Reproductive System Disorders Research Articles

RISK FACTORS OF DISORDERS OF PUBERTY IN BOYS - RESIDENTS OF VILLAGE AND CITY

The genetic burden and environmental risk factors for puberty were examined based on genealogical analysis of 107 families of boys with delayed puberty in rural and urban areas. It was revealed that the hereditary burden of reproductive system disorders in the families of boys with delayed sexual development, city residents, is recorded much more often than among rural residents. It should be noted the high prevalence of bad habits among parents and boys in rural areas.

The Reproductive System at a Glance, 3rd edn

This book fulfils a useful niche within the ‘at a glance series’; indeed, as the title implies, it is a repository of information. It enables the medical student to cut down on the time-consuming practice of trolling through major textbooks to get the basic information required for getting on top of the subject, and as a revision source for exam preparation. It will also be an invaluable resource for midwives and nurses working in reproductive medicine. ‘The Reproductive System at a Glance’ is split into two parts: Part 1, Normal Human Reproduction and Part 2, Human Reproductive Disorders. This immediately partitions a complex subject into manageable and easily accessible domains and avoids the danger of the reader getting ‘side-tracked’. For example, if one is reading Phenotypic Sex Differentiation in Part 1, this doesn't become complicated by abnormalities, which are dealt with separately in Part 2. Part 1 is divided into twenty-five chapters and Part 2 into twenty-three chapters. Each chapter consists of two substantially packed pages. This is a nice compact source text, with plenty of good labelled and coloured diagrams. However, the preface of the book is perhaps a little misleading in that it says the book consists of twenty-five chapters in Part 1, in which it covers normal human reproduction, commencing with embryology. This it clearly doesn't, as the first chapter is on the pituitary gland. One has to wait until chapter six, in which the topic is on ‘Gonadal Development in the Embryo’. Chapters one to four deal with the importance of reproductive hormones - their sources and mechanisms of action. This is followed by reproductive genetics, gonadal development, and sex differentiation. In chapters eight to eleven the gross and microscopic anatomy of the system is discussed, and here one must be aware of slight differences in nomenclature between American and UK terminology: in the chapter ‘Gross anatomy of the female reproductive tract’, the intramural parts of the isthmus region of the uterine (Fallopian) tubes are called cornua (horns). The chapters continue in a sequential series, covering puberty, male reproductive physiology, menstrual cycle, sexual response, fertilisation, and pregnancy through to labour and lactation. Chapters twenty-four and twenty-five deal with the menopause and contraception. Chapters twenty-six onwards deal with reproductive system disorders, beginning with abnormalities of male and female development, including a section on gender assignment. Other chapters include precocious puberty, amenorrhoea, and sexual dysfunction, for which the authors use a wonderful, easily understood diagram. Infertility, pregnancy risks with multiple gestations, pregnancy loss, labour abnormalities, and pre-eclampsia are also included. The chapter dealing with benign and malignant diseases of the breast has a very nice table with the determinants of breast cancer and the relative risks. Testicular tumours and diseases of the prostate are covered next, followed by chapters covering ovarian neoplasms, endometrial and cervical cancers, genetic imprinting and reproductive tract tumours. The final three chapters deal with sexually transmitted diseases of both bacterial and viral origin. The book ends with a bank of MCQs with answers. This will be very useful for the student when revising for exams and for self-testing after having read the relevant chapter. I have a few minor criticisms, not on content but on layout. The font size for the ‘contents’ list is too small; in contrast, the ‘table and figure acknowledgements’, have large and well-spaced text. The split into Parts 1 and 2 would have been helped visually by inserting a page between the continuous chapters, i.e. a page with the heading ‘Part 2’ between chapters 25 and 26. But these are minor cavils to this otherwise positive review. ‘The Reproductive System at a Glance’ will be particularly useful for those who want a user-friendly overview of both normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems.

