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We analyzed cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) concentrations in human semen and catalase CAT activity in seminal plasma and the effects of their relations on the sperm quality. We obtained semen samples from men (n = 168) undergoing routine infertility evaluation. Studies included two groups based on the ejaculate parameters: I (n = 39; normal ejaculate; normozoospermia); II (n = 129; pathological spermiogram). We examined relationships and differences between Co, Cr, and Pb concentrations in seminal plasma, CAT activity, and semen parameters. We did not establish differences in Co, Cr, and Pb concentrations and CAT activity from men between normozoospermic and those with pathological spermiogram. We found a significantly lower Co concentration and CAT activity in males with normal sperm motility than in asthenozoospermic males. We found significantly lower Co and a higher Pb concentration in males with normal morphology of spermatozoa than in teratozoospermic males. We found a significantly higher Pb concentration in the individuals with consumption of alcohol than in those without consumption. There were significant correlations between Co and Pb concentrations, sperm progressive motility (A + B, i.e., fast and slow progressive motility; Co-negatively; Pb-positively), and normal morphology of spermatozoa (Co-negatively; Pb-positively). We found a significant negative correlation between Cr concentration and slow progressive motility, and between CAT activity and volume of ejaculate. Co, Cr, and Pb levels and CAT activity were related to sperm characteristics and male fertility. The impact of alcohol may be manifested by a disturbance in Pb equilibrium in the body. Co and Pb influence progressive motility and normal morphology of human spermatozoa. Thus, Co and Pb levels in semen may be a useful diagnostic in male infertility. Most of the results of this study are in contrast to expectations. Namely, Pb is a toxic element and its harmful effects (poor semen quality) may be expected already at relatively low level of Pb exposure and are particularly visible with increasing of Pb. Co and Cr(III) are essential elements and harmful effects may be expected at their deficiency and/or overexposure.

Examination of semen characteristics is routinely performed for fertility status investigation of the male partner of an infertile couple as well as for evaluation of the sperm donor candidate. A useful tool for preliminary assessment of semen characteristics might be an artificial neural network. Thus, the aim of the present study was to construct an artificial neural network, which could be used for predicting the result of semen analysis based on the basic questionnaire data. On the basis of eleven survey questions two models of artificial neural networks to predict semen parameters were developed. The first model aims to predict the overall performance and profile of semen. The second network was developed to predict the concentration of sperm. The network to evaluate sperm concentration proved to be the most efficient. 92.93% of the patients in the learning process were properly qualified for the group with a correct or incorrect result, while the result for the test set was 85.71%. This study suggests that an artificial neural network based on eleven survey questions might be a valuable tool for preliminary evaluation and prediction of the semen profile.

The aim of the present study was to measure lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), europium (Eu), and gadolinium (Gd) concentrations in human semen and correlate the results with sperm quality. The median semen content of La was 19.5 µg kg(-1) dry weight (dw) (range 2.27-269), of Ce was 41.9 µg kg(-1) dw (range 4.52 to 167), of Eu was 0.68 µg kg(-1) dw (range 0.06-1.95), of Gd was 3.19 µg kg(-1) dw (range 0.38-12.0), and of calcium (Ca) was 4063 mg kg(-1) dw (range 484-17,191). Concentrations of La, Ce, Eu, Gd, and Ca were significantly lower in nondrinkers' semen than in semen from drinkers. Significant differences were detected between La, Ce, Eu, Gd, and Ca concentrations in semen from nondrinkers and moderate drinkers. Concentrations of La, Ce, and Gd in semen of short-term smokers were significantly lower than those in extremely long-term smokers. Significant differences were also detected between La concentration in semen from a group of short-term smokers and that of a group of long-term smokers. Positive correlations were found between La, Ce, Eu, Gd, and Ca concentrations in semen. La, Ce, Gd, and Ca concentrations in semen were positively associated with progressive motility and percentage of normal spermatozoa. Positive correlations were found between Ca and sperm concentration. Concentrations of La, Ce, and Gd were negatively associated with sperm concentration, whilst Ca concentration was negatively associated with volume of ejaculate. At the examined level, La, Ce, Eu, and Gd did not affect sperm quality, whereas alcohol consumption and smoking might have increased the level of rare earth elements in semen.

