IV), middle (VII-VIII) and late (XII-XIV) stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle, as revealed by light and electron microscopy. We suggest that a decreased concentration of testosterone and an increased concentration of prolactin could disturb spermatogenesis and contribute to the intensive apoptosis of germ cells in rats with hyperprolactinemia. Sertoli cells which have receptors for testosterone and prolactin and play an important role in spermatogenesis and in the initiation of apoptosis in seminiferous epithelium, could mediate such an influence of both hormones.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Computerized analysis of cytochemical reactions for dehydrogenases and oxygraphic studies as methods to evaluate the function of the mitochondrial sheath in rat spermatozoa.

Cytochemical reactions for mitochondrial NADH-dependent dehydrogenases (diaphorase/NADH which is related to flavoprotein), NAD-dependent dehydrogenases (isocitrate, malate) and succinate dehydrogenase were carried out in rat spermatozoa. In addition to a morphological evaluation, the intensity of the reactions was assessed using a computer image analysing system (Quantimet 600 S). The intensity of the reactions was examined in sperm midpieces by measuring integrated optical density (IOD) and mean optical density (MOD). The activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes was also analysed using the polarographic method. In the population of spermatozoa studied, all whole spermatozoa midpieces were completely filled with formazans, the product of the cytochemical reaction. These morphological findings corresponded to the values obtained for IOD and MOD for the given enzymes. In the oxygraphic studies, the spermatozoa demonstrated consumption of oxygen in the presence of substrates for I, II and IV complexes and their mitochondria revealed normal integrity and sensitivity to the substrates and inhibitors. However, the oxygraphic studies revealed differences between the sperm and somatic cells. These differences concerned the stimulation of pyruvate oxidation by malate, the lack of an effect of malonic acid on phenazine methosulphate (an acceptor of electrons) oxidation and the lack of an effect of cytochrome c on ascorbate oxidation. The cytochemical method, together with densitometric measurements, enables: (1) the reaction intensity to be determined objectively; (2) subtle and dramatic differences in reaction intensity to be revealed between spermatozoa that do not differ under morphological evaluation of the intensity; (3) possible defects within the mitochondrial sheath to be located and assessed in a large number of spermatozoa. This method can be used as a screening method alongside the routine morphological examination of spermatozoa. On the other hand, the oxygraphic method in the inner membrane of mitochondria can reveal functional changes which are related to the action of respiratory chain complexes and display characteristic features of mitochondria energy metabolism. The methods used are complementary and allow the complex evaluation of mitochondria in spermatozoa. Both methods can be used in experimental and clinical studies.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Phospholipid content and lamellar structures in the epididymal epithelial cells of rats treated chronically with lead acetate [Pb(II)].

The electron-microscopic observations accomplished covered epididymal epithelial cells of rats receiving lead acetate for five times longer than the duration of one spermatogenesis. These cells were found to possess a large number of vacuoles and conglomerates containing plicated membranes or tightly packed myelin-like lamellar formations. Further observations also revealed the formation of lamellar structures in mitochondria, dilatation of cisternae in the Golgi apparatus, and increased phagocytosis of spermatozoa by epithelial cells. The presence of a large amount of membranous material correlated with the increased content of phospholipids in epididymal epithelial cells. It may be suggested that the presence of such a great quantity of lamellar structures in epididymal epithelial cells of rats treated chronically with lead is the result of several processes, including the augmented synthesis of membranes associated with encircling the deposits of lead, autophagy in the cells, as well as intensified phagocytosis of spermatozoa.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[Internal standardization of sperm morphology evaluated according to strict morphological criteria].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate sperm morphology and find cut-off values for local andrology lab based on morphological strict criteria. To compare the results to WHO guidelines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Strict morphological criteria were applied to 300 sperm smears stained according to the Papanicolaou method. Specific sperm defects were described in details. The results were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The normal sperm morphology was found in 18.54% of cases, which is less than the cut-off value suggested in the WHO guidelines. The lab cut-off value aimed by the 25th percentile was 8%. CONCLUSION: Sperm morphology requires broader multi-center standardization to enable compatible exchange of morphological data and find predictive factors of sperm fertilizing potential.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Changes in sperm mitochondria in patients with asthenozoospermia].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate functional and ultrastructural alterations of the spermatozoa midpieces in patients with asthenozoospermia and to find a correlation between the damage of the midpieces and loss of sperm motility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Routine, morphological assessment of the midpieces stained according to the Papanicolaou method, cytochemical study of the mitochondrial activity using reaction for the diaphorase/ NADH according to the Piasecka method and electron-microscopic investigation of the midpiece structures were performed. RESULTS: The cytochemical reaction for diaphorase/NADH revealed disorders of the mitochondrial activity and subtle and drastic malformations in the spermatozoa midpieces. The unusually thickened midpieces contained the supernumerary mitochondria. In patients with severe asthenozoospermia, the damage of the accessory fibres and axonemal complex located in the midpiece, were obtained also. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that mitochondrial defects are one of the causes that may account for loss of sperm motility in the population of patients.