Verification of Male Infertility Biomarkers in Seminal Plasma by Multiplex Selected Reaction Monitoring Assay

Seminal plasma is a promising biological fluid to use for noninvasive clinical diagnostics of male reproductive system disorders. To verify a list of prospective male infertility biomarkers, we developed a multiplex selected reaction monitoring assay and measured the relative abundance of 31 proteins in 30 seminal plasma samples from normal, nonobstructive azoospermia and post-vasectomy individuals. Median levels of some proteins were decreased by more than 100-fold in nonobstructive azoospermia or post-vasectomy samples, in comparison with normal samples. To follow up the most promising candidates and measure their concentrations in seminal plasma, heavy isotope-labeled internal standards were synthesized and used to reanalyze 20 proteins in the same set of samples. Concentrations of candidate proteins in normal seminal plasma were found in the range 0.1-1000 μg/ml but were significantly decreased in nonobstructive azoospermia and post-vasectomy. These data allowed us to select, for the first time, biomarkers to discriminate between normal, nonobstructive azoospermia, and post-vasectomy (simulated obstructive azoospermia) seminal plasma samples. Some testis-specific proteins (LDHC, TEX101, and SPAG11B) performed with absolute or nearly absolute specificities and sensitivities. Cell-specific classification of protein expression indicated that Sertoli or germ cell dysfunction, but not Leydig cell dysfunction, was observed in nonobstructive azoospermia seminal plasma. The proposed panel of biomarkers, pending further validation, could lead to a clinical assay that can eliminate the need for testicular biopsy to diagnose the category of male infertility, thus providing significant benefits to patients as well as decreased costs associated with the differential diagnosis of azoospermia.

Investigation of Lead Mobilization from the Buckshot Residues to the Critical Organs

Lead exposure causes neurotoxicity, reproductive system dysfunction, renal failure, and blood and endocrine system disorders in human and experimental animals. In this study, we investigated lead mobilization from gunshot fragments to the critical organs (brain, heart, liver, and kidney) and its interaction with essential trace elements on experimental rat model. Thirty-five rats were randomly divided in five groups. The first group was a control and the others were subjected to buckshot implantation in their skeletal muscles (second and third groups) and abdomen (fourth and fifth groups). The control group and the second and fourth groups were sacrificed 1month after the onset of experiment while the third and fifth groups were followed after 2months. Blood lead levels were significantly elevated in both 2month-followed groups and 1month-followed intraabdominal group. There were significant increases in brain lead levels of both 2month-followed groups. For the 1month-followed groups, kidney lead levels were also significantly higher than those of controls. Results show that lead mobilizes from the buckshot residues in distance tissues to the critical organs and interacts with iron, copper, and zinc even though blood lead level sometimes remains unchanged. Our findings are crucial in revealing lead accumulation in critical organs of subjects carrying any gunshot fragments. These subjects and physicians should be in alert for emergence of lead-induced manifestations.

Pathological disorders of the female reproductive system in slaughtered camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Saudi Arabia

A study was made of the pathological and microbiological findings in the reproductive tract of 565 adult, barren female camels slaughtered in Saudi Arabia. The animals comprised 210 camels from the eastern, 180 camels from the central, and 175 camels from the western regions of the country. Gross and microscopic appearances of lesions in the ovaries, salpinx, uterus, and cervix are described along with data on microbiological findings in affected organs.

Homeobox A7 increases cell proliferation by up-regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor expression in human granulosa cells

