The addition of an anti-infective to a topical glucocorticoid preparation for superinfected atopic eczema is still controversial. To address this question in the context of the topical glucocorticoids of the non-halogenated double-ester type 0.25% prednicarbate cream was compared to the identical preparation incorporating the same amount of the disinfectant didecyldimethylammoniumchloride in patients suffering from atopic eczema carrying Staphylococcus aureus at a density of more than 10(6) colony-forming units per cm2. One of the preparations was used twice daily over 5 days according to a random plan in a blind fashion. Thereafter treatment was based on either prednicarbate cream or the corresponding vehicle according to clinical needs. Clinical and microbiological evaluation were scheduled for days 0, 6 and 34. Various clinical parameters were addressed individually as well as over all improvement using scores. A total of 143 patients was recruited. The patients of both groups improved rapidly with respect to clinical and microbiological findings. Essentially, there was no difference between the groups. Hence, the addition of an anti-infective to a topical prednicarbate preparation is not to be generally recommended.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Na-tartrate in the treatment of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.

In an open investigation 20 patients with a history of chronic abacterial prostatitis (24 month duration) and of multiple therapies were treated by 0.07-0.15/kg Na-tartrate. Na-tartrate, a known inhibitor of the prostatic fraction of acid phosphatase in laboratory studies, was given orally for 12 weeks after dissolution in fluids and well tolerated. 13 patients completed the study and 3 spermiograms at 6 weeks interval were performed. 11/13 patients demonstrated increased sperm count (44.5 +/- 26.4 leads to 55.06 +/- 34.7) elevated seminal prostatic phosphatase (727 +/- 114.7 leads to 810.8 +/- 55.7) and improved seminal testosterone (2.86 +/- 1.6 leads to 4 +/- 1.4) while seminal y-GT was not significantly changed. Polyamine excretion showed a distinct elevation for putrescine 17.7 +/- 5.3 leads to 28.5 +/- 6.8. Clinically the 11 from 13 patients presented with marked improvement in a 4 months follow-up.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Chemiluminescence in semen of infertile men.

Luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) can be used to determine the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by cells. Enhanced formation of ROS in human semen was reported to be of pathological significance for a disturbed sperm function. To investigate incidence of elevated CL-signals in semen samples and their correlation to conventional semen parameters, CL-signals in the semen of both 49 consecutive infertile men and 20 controls were measured. Semen was analysed according to WHO-criteria including bovine mucus-penetration- and water-test. A CL-signal of 1.5 x 10(5) counts min-1/2 x 10(6) spermatozoa was considered to be the upper normal limit. The CL in infertile men's semen was elevated with statistically significant differences in oligozoospermia patients/controls (P < 0.0001) and normozoospermia patients/controls (P < 0.05). In the group with elevated CL-signals, a higher percentage of spermatozoa with a pathologic morphology was detected (P = 0.05). In the groups with pathologic results of eosin- and water-tests, the CL-counts were elevated (P < 0.006; P < 0.03). The spermatozoa motility in the group with elevated CL-counts was significantly reduced after 4 h (P < 0.05). The CL-signals correlated inversely with the results of the bovine mucus-penetration-test (r = -0.67), P < 0.0001). In conclusion, semen samples of 28% of our patients showed elevated CL-signals; these were associated with pathological results of membrane integrity-tests. The negative correlation of CL with the results of Penetrak-test reflects its importance to depict the functional capacity of spermatozoa.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

CD 45/67 immunobead preparation of human semen activates granulocytes.

In human semen reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by spermatozoa or leukocytes can impair spermatozoa functions. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of CD 45- and/or CD 67 immunobead preparation on the chemiluminescence (CL) of seminal plasma free ejaculate cells (= original cell suspension), as well as of the spermatozoa and leukocyte fractions. The original cell suspensions of 68 infertile and 8 fertile men were incubated with CD 45 or CD 67 immunobeads. After separation in a magnetic field the luminol chemiluminescence of the original cell suspensions, the spermatozoa and the leukocyte fractions were recorded on a luminometer. Spermatozoa fractions did not contain any leukocytes as no increase in CL-counts occurred after addition of FMLP. The number of peroxidase-positive cells (per 10(7) spermatozoa) correlated with the CL of the original cell suspensions (r = 0.7; P < 0.0001) as well as the CL of the spermatozoa and the leukocyte fractions after CD 45 or CD 67-preparation (r = 0.64; P < 0.0001). The CL of the spermatozoa and of the leukocyte fractions after CD 45 immunobead incubation were significantly correlated (r = 0.091; P < 0.0001). According to these data contaminating leukocytes could be eliminated by immunobead preparation. However, incubation of original cell suspensions with CD 45 or CD 67 immunobeads stimulated leukocytes to release soluble products resulting in elevated CL signals both in the leukocyte and the spermatozoa fractions. These effects have to be taken into account when using immunobeads for the preparation of human semen.

Antigens, CD↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Separation of motile spermatozoa by "Separon" as measured by a videomicrography computer system].

By means of a recently developed apparatus ("Separon") motile spermatozoa were concentrated in a small volume of culture medium (0,3 ml). Sperm concentration, progressive motility and mean velocity of 60 ejaculates were determined by a computerized videomicrography system. After "Separon" sperm concentration was reduced in an average of 30%, mean progressive motility was increased from 27% to 42% (asthenospermic ejaculates) and from 45% to 84% (control ejaculates) respectively. Mean sperm velocity was increased from 18,5 to 34,5 microns/sec. (control ejaculates).

Cell Separation↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Average concentrations of FSH and LH in seminal plasma as determined by radioimmunoassay].

In 322 males, 25 to 50 years of age, levels of LH and FSH respectively were determined in seminal plasma by radioimmunoassay. Average values of 0,78 ng/ml and 3.95 ng/ml were found as for FSH and LH respectively. Sperm count and mortality were not related to FSH levels, but were to LH levels. A high count of spermatozoa corresponded to high concentration of LH, and normal motility was associated with higher levels of LH as compared to levels associated with asthenozoospermia. With respect to count of spermatozoa of a single or the average patient, it is suggested that the ratio of FSH/LH would be more meaningful than LH level alone.

Adult↗