Wstep Czestośc wad u zywo urodzonych noworodkow wynosi od 0,94 do 4%, u martwo urodzonych jest kilkakrotnie wieksza i wynosi od ok. 9 do 20%. Spośrod wad o znanej etiologii ok. 35% jest spowodowanych przez czynniki wylącznie genetyczne. Cel pracy Celem pracy byla analiza genetycznych przyczyn niepowodzen ciązowych u par z poronieniami i urodzeniem dziecka martwego lub zywego z wadami wrodzonymi, z uwzglednieniem rodzaju wad plodow i noworodkow oraz kariotypow rodzicow. Material i metody Analize kariotypu rodzicow przeprowadzono na podstawie uzyskiwanych z 72 godzinnych hodowli limfocytow krwi obwodowej chromosomow metafazowych wybarwionych w technice GTG oraz, w pojedynczych przypadkach, w technice FISH. Wyniki Wśrod 59 par u 7 (11,85%) rozpoznano aberracje strukturalne. U 1 kobiety stwierdzono t(3;10)(p21;q21). Pozostale translokacje zrownowazone rozpoznano u mezczyzn: t(4;13)(q34;q31), t(10;22)(p11.2;q13), t(3;14)(p25;q24), t(13;18)(q14;q21.1). Ponadto u 1 kobiety rozpoznano translokacje robertsonowską; t(14;21)(q10;q10), a u innej niezidentyfikowaną aberracje chromosomu 16. Poznanie etiologii niepowodzen ciązowych pozwala na zwiekszenie efektywności zarowno poradnictwa genetycznego, jak i zapobiegania kolejnym niepowodzeniom.

We analysed sodium (Na), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) levels in human semen and glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx) in seminal plasma and examined their relationships with sperm quality. Semen samples were obtained from men (n = 168) undergoing routine infertility evaluation. The study design included two groups based on standard ejaculate parameters: Group I (n = 39) with normal ejaculates (normozoospermia) and Group II (n = 129) with a pathological spermiogram. Se concentration (but not Na or Cu) and GPx activity were significantly higher in normozoospermic males than in those with a pathological spermiogram and also in males with correct sperm motility and normal sperm morphology than in asthenozoospermic and teratozoospermic males. There were significant correlations between sperm motility, Se and GPx, between rapid progressive motility and Cu, between sperm motility and Na, between normal sperm morphology and Se and Cu and between sperm concentration and Cu and GPx. Significant correlations were found between Na and Cu, between Na and Se and between Cu and Se in human semen in relation to alcohol consumption and tobacco use. Na, Cu, Se and GPx are related to sperm characteristics and male fertility and their survey could improve male infertility diagnosis.

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of factor V Leiden and prothrombin gene G20210A mutation among women with pregnancy loss in Poland.we analyzed a group of 396 women (mean age of 30.4 (+/- 4.6) years), who experienced at least one pregnancy loss. Patients were recruited from 6 academic centers (Poznań, Białystok, Lublin, Wrocław Bydgoszcz, Gdańsk), and were divided into the following groups: 122 patients with 3 episodes of early recurrent pregnancy loss (group 1), 87 patients with late pregnancy loss (group 2) and 46 patients with intrauterine pregnancy loss (group 3). Patients who did not fulfill the above inclusion criteria were divided into additional groups. 50 healthy women (mean age of 29.2 (+/- 4.5) years), having at least one child, constituted the control group. Factor V Leiden mutation and prothrombin G20210A gene mutation were examined in all 396 women with pregnancy loss and 50 controls. For molecular analysis peripheral blood was tested. Genome DNA isolation from lymphocyte was performed with commercial assay QIAampDNA Blood Mini Kit.Among 396 women with unexplained loss of at least one pregnancy 36 (9.1%) were carriers of inherited thrombophilia. Factor V Leiden mutation was present in 29 women (73%), prothrombin gene mutation G20210A in 6 (1.5%) and in 1 (0.3%) patient both mutations were detected. No coagulation defects were found in the control group. Factor V Leiden mutations was the most common disorder (21.7%) in patients with intrauterine demise and was significantly higher than in the group of women with early recurrent and late losses, p0.011 and p0,006 respectively The frequency of G20210 A prothrombin gene mutation did not differ substantially between the examined groups; the highest number (2.6%) was found in women with early and late pregnancy losses, and the lowest number (0.8%) was seen in women with early recurrent miscarriages.Factor V Leiden screening should be performed, regardless of negative history of thrombosis, in patients who experienced intrauterine fetal demise or recurrent early miscarriages.