BackgroundHomeobox (HOX) genes encode transcription factors, which regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and migration. The deregulation of HOX genes is frequently associated with human reproductive system disorders. However, knowledge regarding the role of HOX genes in human granulosa cells is limited.MethodsTo determine the role of HOXA7 in the regulation and associated mechanisms of cell proliferation in human granulosa cells, HOXA7 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expressions were examined in primary granulosa cells (hGCs), an immortalized human granulosa cell line, SVOG, and a granulosa tumor cell line, KGN, by real-time PCR and Western blotting. To manipulate the expression of HOXA7, the HOXA7 specific siRNA was used to knockdown HOXA7 in KGN. Conversely, HOXA7 was overexpressed in SVOG by transfection with the pcDNA3.1-HOAX7 vector. Cell proliferation was measured by the MTT assay.ResultsOur results show that HOXA7 and EGFR were overexpressed in KGN cells compared to hGCs and SVOG cells. Knockdown of HOXA7 in KGN cells significantly decreased cell proliferation and EGFR expression. Overexpression of HOXA7 in SVOG cells significantly promoted cell growth and EGFR expression. Moreover, the EGF-induced KGN proliferation was abrogated, and the activation of downstream signaling was diminished when HOXA7 was knocked down. Overexpression of HOXA7 in SVOG cells had an opposite effect.ConclusionsOur present study reveals a novel mechanistic role for HOXA7 in modulating granulosa cell proliferation via the regulation of EGFR. This finding contributes to the knowledge of the pro-proliferation effect of HOXA7 in granulosa cell growth and differentiation.

People’s awareness on effects of open burning of household waste in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar-es-Salaam

INTRODUCTION Open burning is the burning of any matter in such a manner that its products are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through an adequate stack, duct or chimney. The materials burnt include paper, trees, trash, brush, leaves, cans, leather, plastics, grass, and other debris where smoke and other emissions are released directly into the air the contents of which results into health and environmental effects such as bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer, immune system repression, reproductive system disorders, birth defects and others. OBJECTIVE To assess people’s knowledge on the health and environmental effects associated with open burning of household wastes at Kinondoni Municipality in Dar es Salaam City. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a cross sectional descriptive study that involved 300 respondents. Structured closed and open ended questionnaire were used in data collection and the study was carried in between February to May, 2007. Data coding was done during data collection & quantitative data analysis was done through SPSS Version 12, a computer package programme, whereas qualitative data sociological/anthropological methods in data analysis were used. RESULTS Health and environmental awareness of people on effects of open burning practice was high (61.7%). However, out of 300 respondents, 213(71.0%) reported to continue using open burning as their final disposal mechanism due to poor existing infrastructure (76.0%), cost implication ( 94.8%). Low frequency of waste collection (94.3%) and as normal practice habit (46%). CONCLUSION The results from this study showed that people are aware of the health and environmental effects associated with open burning of household wastes. However the existing infrastructure, low frequency of waste collection and refuse collection fee becomes the major barrier hence need thorough considerations

Residential Exposure of Environment Toxic Substance Outcome during Menstrual Cycle

Problem statement: It was intended to diagnose and treat the disorders of female reproductive system where they are exposed to environmentally toxic pesticides and estrogenic compounds like bisphenol A which are the main reason for the infertility problems. Approach: Human saliva contains arrays of proteins that have distinct biological functions. Results: Salivary hormones concentrations of luteinising hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, estrogen as well as estrone-1-glucuronide, were assayed in 20 normal menstruating women who were among the reproductive phases like preovulatory phase (6-12 days); Ovulatory phase (13-14 days) and Postovulatory phase (15-26 days). It was intended to diagnose and treat the disorders of female reproductive system where they are exposed to environmentally toxic pesticides and estrogenic compounds like bisphenol A which are the main reason for the infertility problems. In this context, the detection of fertile period suggests that the mean value of luteinising hormone (56.58±12.96 mIU L-1) indicates the surge during the time of ovulation. Identifying the period of ovulation would be the easiest way to detect other constituents like follicle stimulating hormone, estrogen and its conjugate like estrone-1-glucuronide are extensively high (p<0.05) was observed. Conclusion: Our results indicated that the salivary hormones like estrogen and its conjugate indicates decrease in ovulatory and postovulatory phase. Further, the environmental toxic materials can also cause problems like infertility. The conclusion is that any physiological effects of estrogen from drinking water will be undetectable in people. The results from hormones suggested that they may be considered in the diagnosis and treatment of ovulation using saliva as the noninvasive specimen.

