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Biomedical subjects

W-B Schill

Publications and source records attributed to W-B Schill.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Influence of tris(4-chlorophenyl)methanol, non-ortho PCB 77 and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane on human sperm function in vitro.

In recent years, there has been growing concern that environmental pollutants in general, and organochlorines in particular, adversely affect male fertility. Therefore, we investigated the effects of tris(4-chlorophenyl)methanol (TCPM), non-ortho PCB 77 and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH, lindane) on human sperm functions in vitro. Human spermatozoa from healthy donors were washed in human tubular fluid medium containing 1% human serum albumin, filtered through glass wool and exposed to different concentrations of TCPM, PCB 77 or gamma-HCH. After incubation for 5 h at 37 degrees C and 5% CO(2), sperm vitality and the percentage of living acrosome-reacted spermatozoa were examined using triple stain technique. Total sperm motility was evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis (Stroemberg-Mika) after 5 h. For TCPM, total motility was additionally measured after 18 and 40 h. Different concentrations of PCB 77 and gamma-HCH did not alter the percentage of spontaneous living acrosome-reacted spermatozoa, vitality and total motility. TCPM dose-dependently altered sperm motility, vitality and acrosome reaction. The percentage of living acrosome-reacted spermatozoa was increased at overtly toxic concentrations. Therefore, it is suggested that unspecific acrosomal loss has been induced by degenerative processes. In conclusion, even high concentrations of PCB 77 and gamma-HCH did not affect human sperm functions in vitro. Only very high cytotoxic TCPM concentrations modulated spontaneous acrosome reaction and total motility. Therefore, in vivo effects on human sperm function seem to be unlikely. However, individual susceptibility has to be considered and little is known about additive and possible synergistic effects as other environmental pollutants with similar potencies have been found in the human male and female reproductive tract.

Acrosome Reaction↗
PubMed2006

A new technique to evaluate the ability of cryoprotectors to prevent premature acrosome reaction in human spermatozoa.

Acrosome reaction (AR) induced by low temperature has been used to evaluate sperm function; it correlates adequately with the fertilization percentages in vitro. In this study, the technique of AR induction by low temperature was used to evaluate the effect in the protection of the acrosome by cryopreservatives normally used in human semen cryopreservation. Donor sperm selected by use of the migration sedimentation technique was incubated in human tubal fluid medium, added to dimethyl sulphoxide 1 m, ethylene glycol 0.75 m, glycerol 1 m, incubated at 4 degrees C and 20 degrees C (as a control) for 18 h, and then for 3 h at 37 degrees C in a cell incubator. The AR was evaluated by triple stain in 100 viable spermatozoa. The effect of cryopreservatives on acrosome preservation in samples incubated for 18 h at 4 degrees C was as follows: 78% intact acrosome for glycerol, 77.8% intact acrosome for dimethyl sulphoxide and 96.2% intact acrosome for ethylene glycol (P < 0.0025 compared with glycerol and dimethyl-sulphoxide). The sperm samples incubated with cryopreservatives for 18 h at 20 degrees C did not show an increase in the percentage of AR in samples incubated with glycerol and ethylene glycol, while a significant variation was observed in the sample incubated with dimethyl sulphoxide (P < 0.001). Additional incubation for 3 h at 37 degrees C significantly increased the AR only in the sample incubated with glycerol (P < 0.001). Acrosome preservation is essential in the fertilization process and the evaluation of acrosome reaction induction by low temperature test was satisfactory. This test proves that ethylene glycol presents a greater protective effect on the acrosome preservation of human spermatozoa.

Acrosome Reaction↗
PubMed2005

Atopic dermatitis -- topical therapy: do patients apply much too little?

BACKGROUND: The treatment of atopic dermatitis still remains a challenge. Little research has been done on the issue of the extent to which patients correctly use prescribed topical preparations under everyday conditions. AIMS: To investigate what quantity of topical preparations is applied by outpatients in daily routine treatment over a 26-week period and to what extent this consumption is related to the course of the severity of patients' skin conditions. METHODS: Thirty adult outpatients (20 female and 10 male) with atopic dermatitis were examined at four different times during 26 weeks. For treatment and skin care these patients were given a topical glucocorticoid preparation (prednicarbate) and the corresponding emollient. RESULTS: The average severity rating (SCORAD) was 29.6 (before therapy 33.9, after 26 weeks 27.4). The SCORAD indices improved by a mean of 6.5 points (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients who applied the correct amount of the prednicarbate-containing preparations (not less than 90% of 0.5 g/dm(2)) to the areas of affected skin showed a significant improvement in SCORAD indices across the four measuring times.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2005

Improvement of semen quality by nocturnal scrotal cooling in oligozoospermic men with a history of testicular maldescent.