The aim of the study was the analysis of antiphospholipid syndrome frequency in Polish women with pregnancy loss.We analyzed 352 women with average age of 31.4 (+/- 4.3) who experienced one or more pregnancy losses. Patients from 5 University centers: Poznań, Białystok, Lublin, Wrocław and Bydgoszcz were divided into 3 groups. In the 1st group there were 150 women with recurrent early pregnancy losses before 10 weeks gestation, in the 2nd group we included 160 women with late pregnancy losses, in the 3rd group we analyzed 42 women with labor complicated by preeclampsia or placental insufficiency within or before 34 gestational week. All 352 women were screened for the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), anti beta2glikoprotein I (abeta2GPI) and lupus anticoagulant (LA). The first two antibodies were investigated with ELISA test and the last one with APPT based test. Only the second positive result qualified patients as antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) positive. Antibodies against cardiolipin and beta2glicoprotein I were analyzed in three classes--IgA, IgG and IgM--where the laboratory criteria of positivity were titers above 40 unitsU/ml or above 99 centile.13 patients (3.69%) in the screened population of 352 women met the criteria of the antiphospholipid syndrome. The frequency of APS in women with early and late pregnancy losses were 1.33% and 6.25%, respectively. The most common antibody found was lupus anticoagulant (LA). In 3 women with late pregnancy loss all three antibodies were found. In women with premature deliveries complicated with preeclampsia and/or placental insufficiency the frequency of APS was 2.58%.1. Screening of antiphospholipid syndrome should be routinely performed in women with late pregnancy loss 2. We can conclude that APS is rarely found in women with pregnancy loss before 10 gestational week.

Holoprosencephaly is a brain malformation caused by abnormal division of the forebrain into two separate hemispheres. Abnormal structures of the central nervous system often occur with other midline forebrain and face failures. In this report we present a case of a prenatal diagnosis of holoprosencephaly.

Thanatophoric dysplasia was first described in 1967 by Maroteaux. It is one of the most common lethal neonatal dwarfisms. Estimated incidence of thanatophoric dysplasia is 0.2-0.5 per 10,000 births. In the following report we have described a prenatally diagnosed case of recurrent thanatophoric dysplasia in the same patient.

History of cigarette smoking started on XV century, when Columb imported tobacco to Europe. Popular using of tobacco we are indebted Jaen Nicot Villeman, the name of nicotine originate from his surname. Tobacco first was exploited like a drug, however now it is a very harmful stimulant. Cigarette smoking is still an actual problem and increased risk of many diseases. Very toxic components of smoke get inside all the organs and upsetting their activities and proper running of the life processes. It is common knowledge that smoking badly influences women's health. Nicotine makes the negative influence on function of ovaries metabolism of hormones and state of osseous tissue. Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with obstetrical and pediatrician complication with fetus, newborn and child. The aim of the article is to summarize the role of tobacco smoking on women's health.

