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Maciej Kurpisz

Publications and source records attributed to Maciej Kurpisz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Inflammatory mediators exert toxic effects of oxidative stress on human spermatozoa.

Epidemiological studies regarding male infertility have revealed that more and more infertile men suffer from acute or chronic inflammation of the genitourinary tract, which often occurs without any symptoms. The inflammatory reactions within the male genital tract are inevitably connected with oxidative stress. Growing evidence indicates that imbalance between prooxidative and anti-oxidative substances in semen leads to metabolic and functional disorders of male germ cells and may be a primary cause of some types of infertility. The infectious factor and local tissue damage can lead to the infiltration of leukocytes to the inflammatory site. This is in an obvious way connected to the production and release of large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which trigger immune responses directed against the infectious agent, and the simultaneous secretion of numerous biological substances, thereby escalating the inflammation. Some of these factors are proteases and proinflammatory cytokines. Extended exposure of spermatozoa to ROS may lead to the peroxidation of sperm membrane lipids. Many studies point to the combined activities of inflammatory mediators in exerting toxic effects on spermatozoa. The local influences of biologically active substances released by activated leukocytes in the course of the inflammatory response and the mutual interactions of various factors (bacteria, leukocytes, proinflammatory cytokines) at the site represent a complex puzzle.

Bacterial Infections↗
PubMed2006

The analysis of meiotic segregation patterns and aneuploidy in the spermatozoa of father and son with translocation t(4;5)(p15.1;p12) and the prediction of the individual probability rate for unbalanced progeny at birth.

Reciprocal chromosomal translocations (RCT) have long been recognized as important etiological factors in reproductive failure. In the present study, the meiotic segregation patterns of the spermatozoa of two related t(4;5)(p15.1;p12) carriers (proband and his father) were compared to the empirical data from a three-generation pedigree for risk assessment. Cytogenetic analysis of the metaphase chromosomes was performed, and triple color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was applied to the sperm heads. Similar patterns of meiotic segregation were observed for both carriers, despite the finding of teratozoospermia in the proband but not in his father. In addition, an increase of aneuploidy in chromosome 15 in the proband and aneuploidy of chromosomes X and Y in the father were observed. The high rate of miscarriages (6/10 pregnancies and 4/7 pregnancies after ascertainment correction) in this family could be explained by the genetically unbalanced karyotype and fertilization mediated by the unbalanced spermatozoa observed for both men at a frequency of more than 60%. The risk assessment for unfavorable pregnancy outcomes was predicted as 1.6% for unbalanced progeny at birth and about 30% for miscarriage. These figures may be used as guidelines for the genetic counseling of families with similar RCT.

Abortion, Habitual↗
PubMed2006

Risk evaluation of carriers with chromosome reciprocal translocation t(7;13)(q34;q13) and concomitant meiotic segregation analyzed by FISH on ejaculated spermatozoa.

We performed the segregation analysis of a relatively large pedigree of t(7;13)(q34;q13) carriers together with the sperm karyotype analysis of the one carrier using a tri-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method. The risk assessments for unfavorable pregnancy outcomes in a series of 36 pregnancies in eight reciprocal chromosome translocation (RCT) couples of carriers were estimated directly from a pedigree after ascertainment correction. The individual probability rate for unbalanced child was predicted according to Stengel-Rutkowski and co-workers. The unbalanced karyotypes in the form of monosomy 7q34-->qter and trisomy 13q13-->qter were detected among stillborn/early death newborns with holoprosencephaly (HPE), cyclopia and other malformations. Based on clinical description of unkaryotyped stillbirth progeny, it can be assumed that the phenotype distinctions were connected with the unbalanced karyotype from 2:2 segregation (monosomy 7q with trisomy 13q) and 3:1 segregation as interchange trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome). Probability rates for miscarriages, stillbirth/early death were 12.9 +/- 6% (4/31) and 29 +/- 8.2% (9/31), respectively. The results of the meiotic segregation pattern indicated the rate of unbalanced spermatozoa for about 60%, with the unusual high rate (29.4%) of 3:1 segregant (i.e., 13.4% of the tertiary segregation and 16% of the interchange segregation). Adjacent-1 segregation followed with 23.5% and adjacent-2 followed with 7.2% of analyzed spermatozoa. The high rate of unbalanced gametes in comparison to the number of stillborn/early death and miscarriages detected in pedigree suggests a strong selection against unbalanced chromosomal constitutions during fetal development. It corresponds to a very small probability rate (about 0.3%) of viable unbalanced progeny from 3:1 meiotic segregation predicted for maternal carriers. This knowledge can be used in genetic counseling of families with similar RCT ascertained in a different way.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗
PubMed2006

Postinfarction heart failure: surgical and trans-coronary-venous transplantation of autologous myoblasts.