For infertile men with a history of testicular maldescent only few therapeutic options exist beside assisted reproduction. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of nocturnal scrotal cooling on semen quality in such patients presenting with oligozoospermia. Twenty infertile men with a history of testicular maldescent and oligozoospermia were included for nocturnal scrotal cooling over 12 weeks for every night. To increase nocturnal periscrotal air circulation we used a membrane pump connected via plastic tubes to receptacles placed in both groins. Semen analysis was performed at the beginning of the cooling period and at weeks 4, 8 and 12. Another 20 infertile patients with a history of testicular maldescent and oligozoospermia were followed without specific treatment and served as a retrospectively built control group. Scrotal cooling at night by means of a perigenital air stream resulted in a scrotal temperature drop by 0.8 degrees C (median). A significant increase in sperm concentration and total sperm count was achieved by nocturnal cooling after 8 weeks (p < 0.01; p < 0.05; respectively) and 12 weeks (p < 0.01; p < 0.01; respectively). The improvement of sperm motility and sperm morphology was statistically insignificant. The present study suggests nocturnal scrotal cooling as a therapeutic option to improve semen quality. In a further controlled prospective study the influence on pregnancy rates should be evaluated.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Personality, coping and sperm count.

Previous research has suggested an association between personality traits and coping, as well as between coping and sperm concentration. In the present study, both domains of research were combined, leading to the formulation of specific hypotheses. A total of 54 healthy volunteers were given questionnaires twice to assess personality traits and coping behaviour. Participants also produced up to three semen specimens. As hypothesized, active coping was correlated negatively with neuroticism (r = -0.59) and positively with conscientiousness (r = 0.56), whereas sperm concentration was correlated negatively with both active coping (r = -0.28) and conscientiousness (r = -0.37). The relationship between conscientiousness and sperm concentration did not appear to be mediated by active coping. Although the correlations were small, evidence is mounting that psychological aspects and male sperm parameters are not independent. The present findings, however, should not lead to the conclusion that conscientiousness and active forms of coping are characteristics of infertile patients.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2005

Influence of motility and vitality in intracytoplasmic sperm injection with ejaculated and testicular sperm.

The vitality of spermatozoa used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a crucial factor for fertilization, establishment and outcome of a pregnancy in assisted reproductive technique cycles. The sperm origin may also be a limiting factor, although little is known about this issue. It is known that the motility of injected spermatozoa and their origin from ejaculate or testicular biopsies are important predictors in terms of fertilization, pregnancy and birth rates. Oocytes of patients in 2593 cycles were retrieved in our in vitro fertilization programme and inseminated via ICSI. We used motile (group 1, n = 2317) or immotile ejaculated spermatozoa (group 2, n = 79), motile sperm retrieved from testicular biopsies (group 3, n = 62) and immotile spermatozoa from testicular biopsies (group 4, n = 135). Female age and number of oocytes retrieved did not differ significantly among the groups. The fertilization rates were as follows: 67.1% in group 1, 49.8% in group 2, 68.3% in group 3 and 47.8% in group 4. The pregnancy rates in cases where three embryos had been transferred amounted to 35.7% in group 1, 17.3% in group 2, 38.3% in group 3 and 20.5% in group 4. The embryo quality showed no differences between groups 1 and 3 (14.5), and between groups 2 (11.8) and 4 (10.8). The abortion rate was similar in groups 1-3, but increased in group 4 (26.6%, 27.3%, 31.6% and 55.5%). Irrespective of their origin, the fertilization potential of injected spermatozoa was found to be influenced by motility. The resulting pregnancy and birth rates, i.e. the potential of the resulting embryos to implant and to achieve viable pregnancies, seem to be additionally dependent on the sperm origin. This was well shown by declining rates when spermatozoa in a relatively early stage of maturity had been used. We see increasing evidence that the degree of sperm maturity has an important impact on the outcome of ICSI. In obstructive azoospermia, spermatozoa retrieved from the epididymis should be used rather than testicular biopsy spermatozoa, or testicular sperm should be preincubated in culture medium before ICSI.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Influence of the type of undertrousers and physical activity on scrotal temperature.