The aim of the present study was to measure zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) concentration in human semen and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in seminal plasma and correlate the results with sperm quality. Semen samples were obtained from men (N = 168) undergoing routine infertility evaluation. The study design included two groups based on the ejaculate parameters. Group I (n = 39) consisted of males with normal ejaculate (normozoospermia), and group II (n = 129) consisted of males with pathological spermiogram. Seminal Zn and Fe were measured in 162 samples (group I, n = 38; group II, n = 124) and SOD activity in 149 samples (group I, n = 37; group II, n = 112). Correlations were found between SOD activity and Fe and Zn concentration, and between Fe and Zn concentration. SOD activity was negatively associated with volume of semen and positively associated with rapid progressive motility, nonprogressive motility, and concentration. Negative correlation was stated between Fe concentration and normal morphology. Mean SOD activity in seminal plasma of semen from men of group I was higher than in seminal plasma of semen from men of group II. Fe concentration was higher in teratozoospermic males than in males with normal morphology of spermatozoa in group II. Our results suggest that Fe may influence spermatozoa morphology.

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a hereditary, autosomal recessive abnormality of cholesterol metabolism, leading to malformations of multiple organs. It is probably one of the most frequent metabolic disorders but variable clinical presentation makes the diagnosis of the syndrome difficult. The authors of the following work present a case report of prenatal diagnosis of SLOS in fetus with malformations of multiple organs and negative family history.

A lack of offspring caused by sterility of one or both partners is an increasing social problem that concerns 10-19% of couples. This percentage is even higher if we take into consideration those couples who cannot have healthy offspring in spite of being able to conceive a baby. The aim of the paper was to analyze the awareness of the effect of smoking on reproductive failures in couples with infertility or habitual abortions, and in couples experiencing miscarriages and having a child or children with congenital defects. The couples underwent cytogenetic, and in some cases, molecular analysis in the Genetic Outpatient Clinic at Dr. A. Jurasz University Hospital in Bydgoszcz.The studied group consisted of 201 couples. In the medical documentation analysis the following aspects were taken into consideration: the patient's age, family history, genetic determinants, infections, environmental and occupational factors, which might have caused reproductive failures in the examined couples.26.4% of women admitted cigarette smoking, they most often represented the group of couples having a child born with defects; 46.8% of men admitted smoking and they most often represented the group of couples that experienced habitual abortions.Although it is obvious that cigarette smoking during gestation period is extremely harmful to the mother and the fetus and may significantly contribute to reproductive failures, public awareness of this problem is still insufficient and smoking habit is unfortunately widespread among pregnant women.

It is common knowledge that smoking badly influences women's health. Nicotine addiction does not only increase the risk of cancerous diseases, blood circulation and coronary system disorders as well as osteoporosis, but also it can cause disorders of the menstrual cycle, infertility and earlier menopause. One hundred and seven patients took part in the research and attended the women's clinic (Clinic "K"). On the basis of the questionnaire, some data was assessed: demographic data, frequency and type of menstrual cycle disorders, fertility and age of menopause occurrence. A group of smoking women (36.05%) was distinguished and non-smoking women (63.95%). A higher percentage of menstrual cycle disorders was noticed in a group of smoking women (p0.05). The most frequent symptoms were painful period, painful breasts and premenstrual tension. No significantly statistical difference was stated in frequency of menstrual cycle depending on the amount of smoked cigarettes and addiction duration. The main decisive factor of giving up smoking is the awareness of the harmfulness of nicotine addiction.

The influence of maternal smoking on the higher miscarriage rate, premature births and premature detachment of the placenta was proved in numerous so far undertaken medical researches. Apart from that smoking has an influence on fetal developmental retardation, low birth weight as well as the baby's abnormal development. The investigated population comprised of 100 healthy women that gave birth to their children after the 37th week of pregnancy and their newborns. The pregnant women's morphology parameters, the newborns' health (after the third minute of life according to the Apgar's scale) and the birth weight were assessed. The results achieved were analysed taking into consideration the problem of maternal smoking. The lower Apgar's notes as well as lower birth weight of the newborns whose mothers used to smoke during pregnancy were observed. The fact of being pregnant is the most significant argument for women to give up or diminish the habit of smoking.