Treatment retention with risperidone long-acting injection: 24-month results from the Electronic Schizophrenia Treatment Adherence Registry (e-STAR) in six countries

Objective:To assess treatment retention on risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI) and outcomes in schizophrenia patients for whom 24 months of follow-up data in the electronic Schizophrenia Treatment Adherence Registry (e-STAR) were available.Research design and methods:e-STAR is an ongoing, international, multicenter, prospective, observational registry assessing use of antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in a normal clinical practice setting. Parameters were assessed prior to and post-initiation of RLAI. Data presented are from six European countries that enrolled patients in e-STAR after they initiated treatment with RLAI.Main outcome measures:Clinical and demographic information were collected at baseline and treatment-related data, including RLAI discontinuation, psychiatric hospitalization and medication utilization, were collected prospectively every 3 months. Data collection continued for 24 months, even for patients who discontinued RLAI therapy. Hospitalization and medication utilization were also collected retrospectively by chart review for the 12-month period prior to RLAI initiation.Results:A total of 1659 patients (mean age, 39.2; 18.3% inpatients) completed the study. Twenty-four months after initiating therapy (initial RLAI dose = 33.6 mg) 85% of patients (n = 1410) remained on RLAI (completers) while 15% discontinued therapy. The main reasons for discontinuation were insufficient response (28.5%), patient/family choice (26.1%), adverse events (9.6%) and unacceptable tolerability (6.0%). At baseline, compared to completers, discontinuers were younger (37.4 vs. 39.6 years, p = 0.01), had schizophrenia for a shorter time (10.2 vs. 11.9 years, p = 0.02), had lower Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores (43.5 vs. 48.0, p = 0.0001), higher utilization of benzodiazepines (56.5 vs. 43.3%) and more initiated therapy as inpatients (30 vs. 16%). With RLAI therapy GAF scores improved significantly (p < 0.001) for both groups but the 24-month value for discontinuers was lower than that of completers (55.4 vs. 67.2). Compared to the pre-RLAI initiation period, at 12 months post-initiation completers had greater reductions than discontinuers in the percent of patients hospitalized (66.2% reduction vs. 29.2%) and in the length (68% reduction vs. 0%) and number (80.0 vs. 14.3%) of hospital stays, differences that remained at 24 months. The most common adverse events while patients were taking RLAI were nervous system disorders (6.8%), psychiatric disorders (5.6%), weight increase (3.2%), reproductive system and breast disorders (2.5%) and gastrointestinal disorders (2.1%).Conclusions:These observational data confirm that RLAI is an effective treatment in schizophrenia and high levels of adherence to therapy offers an opportunity for effective long-term disease management and significant sustained decreases in hospitalization.