BACKGROUND: Testicular temperature correlates highly with scrotal temperature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the type of undertrousers on scrotal temperature during standardized periods of sitting and walking. METHODS: Fifty volunteers without a history of infertility and normal andrological examination were included for scrotal temperature evaluation. Temperatures were measured every minute with a portable data recorder connected with two thermistor temperature sensors, which were attached on either side of the scrotum. Ambient temperature in the study room was adjusted to 20 degrees C throughout the whole experiment. All volunteers started the experiment at the same time of day. Clothing of the volunteers consisted of standardized cotton wool trousers and shirts fitting to body size. Each volunteer performed six periods of 45 min, either walking on a treadmill (3.0 km/h) or sitting, and wearing in a standardized and randomized manner either tight, loose fitting or no undertrousers respectively. RESULTS: The following interactions were demonstrated by means of multivariate analysis of variance for repeated measurements: scrotal temperatures were significantly higher for tight versus loose fitting versus absent undertrousers. Furthermore, significantly lower scrotal temperatures were identified for walking versus sitting as well as for the right versus the left scrotal side. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that wearing tight fitting undertrousers is associated with higher scrotal and consequently testicular temperatures than wearing loose fitting undertrousers or none.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Alpha-glucosidase in the human epididymis: topographic distribution and clinical application.

Alpha-glucosidase activity (EC.3.2.1.20) is present in human seminal plasma, and the neutral form of the enzyme originates almost exclusively from the epididymis. In this study, the specific immunocytochemical location of alpha-glucosidase in the human epididymis was evaluated using a polyclonal antibody. Furthermore, a spectrophotometric assay was employed to assess epididymal obstruction in infertile patients. The enzymatic activity of alpha-glucosidase free of prostate isoform (AGFPI) was determined spectrophotometrically at 405 nm. According to AGFPI activity, patients with leucocytospermia, oligozoospermia and azoospermia were recorded as having normal values or low values indicating epididymal obstruction. Specific immunochemistry staining was demonstrated in the cytoplasmic cells at the epithelial level, in the transition area and in the efferent ducts. The values of the three groups and the control were as follows (mean +/- SEM): normozoospermia (control): 20.2 +/- 1.4 mU ml(-1); azoospermia: normal value: 17.6 +/- 2.2 mU ml(-1), low value: 7.4 +/- 1.8 mU ml(-1); oligozoospermia: normal value: 22.3 +/- 2.5 mU ml(-1), low value: 7.3 +/- 0.7 mU ml(-1); leucocytospermia: increase value: 38.9 +/- 3.7 mU ml(-1), low value: 11.1 +/-1.3 mU ml(-1). This study suggests that determination of alpha-glucosidase might be helpful to evaluate functions of the epididymis and particularly to exclude epididymal obstruction.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

The male reproductive system and its susceptibility to endocrine disrupting chemicals.

In the past years, there has been increased interest in assessing the relationship between impaired male fertility and environmental factors. Human male fertility is a complex process and therefore a great variety of sites may be affected by exogenous noxae. Lifestyle factors as well as various environmental and occupational agents may impair male fertility. Many studies have been published reporting on reproductive dysfunctions in male animals and humans. Especially environmental pollutants with endocrine activity are discussed as a possible cause of this detrimental development. Evidence from animal experiments show that substances with oestrogenic and antiandrogenic properties may cause hypospadia, cryptorchidism, reduction of sperm density and an increase of testicular tumours. Many adverse effects on animal male fertility have been documented for phthalates and some chlorinated hydrocarbons such as polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins. For other chemicals such as bisphenol A and nonylphenols animal data are conflicting. Environmental pollutants may mediate their effects by receptor binding, modulation of hormone-regulated mechanisms or direct toxic effects. Data on environmental chemicals and human male fertility are scarce, and risk assessment is mostly based on the results of animal studies. However, there are indications that exposure to endocrine active chemicals during early development may alter hormone responsiveness in adulthood. Furthermore, some of the chemicals are found in fluids that are associated with human reproduction, such as follicular fluid, seminal fluid and cervical mucus. Recent studies suggest a correlation between pesticide exposure and standard semen parameters as well as in vitro fertilization rates.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Tissue kallikrein and bradykinin B2 receptors in the reproductive tract of the male rat.