Increasing experimental evidence indicates that skeletal myoblasts can be considered as a possible source of cells for regeneration of contractile performance in chronic postinfarction myocardial injury. In experimental models, the observed functional benefit of transplanting skeletal myoblasts into an area of chronic fibrotic myocardial scar has led to the development of clinical trials to evaluate the potential use of autologous skeletal myoblasts for myocardial regeneration in patients with postinfarction heart failure. We conducted an independent, phase I clinical trial to evaluate myoblast transplantation during coronary artery bypass grafting. In addition, to test whether the effect of transplanted cells on myocardial contractility was independent of revascularization, we performed a clinical study of percutaneous transvenous myoblast transplantation-the POZNAN trial. These trials have shown the feasibility of myoblast transplantation during cardiac surgery and via a percutaneous route, as well as the safety of both procedures when performed with concurrent prophylactic administration of amiodarone. Here, we review the details of our observations from both of these phase I clinical trials in the context of the clinical work in cardiovascular cell transplantation performed by others.

Cardiac Catheterization↗
PubMed2006

Regulation of eNOS expression in HCAEC cell line treated with opioids and proinflammatory cytokines.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) generated by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays a crucial role in vascular function and homeostasis. eNOS activity maintains normal vascular tone, regulates leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions, inhibits platelet aggregation, limits smooth muscle cell proliferation and influences cardiac myocyte contractility. The loss of endothelium-derived NO has been shown to result in serious cardiovascular abnormalities, which may indicate eNOS involvement in the origin/development of cardiovascular disorders. AIM: Evaluation of eNOS mRNA level in the endothelium of human coronary arteries upon opioids treatment (mediators of ischaemic preconditioning) and after incubation with proinflammatory cytokines (stress stimuli). METHODS: Different concentrations of beta-endorphin, endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 (alone or in combination with the opioid receptor blocker naloxone) as well as different concentrations of cytokines alone (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha) or in combination were applied to in vitro cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC). After 24 hrs incubation, the cells were harvested, mRNA extracted and relative quantification of eNOS mRNA was conducted using real-time PCR. RESULTS: Opioid treatment altered eNOS expression; however, none of the changes reached a statistically significant level. As for proinflammatory cytokines, both TNF-alpha and IL-1beta substantially down-regulated the eNOS mRNA level (p <0.05). When applied in combination, these cytokines lowered eNOS mRNA even further (p <0.05). The effect was independent of the cytokine combination used. CONCLUSIONS: It was demonstrated that proinflammatory cytokines exert a substantial and statistically significant negative effect on eNOS mRNA level in human coronary artery endothelial cells in in vitro culture. Unfortunately, we were unable to demonstrate significant changes within the eNOS mRNA pool upon opioid treatment. These results indicate that opioids (basal release) do not affect eNOS expression in normal in vitro culture conditions but might do so upon stress stimuli.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗
PubMed2006

[Topology of chromosomes in somatic cells. Part 1].

The interphase cell nucleus is a highly compartmentalized structure in which chromosomes are located in separate, defined places called chromosome territories (CTs). Chromosome territories with interchromatin compartments (ICs) and the nuclear matrix determine the nuclear architecture. There is a connection between nuclear architecture and genome function. The topology of the chromosomes in the nuclei of somatic cells is summarized here. It is known that the size and location of chromosome territories are tissue specific and depend on the cell cycle and the size of the chromosomes and the density of the genes which are actively transcribed. The correlation between transcriptional activity, the level of chromatin structure, and the location of the chromatin domains is outlined. The tendency of the heterochromatin regions and the telomeres to associate and the influence of this on the nuclear architecture is highlighted. Some studies are focused on the indirect role of the elements of the nuclear matrix and the inner-nuclear membrane in maintaining the correct locations of chromosome territories. The role of interchromatin granule clusters (IGCs), which are located in the nuclear matrix and which remain active in nuclear processes connected with chromosome topology, is further described. The influence of cell differentiation on chromosome location is pointed out. The topology of chromosomes in evolutionarily distinct species is also mentioned in this review. The reciprocal location of the chromosome territories is probably one of the important epigenetical factors influencing correct genome function. The high level of the organization of chromatin and chromatin modifications create the unique epigenetic pattern of a particular cell type. This seems to indicate a critical role of the spatial genomic organization in regulating gene expression.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

[Topology of chromosomes in male gametes. Part 2].