Consumer Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions

Reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) has traditionally been the sole province of healthcare professionals. Since 2003 in Denmark, consumers have been able to report ADRs directly to the authorities. The objective of this study was to compare ADRs reported by consumers with ADRs reported from other sources, in terms of their type, seriousness and the suspected medicines involved. The number of ADRs reported to the Danish ADR database from 2004 to 2006 was analysed in terms of category of reporter, seriousness, category of ADRs by system organ class (SOC) and the suspected medicines on level 1 of the anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) classification system. ADR reports from consumers were compared with reports from other sources (physicians, pharmacists, lawyers, pharmaceutical companies and other healthcare professionals). Chi-square and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to investigate the dependence between type of reporter and reported ADRs (classified by ATC or SOC). We analysed 6319 ADR reports corresponding to 15 531 ADRs. Consumers reported 11% of the ADRs. Consumers' share of 'serious' ADRs was comparable to that of physicians (approximately 45%) but lower than that of pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. When consumer reports were compared with reports from other sources, consumers were more likely to report ADRs from the following SOCs: 'nervous system disorders' (OR = 1.27; 95% CI 1.05, 1.53); 'psychiatric disorders' (OR = 1.70; 95% CI 1.31, 2.20) and 'reproductive system and breast disorders' (OR = 2.02; 95% CI 1.13, 3.61) than other sources. Compared with other sources, consumers reported fewer ADRs from the SOCs 'blood and lymphatic system disorders' (OR = 0.22; 95% CI 0.08, 0.59) and 'hepatobiliary system disorders' (OR = 0.14; 95% CI 0.04, 0.57). Consumers were more likely to report ADRs from the ATC group N (nervous system) [OR = 2.72; 95% CI 2.34, 3.17], ATC group P (antiparasitic products) [OR = 2.41; 95% CI 1.32, 4.52] and ATC group S (sensory organs) [OR = 4.79; 95% CI 2.04, 11.23] than other sources. Consumers reported fewer ADRs from the ATC group B (blood and blood-forming organs) [OR = 0.04; 95% CI 0.006, 0.32] and the ATC groups J (anti-infective for systemic use) [OR = 0.44; 95% CI 0.33, 0.58], L (antioneoplastic and immunomodulating agents) [OR = 0.19; 95% CI 0.12, 0.30] and V (various) [OR = 0.03; 95% CI 0.004, 0.21] than other sources. In the SOC 'nervous system disorders', consumers reported seven categories of ADRs that were not reported by the other sources. This study showed that compared with other sources, consumers reported different categories of ADRs for different types of medicines. Consumers should be actively included in systematic drug surveillance systems, including clinical settings, and their reports should be taken as seriously as reports from other sources.

The role of microRNAs in endometriosis and associated reproductive conditions

microRNAs (miRNAs) are short, single-stranded RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Recent research has shown that miRNAs and their target mRNAs are differentially expressed in endometriosis and other disorders of the female reproductive system. Since miRNAs control a broad spectrum of normal and pathological cellular functions, they may play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of these disorders. A systematic review was undertaken of the published literature on; (i) the expression and functions of miRNAs in mammalian female reproductive tissues with a focus on endometriosis and the malignancies and fertility disorders related to this disease; and (ii) the potential roles played by validated mRNA targets of endometriosis-associated miRNAs. The current understanding of the biology of miRNAs is overviewed and the potential diagnostic and therapeutic potential of miRNAs in endometriosis is highlighted. The differential expression of miRNAs in endometriosis, and the putative molecular pathways constituted by their targets, suggests that miRNAs may play an important role in endometriotic lesion development. Models for miRNA regulatory functions in endometriosis are presented, including those associated with hypoxia, inflammation, tissue repair, TGFbeta-regulated pathways, cell growth, cell proliferation, apoptosis, extracellular matrix remodelling and angiogenesis. In addition, specific miRNAs which may be associated with malignant progression and subfertility in endometriosis are discussed. miRNAs appear to be potent regulators of gene expression in endometriosis and its associated reproductive disorders, raising the prospect of using miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic tools in endometriosis.

Expression of bone morphogenetic protein-15 in human oocyte and cumulus granulosa cells primed with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone followed by human chorionic gonadotropin

Bone morphogenetic protein-15 is expressed in oocytes and cumulus granulosa cells. It may play an important role in the hCG-induced oocyte final maturation and corpus luteum (CL) formation.

Some minor female reproductive system disorders: findings in the Oxford-Family Planning Association contraceptive study

BackgroundThe Oxford-Family Planning Association (Oxford-FPA) contraceptive study has provided information on many serious diseases of the female reproductive tract. No information has been published about a number of common minor...