The setting of a local tissue kallikrein kinin system (tKKS) within the reproductive organs of the male rat was investigated by analysing bradykinin subtype 2 receptor (B2R) gene expression and cellular distribution of B2R protein and the kinin-liberating protease tissue kallikrein (tK). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed B2R expression in testis, epididymis and prostate from prepubertal and sexually mature rats. In mature testis, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry localized B2R mRNA and protein besides endothelial cells of blood vessels exclusively on pachytene spermatocytes and round and elongated spermatids. B2R expression within the seminiferous tubules was found to be dependent on the stage of the spermatogenic cycle. In pre-pubertal rat testis, B2R mRNA and protein were additionally located in peritubular cells. In the testis, specific staining for tK occurred in addition to endothelial cells of blood vessels on the acrosomal cap of round and elongated spermatids. This immunostaining was also stage-dependent. In the epididymis, tK was detected on epithelial cells near the apical surface. The stage-dependent specific expression of tK and bradykinin B2Rs in developing germ cells and peritubular cells suggests a potential role of the tKKS in the local regulation of spermatogenesis and seminiferous tubule function.

Acrosome↗
PubMed2003

Are children of older fathers at risk for genetic disorders?

Genetic risks related to paternal age should be of interest to clinical andrologists counselling older men who wish to father a child. Theoretically, the number of (pre-meiotic) mitotic cell divisions during spermatogenesis and their remarkable increase with ageing compared with oogenesis would be in favour of genetic risks for the offspring of older men. But for numerical and structural chromosomal anomalies, such an influence of paternal age has not been found. However, in several autosomal dominant disorders affecting three specific genes (fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 and 3, RET proto-oncogene) the risk for a child to be affected increases with paternal age at time of birth. For other autosomal dominant -X chromosomal dominant or recessive disorders, the available data are sufficient to support the concept of a positive relationship between paternal age and de novo gene mutations. Studies analysing gene sequences of affected children and their parents would allow further evaluation of this topic. The impact of paternal age on disorders with a complex genetic background, however, is a matter of debate. A significant effect of paternal age could not be shown for nonfamilial Alzheimer's disease, congenital heart defects, nonfamilial schizophrenia, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia or prostate cancer.

Child↗
PubMed2003

Resorption of the element zinc from spermatozoa by the epididymal epithelium.

In this study, elimination of the element zinc from spermatozoa during epididymal maturation was investigated. Testes and epididymides from 40 bulls were collected; epididymal fluid was flushed, pooled, labelled with 0.5 MBq 65Zn2+ per sample and proteins were separated on a Sephacryl S-200 HR and zinc chelate column chromatography. To follow the resorption of zinc in the epididymal epithelial lining, an autometallographic technique (AMG) was performed in tissue from caput, corpus, cauda and vas deferens. The results showed a zinc-binding protein fraction with an apparent molecular weight of 150-160 kDa, which was enriched after chelate column chromatography. Specific labelling of 65Zn was about five times higher in the caput than in the cauda epididymidis. AMG revealed no detectable zinc in the caput, but a significant increase of zinc resorption from the corpus to the cauda and vas deferens. Controls showed that the detectable zinc was located within the principal cells. In conclusion, our study proves that zinc present in the sperm flagellum starts to be mobilized in the caput epididymidis and is resorbed by the epididymal epithelium as from the corpus. This zinc elimination is a mandatory step in sperm maturation to obtain motility.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Urogenital inflammation: changes of leucocytes and ROS.