The article provides a summary of the present knowledge on the organization and chromatin structure in the nucleus of the human sperm cell. The study also presents views and hypotheses on the defined, non-random localization of chromosomes in the sperm nucleus. The individual chromosome territories constitute the central element of the intranuclear architecture. Within these territories, the chromosomes take on the configuration of "hairpin" extendines, with their centromeres towards the interior of the sperm nucleus and the telomeres directed towards the periphery. The functional purpose of this specific topology remains to be explained.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Peritoneal fluid cytokines and sICAM-1 in minimal endometriosis: search for discriminating factors between infertility and/or endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cytokine levels (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and number of macrophages in peritoneal fluid (PF) of women with no minimal endometriosis and associated (or not) infertility in order to discriminate between infertility and/or endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN: Cytokines and sICAM-1 were measured by using quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) while the macrophages were identified by May-Grunwald-Giemsa and non-specific esterase staining and presented as medians. The measurements were performed in 78 women belonging to four selected subgroups according to their endometriosis and/or infertility status. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric ANOVA test. Additionally, discriminant function analyses were performed. RESULTS: We have found the most elevated macrophage numbers in the groups of women with endometriosis. IL-1beta did not present any statistically significant values differentiating the analysed subgroups. IL-6 (110.0 pg/ml) and TNF-alpha exhibited the highest concentrations (statistically significant) in a group of fertile women with endometriosis. IL-8 clearly differentiated between the subgroups with infertility and sICAM-1 was statistically significantly elevated in the subgroups of infertile women. In the forward discriminant analysis, when subdividing the studied population according to its infertility status (we considered macrophages, IL-8 and IL-6 in order of probability values), we have found striking probability value of 92% for the correct classification into an infertile population. CONCLUSION: Out of the range of the analysed factors we have found only the sICAM-1 to be singled out between the standard discriminant analysis and the forward one. However, this important flagging molecule might be of considerable value for discrimination between different types of pathology at the level of immune effector function. The increased levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 signified a group of fertile women with endometriosis; however only IL-6 presented a discriminating value in multifunctional analysis of examined subgroups. The analysed range of factors had a greater tendency to discriminate between infertility status rather than endometriosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Proinflammatory cytokine (IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18 and TNF-alpha) levels in sera of patients with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE).

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is a subset of lupus erythematosus that identifies patients with clinically recognized erythematous, nonscarring lesions, photosensitivity and serologic abnormalities. Anti-Ro (SS-A) antibodies are considered to be a typical immunopathologic marker of SCLE. Autoimmune diseases have been also characterized by the disturbances in the cytokine network. The aim of this study was to compare the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18 and TNF-alpha) in serum of ANA-positive (antibody against nuclear antigen) and ANA-negative patients with SCLE. Sera samples were collected from 15 patients with SCLE (9 ANA-positive and 6 ANA-negative ones). The preliminary identification of autoantibodies as well as their titers was determined on HEp-2 cells using IIF method. Western blotting (EUROIMMUN) was applied to verify the results of IIF. Proinflammatory cytokine concentrations in the patients' sera samples were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Bender MedSystems). The levels of IL-12 were higher in ANA-positive patients than in ANA-negative subgroups [median (interquartile range), 330 pg/ml (128-708 pg/ml) versus 39.4 pg/ml (31.25-80 pg/ml)]. Similar differences were observed in the level of IL-18 [median (interquartile range), 508.4 pg/ml (180-1222 pg/ml) versus 100.5 pg/ml (78.1-154 pg/ml)]. The differences in TNF-alpha levels between the groups of ANA-positive and ANA-negative patients were at the verge of statistical significance, p<0.05. The sera levels of IL-1beta and IL-6 were low and of no significant difference concerning the ANA-positive and ANA-negative subgroups. Since serum levels of IL-12 and IL-18 were higher in ANA-positive patients than in ANA-negative patients, these cytokines might play an important role in the inflammatory process in SCLE.

Cell Line↗
PubMed2005

Percutaneous trans-coronary-venous transplantation of autologous skeletal myoblasts in the treatment of post-infarction myocardial contractility impairment: the POZNAN trial.