To compare the efficacy of microlaparoscopy and laparoscopy in the assessment of pelvic region in infertile women.47 patients (aged 24-35) had microlaparoscopy and subsequent laparoscopy performed in order to diagnose the cause of infertility. Pelvic region assessment was performed in both procedures and the results were afterwards compared in regard to duration of the operations and findings reported by independent surgeons. The data was statistically analyzed using Statistica for Windows 5.1.There were no major differences in the assessment of the pelvic region and found abnormalities in the analyzed postoperative protocols. All the diagnosed abnormalities were described similarly by both surgeons; the differences referred only to subjectively evaluated sizes of findings. The assessment of the pelvic region during microlaparoscopy was fully satisfactory in all cases, none required earlier than scheduled conversion to laparoscopy. The duration of endoscopic procedures was calculated from the moment of trocars insertion into the peritoneal cavity. The average duration time of microlaparoscopic evaluation was 6'20"+/-45", while in laparoscopy - 3'40"+/-32" (p0.0001).Microlaparoscopy and laparoscopy are of similar efficacy in the assessment of small pelvis organs and in detecting pathological changes. Both procedures differ significantly only in regard to the duration.

In Poland 35% of women, 25% of them being in reproductive age, smoke cigarettes. Substances included in tobacco smoke have highly toxic properties. Their presence in the human organizm may affect immunological mechanisms which are an important element determining dynamic balance betwen the mother and the fetus. The aim of the article is to compare the level of AFP and circulating immune complexes (KKI) concentrations in smoking and non smoking pregnant women in the second trimester. The levels of immunological complexes in the women's sera were determined by means of the Elisa immuno-enzymatic method using DRG Instruments GmbH Germany tests. The levels and the properties of circulating immune complexes were estimated in sera of 27 women being in the second trimester of pregnancy by means of polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation test. Molecular weight of the proteins of CIC was studied by SDS/PAGE. In the group of smoking women AFP levers were higher and KKI levels were lower than in the non smoking women group.

The allergies of respiratory system are at children the frequent illnesses. Among favorable them factors, risk on passive smoking tobacco can be also. Passive smoking is defined as risk non-smoking on tobacco smoke in environment. Recent reports represent that smoking in home environment tobacco increase on passive smokers' asthma morbidity, especially children in school age. It in it was report the necessity of leadership of anti-nicotine education was underlined in the face of smoking parents. It bets that she should motivate she better parents to cessation smoking, using authority of doctor and love parental. Acting we decided with these principles to analyze effectiveness two year anti-nicotine education which be applied in the face of all treated smoking parents of children with reason of chronic allergic diseases of respiratory system in out-patients. The study comprised parents of 146 children at the Allergy out-Patients clinic, who were diagnosed and cured in years 2003-2005. Generally were 292 persons. The children be treated with reason of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis. It the data on subject of smoking of tobacco were collected was on basis of interview got from parents during visits at information bureau on beginning the treatment the children, in his track as well as after two years of education. The anti-nicotine education was applied by whole period of observation during routine medical visits. In moment beginning of treatment in studied group the parents' and education children (n = 292) it 79 the parents' couple did not smoke. Smoking parents among remaining 67 steams were. From among them parents 13 children smoked both, only father in 36 cases smoked and mother in remaining 18 parents' couple smoked. 80 parents smoked with generally. 63 persons after two years of anti-nicotine education the nonsmoking committed one from group smoking. 22 persons among them were from among 24 fathers and 17 mothers' peer in which smoked both parents. Remaining smoking and non-smoking parents granted that children tried to restrain to minimum stay in environment smoking. We on basis of received results to affirm that child's disease has on parents' behaviour essential influence can. It in child was affirmed was all analyzed situations characteristic decrease number with diseased child of smokers' families. Recapitulating anti-nicotine education of the children's parents diseased on chronic allergic diseases of respiratory system is very good restrictive agent their exposition on smoking the tobacco. Contemporaneously in effective way influences on decisions of adults about cessation smoking and the healthy style of life promotes.