Humans↗
PubMed1996

Ultrastructure of spermatozoa from the cauda epididymis in rat chronically treated with lead acetate [Pb(II)].

Electron microscopic studies were performed on spermatozoa from the lumen of cauda epididymis in rats receiving lead acetate (II) for a period 5-fold longer than one spermatogenesis. There were numerous ultrastructural changes of spermatozoa. Mitochondrial spiral, outer dense fibers and axoneme were affected. Based on the present results it may be suggested that lead can damage spermatozoa in the epididymis.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Electron-dense deposits in epididymal cells of rats chronically treated with lead acetate [Pb(II)].

Electron microscopic studies were performed to investigate the influence of chronic lead acetate treatment on morphology of rat epididymis. Dense, lead-loaded inclusions were found in the cytoplasm of epididymal principal cells, especially in the caput of epididymis. They were also present, but in smaller amounts, in smooth muscle cells. Usually, the inclusions were located in vacuoles, rarely without any surrounding membrane. Similar lead-containing structures were found in the epididymal lumen. The localization of lead deposits suggests the ability of lead to pass from blood vessels through the epithelial cells of the epididymis to its lumen. It can be therefore postulated, that lead can be eliminated from the male genital tract together with ejaculate.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

[Influence of chronic use of lead ions on rat spermatozoa].

The aim of the paper has been to establish the manner, in which the lead damages spermatozoa, and what role in this process is played by epithelial cells of epididymis, responsible for maturation and survival of spermatozoa in that organ. The studies were carried out on sexually mature male rats, which were given to drink lead acetate (II), for 9 months. Studies in vitro were also performed on isolated, from epididymis, spermatozoa of rats untreated with lead, but incubated in milieu having high concentration of ions of that element. A number of research techniques were employed: morphologic examinations of testes and epididymidis, with stages of spermic epithelium and epididymal zones being taken into consideration; microscopic-electron studies of cells in epididymal duct wall and spermatozoa from duct lumen; X-ray microanalysis determining the presence and the types of elements on ultrathin specimens of epididymal cells and in spermatozoa; histochemical examinations for oxidoreductase of spermatozoa. Lead deposits were found in cells of the epididymal duct and lumen. The most of such deposits were revealed in epithelial cells, through which substances from the blood vessels are transported to the duct lumen-to spermatozoa. That gives rise to the possibility of damaging spermatozoa, which had been verified by microscopic-electron and histochemical examinations of spermatozoa. The vitro studies disclosed the ability of lead to penetrate spermatozoa, particularly the midpiece. Very important is the conclusion highlighting that the presence of lead deposits in epithelial cells and in the lumen of epididymal duct supports the possibility of excreting this element from the organism of mammals with the semen.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Effect of long-term exposure to lead on testis and epididymis in rats.

The relation was studied between the morphology of tests and epididymides on the one hand, and the lead content in these organs on the other. The testes of rats, which for the time of 5 spermatogeneses (9 months) were drinking 1% lead acetate(II), displayed all generations and layers of spermatogenic cells at respective stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle. The lead content in testes of the animals did not differ significantly from the value of this element in gonads of control rats. The epididymal cells also failed to show morphological changes however, in all epididymal zones there were fewer spermatozoa than in the corresponding zones in control rats. Many spermatozoa revealed abnormal reactions of oxidoreductive enzymes in the midpiece. There were also local defects in tetrazolium salt reduction and segmental or total lack of formazan deposits in the mitochondrial sheath. The lead content in epididymes of these animals was significantly higher than in epididymides of control rats. The obtained results of the studies highlight the possibility for lead to accumulate in epididymis, and for lead compounds to damage spermatozoa in this organ.

Animals↗