AIMS: Several experimental studies and the initial clinical experience have shown that autologous skeletal myoblast transplantation into the area of post-infarction left ventricular injury results in an increase in segmental contractile performance. This phase I clinical trial was designed to assess the feasibility and safety of autologous skeletal myoblast transplantation performed via a percutaneous trans-coronary-venous approach in patients with post-infarction left ventricular dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ten patients with heart failure and presence of an akinetic or a dyskinetic post-infarction injury with no viable myocardium were included in the study. Skeletal myoblasts were obtained from a biopsy specimen and grown in cell culture. Patients were treated with prophylactic amiodarone infusion before and during the procedure, except one patient. Skeletal myoblast transplantations were performed uneventfully in nine patients using the TransAccess catheter system under fluoroscopic and intravascular ultrasound guidance. In one patient, the procedure was not performed because of the inability of appropriate coronary sinus guiding wire positioning across venous valve. In five patients, the anterior interventricular vein and in four patients, the middle cardiac vein were used to access the myocardium. Two to four intramyocardial injections 1.5-4.5 cm deep were performed in each patient, delivering up to 100 million cells in 0.4-2.5 mL of saline. During 6 months follow-up, New York Heart Association class improved in all patients and ejection fraction increased 3-8% in six out of nine cases. CONCLUSION: These data suggest the feasibility and procedural safety of myoblast transplantation performed via the trans-coronary-venous approach using the TransAccess catheter system.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Function of the interleukin-1 gene system in immunomodulation, apoptosis and proliferation in the male gonad].

Spermatogenesis is a phenomenon where two main processes proliferation and apoptosis, meet. Slight changes in their activities could lead to different pathologies, such as fertility disorder (excessive apoptosis) or testicular cancer (overproliferation). The IL-1 gene family includes genes which play important roles in both these processes and consists of IL-1?, IL-1ss, IL-18, the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), two IL-1 receptors (IL-1RI, IL-1RII), the IL-18 receptor (IL-18R?), and the receptor-associated proteins - IL-1RAcP and IL-18Rss. Caspase-1 (ICE - interleukin-1 converting enzyme), directly connected with apoptosis and responsible for the cleavage of IL-1b and IL-18, is also a member of the IL-1 family. The system of the numerous IL-1 receptors and their signal transduction involving protein cascades provokes a range of gene expressions necessary for the initiation and maintenance of inflammatory reaction. In the testis, IL-1 is constitutively expressed, where it creates a unique microenvironment for diploid gametogenic cell conversion into specialized haploid spermatozoa. It may also be an element of the physiological protection from autoimmune attack by host testicular antigens and a part of immune privilege. This review is to summarize the knowledge of the local control of spermatogenesis and immunomodulation in the male gonad. As infertility is one of the main problems of industrialized countries, study of the pathophysiology of the male genital tract appears essential in future clinical practice.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Consequences of semen inflammation and lipid peroxidation on fertilization capacity of spermatozoa in in vitro conditions.

A body of data exists on reactive oxygen species (ROS) release, however, no direct correlation was found between the oxidative stress and infertility. The aim of the study was to measure semen oxidative stress and its correlation with classical in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate. A prospective study in academic non-profit institution where 79 infertile couples were subjected to IVF programme was conducted. Two infertile groups were discriminated according to the pronuclei presence in IVF. The main outcome measure (pronuclei presence) was then correlated with lipid peroxidation product in semen (ROS effect). Although the average IL-8 levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in semen did not differ between the studied subgroups (successful vs. non-successful fertilization), a statistically significant negative correlation was found between MDA level and fertilization rate in performed regression analysis. Thus we may suggest that MDA levels in seminal plasma may have prognostic value for IVF success.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Segregation of the marker chromosome der(20) in the sperm of a male with karyotype 46,XY[961/ 47,XY+mar[4].

BACKGROUND: The influence of the marker chromosome on reproductive failure is difficult to assess, especially in the case of low-rate mosaicism. The aim of our work was to examine the meiotic segregation of the marker chromosome der(20) in the sperm of a normal male whose wife had experienced three miscarriages, and therefore to determine whether there occurred a gametogenic tissue-specific mosaicism. MATERIAL/METHODS: The proband was a phenotypically normal 35-year-old man, referred for pre-conceptional counseling after his wife had experienced three miscarriages. Chromosome cytogenetic analysis was performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes using routine protocols. Sperm chromosome complements were obtained after penetration of zona-free hamster oocytes. Dual-color FISH analysis was performed using directly labeled probes identifying X, Y, 9 and 20 chromosomes. RESULTS: A small marker chromosome der(20) was identified in 4% of the proband's lymphocytes and 8.25% of his sperm, which indicated mosaicism among the gametogenic cells, in which the proportion of cells containing the der(20) marker may reach a minimum of approx. 16%. CONCLUSIONS: In this case, we addressed a problem whether a revealed marker der(20) was the cause of reproductive failure or just a coincidental finding. In our view, each case of low-rate mosaicism of the marker chromosome should be individually assessed.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[The redox system in human semen and peroxidative damage of spermatozoa].