Nuclear medicine procedures for the evaluation of male sexual organs: a brief review

Sexuality consists of three aspects that are interrelated and inseparable, biological, physiological and social. The biological aspect considers the individual's capability to give and to receive pleasure. In consequence, it covers the functionality of the sexual organs and the physiology of human sexual response cycle. Diagnostic imaging modalities, such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) have been used to evaluate clinical disorders of the male reproductive system. PET and SPECT procedures basically involve the administration of a radiopharmaceutical that has a higher uptake in a specific tumor or tissue. The aim of this brief review is to present some radiopharmaceuticals that have been used in the clinical evaluation of the male sexual organs (testes, prostate, seminal vesicles, penis) related with male sexuality. This information could be useful in better understanding the male sexual response cycle, as well as the sexual disorders, when considering the male sexual organs and the pelvic floor. Moreover, the findings obtained with PET and SPECT imaging could help to evaluate the efficacy of clinical results of therapeutic procedures. In conclusion, the knowledge from these images could aid in better understanding the physiology of the different organs related with sexuality. Furthermore, they could be important tools to evaluate the physiological integrity of the involved organs, to improve clinical strategies and to accompany the patients under treatment.

Comparative Analysis of Interindividual Variations in the Seminal Plasma Proteome of Fertile Men With Identification of Potential Markers for Azoospermia in Infertile Patients

Seminal plasma is a potential source of biomarkers for many disorders of the male reproductive system. The identification and characterization of proteins in the seminal plasma by using two-dimensional (2-D) difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE) serve as a basis for estimating male infertility. However, individual variation remains an impediment to identifying disease-associated proteins. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the interindividual variations in the seminal plasma proteome of fertile men. The present study analyzed seminal plasma samples from 10 fertile men. The results from silver-stained 2-D DIGE were averaged to reduce gel to gel variations. Up to 501 spots (polypeptides) were detected on the averaged gels for the fertile men. The coefficient of variation (CV) of standardized abundance was calculated for 63 spots that were common to all 10 samples; the CV values ranged from 24.5% to 129.9% with a median value of 63.1%. These results demonstrate that the variability in protein expression among different fertile men is relatively high in seminal plasma compared with that in other human tissue samples. The 63 matched spots were compared with those from 10 patients with azoospermia. There was no common spot that was lost in all of the 10 patients, and 16 of these spots (25%) were present in each of the patients. We identified 4 and 1 candidate markers for nonobstructive and obstructive azoospermia, respectively. These results validate our method of identifying differences in the proteomic profiles of seminal plasma samples and provide an important basis for protein expression profiling and comparative proteomics of infertility.

Environmental toxicant-induced germ cell apoptosis in the human fetal testis

Disorders of the male reproductive system are increasing in prevalence. The term testicular dysgenesis syndrome emphasizes the importance of developmental influences on the aetiology of conditions including cryptorchidism, testicular germ cell cancer and reduced spermatogenesis. Men whose mothers smoked during pregnancy have lower sperm production. Cigarette smoke contains agents acting on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). We have investigated the presence of AHR in the developing human testis and the effects of functional activation. Immunohistochemistry determined AHR to be expressed by germ cells in the human testis between 7 and 19 week gestation, but not by other cells. Treatment of cultured fetal testis with an AHR ligand present in tobacco smoke increased markers of cell apoptosis, and this was prevented by an AHR receptor antagonist. Immunohistochemistry indicated that apoptosis was restricted to germ cells. Germ cells in the developing human testis are a target for regulation by AHR ligands. Activation of AHR by environmental toxicants and AHR-induced apoptotic pathways may be the mechanism of action underlying the epidemiological findings of reduced spermatogenesis in men exposed to cigarette smoke before birth, and may also be of importance in other conditions comprising the testicular dysgenesis syndrome.