The aim of the study was to compare tubal patency assessment during microlaparoscopy and laparoscopy and its compatibility with previously performed histerosalpingography (HSG).Endoscopic evaluation of tubal patency was performed on 135 women, aged 30-39 (microlaparoscopy in 65 cases, laparoscopy in 70). In the group of 42 patients qualified for endoscopy, histerosalpingography was carried out in the past. The duration of tubal patency assessment was counted from the moment of the salpingograph placement, with trocars already introduced into the peritoneal cavity.The mean duration of tubal patency evaluation during laparoscopy was 5'45"+/-39 and during microlaparoscopy - 7'30"+/-49". The results of the examination were afterwards compared with the results of previously performed HSG. Their sensitivity, specificity, compatibility and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. The sensitivity and specificity of microlaparoscopy in tubal patency assessment were 81% and 100%, respectively; its positive predictive value -100% and negative -96%. As to laparoscopy, the values were established at 90%, 100%, 100% and 98.4%, respectively.Tubal patency assessment during microlaparoscopy and laparoscopy is characterized by similar sensitivity and specificity. Although the mean duration of microlaparoscopy is significantly longer, the difference in time is of no practical implication.

About 10-15% of clinically diagnosed pregnancies end by spontaneous abortion. One of the causes of recurrent abortions is the presence of chromosome aberrations in a parent. The paper presents the results of cytogenetic investigations in 107 couples referred to genetic council clinic because of at least 2 spontaneous abortions. Cytogenetic analysis was performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes after standard 72h PHA-stimulated culture. At least 20 GTG- and CBG-banded metaphases were analyzed in each patient. Fluorescence in situ hybridization technique was used as to precisely define cytogenetic results. Chromosome aberrations were found in 7 couples (6.54%), exclusively in women. Numerical aberration (47,XXX) was present in 1 woman, and balanced structural aberrations in 6 (5.61%). In 3 of them balanced translocations were disclosed: t(7; 19)(p13;p13.3), t(8;16)(q24;q22), and t(3;8)(q21;p21), in 2--inversions: inv(2)(p25q31), inv(17)(p12p13.3), and in 1--der(20). Pericentric inversion of chromosome 9 was found in 3 men. The analysis of nongenetic factors showed that neither age, nor congenital anomalies of uterus could be an important factor causing abortions in analyzed couples with aberrations. However, infections and muta- or teratogenic exposure could contribute to loss of pregnancies in some cases. Authors conclude that karyotype analysis should be an integral part of diagnostics in couples with recurrent abortions.

The effects of the testosterone therapy were examined in two groups of man who demonstrated erectile dysfunction in andropausal syndrome. An increase of sexual function in both groups has been observed. In the smoking group the results were lower than in the non-smoking.

Symptoms of andropause syndrome such as: erectile dysfunction, somatovegetative and psychic symptoms have been examined in groups of smoking and non-smoking patients between 45 and 75 years of age Tests of testosterone, prolactin and SHBG levels have been carried out. Earlier andropause, a lower level of testosterone as well as more common arterial hypertension have been found in the group of smoking patients.

112 patients from infertile couples with diagnosed asthenospermia and oligoasthenospermia have been examined. The results have been analysed in view of smoking. An increased number of antisperm antibodies have been detected in smoking patients. No difference between the two groups examined according to WHO standards have been found.

Marital infertility has become an increasing problem of contemporary medicine. It is acknowledged that the responsibility for this fact is placed in half with the male factor. To a great degree it is caused by existence of male genitals inflammatory processes.Evaluation of the influence of Chlamydia infection on the level of anti-spermatozoonal antibodies /p.p.p./ in sperm.Research encompassed 187 men treated at the Regional Andrological Outpatient Clinic and the Clinic for Treating Marital Infertility of Dr. J. Biziel Regional Hospital in Bydgoszcz.Lowering of p.p.p. titre was observed in men treated for Chlamydia Trachomatis infection. Lowering of the p.p.p. level was greater after the first course of treatment. Whereas the subsequent ones were not so distinct.Treatment of male genitals inflammatory processes influences the lowering of p.p.p. titre in men with decreased fertility. It was confirmed as a results of treating men with Chlamydia Trachomatis infection.