Epidemiologic studies on male infertility suggest that many cases should be considered idiopathic infertility, that is an exact cause of the inability to induce conception cannot be identified. Recently it was found that the redox status within the male gamete or in the semen can be at least partly responsible for the etiology of infertility. Each living cell is capable of producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen, or hydrogen peroxide. This process involves the male germ cells as well. A certain amount of free radicals generated in the respiratory chain is necessary for the normal function of sperm cells. In cases of overproduction of ROS, the antioxidant potential of sperm cells can be exhausted and oxidative stress may develop. Prolonged exposure of sperm cells to ROS may cause peroxidation of the cell membrane lipids, alter the structure of protein receptors, enzymes, and transporter proteins, and affect sperm DNA fragmentation. This review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the redox system in male sperm and the consequences of oxidative stress on semen quality and sperm cell function.

DNA Fragmentation↗
PubMed2004

Reactive oxygen species and sperm cells.

There is a dynamic interplay between pro- and anti-oxidant substances in human ejaculate. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation can overwhelm protective mechanism and initiate changes in lipid and/or protein layers of sperm plasma membranes. Additionally, changes in DNA can be induced. The essential steps of lipid peroxidation have been listed as well as antioxidant substances of semen. A variety of detection techniques of lipid peroxidation have been summarized together with the lipid components of sperm membranes that can be subjected to stress. It is unsolved, a threshold for ROS levels that may induce functional sperm ability or may lead to male infertility.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Identification of sperm immunoreactive antigens for immunocontraceptive purposes: a review.

Antisperm antibodies (ASA) may be a reason of infertility in some individuals. They may affect pre- as well as post-fertilization stages of the reproductive process. There is ongoing progress in the identification of sperm antigens related to fertilization. The employed methods for this purpose include recombinant DNA technology and the most advanced proteomic analysis. This paper enlists the different approaches undertaken in order to identify and characterize the immunoreactive sperm antigens. We have mainly focused on those, which have been already studied in regard of their immunocontraceptive potential, although it has been impossible to include all published data concerning the topic in a single article. Few novel sperm auto- and isoantigens, discovered recently, have also been reviewed even if their role in fertilization has not been yet established.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Autologous skeletal myoblast transplantation for the treatment of postinfarction myocardial injury: phase I clinical study with 12 months of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Experimental studies have shown that skeletal myoblast transplantation into an area of postinfarction left ventricular injury results in an increase of segmental contractile performance that could be related to transplanted myoblasts. Initial experience with autologous skeletal myoblast transplantation in patients with postinfarction myocardial injury has also been obtained. METHODS: Patients who survived an acute myocardial infarction and were scheduled to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting were screened by means of dobutamine stress echocardiography and included into the study when no contractility changes within akinetic/dyskinetic segments were observed. Ten patients who gave informed consent were enrolled, and autologous myoblasts (satellite cells) were isolated from the skeletal muscle biopsy. Myoblast injections into the akinetic/dyskinetic area were performed after constriction of the anastomoses during the coronary artery bypass grafting procedure. RESULTS: Myoblast transplantations were performed after 3 weeks of in vitro culture in all patients. One patient died of a recent infarction at day 7 postoperatively because of a recent infarction in a remote area of the left ventricle. The left ventricular ejection fraction increased from 25% to 40% (mean, 35.2%) before the procedure to 29% to 47% (mean, 42.0%) during the 4-month visit (P <.05), and the effect was maintained throughout 12 months of follow-up. Sustained ventricular tachycardia was observed in 2 patients in the early postoperative period and in the other 2 patients after 2 weeks of follow-up. Prophylactic amiodarone infusion was used in the remaining 8 patients and prevented sustained ventricular tachycardia episodes. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous skeletal myoblast transplantation for the treatment of postinfarction heart failure is feasible. Our initial observations justify further research to validate this method in a clinical practice.

Cells, Cultured↗