Morbidity, Mortality and Reproductive Health in an Area Contaminated by Persistent Organic Pollutants

P-285 Introduction: Persistent organic contaminants originating from illegal waste dumping sites have accumulated in soil and water over several years in the area of the Sacco river (Central Italy). In 2005, high levels of Beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) were detected in milk samples from several farms in the area. The aim of the study was to evaluate the health of area's residents by analysing the mortality registry, hospital discharge records and birth records. Methods: The study area was defined as the three municipalities that were crossed by the Sacco river and were the closest to the industrial area (31,000 inhabitants). Gender cause-specific Standardized Mortality (1997–2000) and Morbidity (2001–2004) Ratios were computed, with 95% Confidence Intervals, using the population of the Lazio region as reference. Reproductive health outcomes for the same period were analysed in the study area and compared with the Lazio region (Odds Ratio): sex ratio (Male/Female × 100), low birth weight, % of multiple births, % of small for gestational age (<2500 g and >37 weeks). Results: Higher mortality and hospital admissions for malignant neoplasms of the lung, pleura and bladder were observed in the area, especially among men. Moreover, higher frequency of hospital admissions for diseases of the peripheral nervous system, asthma (both among adults and among children) and disorders of the female reproductive system were observed. No difference in the reproductive health outcomes were observed with respect to the regional population. Discussion and Conclusions: The excesses in lung and pleural cancers observed might be explained by occupational exposure to asbestos. However, the excesses found for other diseases suggest a possible role of environmental pollutants and a need further investigations.

Xenobiotics with estrogen or antiandrogen action — disruptors of the male reproductive system

Abstract The environmental and life-style changes associated with developing industry and agriculture, especially the exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (xenobiotics), are considered as causes of the increasing incidence of male reproductive system disorders. Most of the xenobiotics, which harmfully influence the male reproductive system, reveal estrogen-like (xenoestrogens) or anti-androgenic activity. Recent data have revealed physiological roles of estrogens in the male, however, there are evidences that estrogen-like substances may lead to many undesirable symptoms in the male i.e. gonadal dysgenesis, genital malformations, cryptorchidism, decreased fertility potential and testicular neoplastic changes. The number of xenoestrogens is still growing in the environment, whereas the mechanisms of their action are still not exactly known. They can be harmful not only to the present but potentially also to the next generations.

Function of aquaporins in female and male reproductive systems

The flow of water and some other small molecules across cell membranes is important in many of the processes underlying reproduction. The fluid movement is strongly associated with the presence of aquaporins (AQPs) in the female and male reproductive systems. It has been suggested that AQPs mediate water movement into the antral follicle and play important roles in follicle development. AQPs are known to be involved in the early stage of spermatogenesis, in the secretion of tubule liquid and in the concentration and storage of spermatozoa. Fluid reabsorption in some regions of the male reproductive tract is under steroid hormone control and could be mediated by various AQPs. Also AQPs take part in the processes of fertilization, blastocyst formation (as the pathway for transtrophoectodermal water movement during cavitation) and implantation. Alterations in the expression and function or regulation of AQPs have already been demonstrated in disorders of the male reproductive system, such as abnormal sperm motility, the abnormal epididymis and infertility seen in cystic fibrosis, and varicocele. This article extensively reviews the distribution of AQPs in mammalian reproductive tissues and discusses their possible physiological and pathophysiological roles.

A study of finger lengths, semen quality and sex hormones in 360 young men from the general Danish population

It has been suggested that finger length may correlate with function or disorders of the male reproductive system. This is based on the HOXA and HOXD genes' common embryological control of finger development and differentiation of the genital bud. The objective of this study was to explore the association between the ratio of 2nd to 4th finger length (2D:4D ratio) and testis function in a sample of young Danish men from the general population. Semen samples and finger measurements were obtained from a total of 360 young Danish men in addition to blood samples for sex hormone analysis to describe the possible association between 2D:4D and semen and sex-hormone parameters. A statistically significant inverse association with the 2D:4D was found only in relation to hormone levels of FSH in the group of young men with a 2D:4D >1 (P = 0.036) and a direct association with the total sperm count in the group of young men with a 2D:4D < or = 1 (P = 0.045). The statistically significant results may be 'false positives' (type I error) rather than representing true associations. This relatively large study of young, normal Danish men shows no reliable association between 2D:4D finger ratio and testicular function. Measurements of finger lengths do not have the power to predict the testicular function of adult men.