The presence of excess leucocytes in the semen has been associated with male infertility. According to the WHO, concentrations of more than 106 leucocytes ml-1 are considered as leucocytospermia, indicating genital tract infections. Up to now, no consensus has been achieved on how leucocytes should be quantified in semen. Using the peroxidase staining and monoclonal antibodies to CD15, CD45 and CD68, we found significant differences between the detection methods. Only 47.4% of the semen samples that were assessed as leucocytospermic by CD45 were identified as such by peroxidase staining. The concentration of peroxidase-positive cells was significantly correlated with polymorphonuclear granulocyte (PMN) elastase (P < 0.0001). However, a negative correlation of peroxidase-positive cells with the sperm concentration was only found in oligozoospermic patients (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the slightly positive correlation with normal sperm morphology seems to be applicable only in cases of oligozoospermia. Significant negative correlation of the number of peroxidase-positive cells were found for both maximal inducible acrosome reaction (P = 0.0219) and the inducibility of acrosome reaction (P = 0.0370), indicating a rather deleterious effect of leucocytes on this important sperm function. Concerning the result in the in vitro fertilization programme, none of the examined parameters (PMN elastase, concentration of round cells and peroxidase-positive cells) showed a correlation with either fertilization or pregnancy. This result seems to be reasonable as severely damaged spermatozoa and leucocytes are eliminated from the ejaculate by different sperm separation methods. Interestingly, a significant negative correlation of the TUNEL assay as a measure of sperm DNA fragmentation was found only with pregnancy (P = 0.006) but not with fertilization. As DNA fragmentation can also be caused by ROS that are generated by leucocytes, this causality should not be neglected.

DNA Fragmentation↗
PubMed2002

Comparison of semen quality in older and younger men attending an andrology clinic.

The effects of age on semen quality were analysed in patients referred to an andrology outpatient clinic in a retrospective study covering a period of 3 years. Semen analyses of older men (n = 66; > or = 50 years; median: 53) were compared with those of young patients (n = 134; 21-25 years; median 24). The duration of sexual abstinence was longer among older patients (median: 5.5 vs. 5.0 days; + 10%, P < 0.05). Even after adjustment for duration of sexual abstinence, progressive motility (- 27%, P < 0.01), percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa (- 44%, P < 0.01) and semen volume (- 29%, P < 0.0005) were significantly lower in older than in younger men. Impaired sperm morphology was mainly attributed to abnormal staining of flagella (+ 50%, P < 0.05) and an increased portion of coiled or bent tails (+ 44%, P = 0.001) indicating epididymal dysfunction. Total sperm count and sperm concentration were unaffected by age. Age-dependent changes in accessory gland function, as indicated by fructose concentration (- 27%, P < 0.05), was correlated with lower semen volume. Moreover, serum testosterone levels were significantly reduced in the group of older men (median: 3.0 vs. 3.6 ng ml-1; -17%, P < 0.005).

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Psychological factors associated with hand dermatoses: which subgroup needs additional psychological care?

BACKGROUND: The aetiology of hand dermatoses (HD) is very heterogeneous. Psychological influences on severity and coping in hand eczema have been only rarely investigated. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether psychological factors correlate with somatic factors, in order to be able to estimate the possible need for psychosocial treatment of these patients. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study 101 hand dermatosis patients (49F, 52M) with psoriasis (n = 26), vesicular hand eczema (n = 33) or contact dermatitis (n = 42) were examined with regard to dermatological [diagnosis, severity, Erlanger Atopy Score (EAS)], allergic (patch test) and psychological aspects [Coping with Chronic Skin Diseases questionnaire (CSD), Allover Depression Scale (ADS), Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS), questionnaire for measuring Factors of Aggression (FAF)],and Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) concerning itching, scratching and impairment. Subgroups of high stress responders (high-SR) vs. low stress responders (low-SR) were also examined. RESULTS: Of the patients with HD, 47.52% are convinced that 'stress' influences the course of their disease. Analysis of variance shows that the subjective reaction to stress (high-SR) correlates with higher severity scores, more itching, higher depression scores and more life events. High-SRs were younger and the onset of the disease was earlier compared with patients without a subjective reaction to stress (low-SR). In the CSD those with especially high-SR but negative patch-test results stated significantly higher values for itching, helplessness and search for information. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological factors should be taken into consideration in the treatment of patients with HD. High-SR patients with a negative patch-test seem to require more adjuvant psychological care.

Adaptation, Psychological↗