Differences in the sperm metabolomes of smoking and nonsmoking men

Currently, spermiogram analysis is the most relevant method used to clarify the potential infertility of a couple. However, in some cases, the reasons for infertility remain obscure. Smoking is among the factors that have been described to adversely affect male fertility. Smoking increases oxidative stress and thus promotes various pathological processes. Comparative studies, particularly those on metabolomic changes in sperm and seminal plasma caused by smoking, have not yet been published. Thus, the present pilot study aimed at the mass spectrometric characterization of the metabolomes of specimens from both smoking and nonsmoking subjects and the comparison of the evaluated data in terms of sperm apoptosis and spermiogram parameters. The results provided evidence that the conventional spermiogram is not altered in smokers compared to nonsmokers. However, a more careful investigation of sperm cells by metabolomic profiling reveals profound effects of smoking on sperm: first, nitrogen oxide synthase, a marker of oxidative stress, is activated. Second, the uptake of fatty acids into sperm mitochondria is reduced, leading to an impaired energy supply. Third, phenylalanine hydroxylation and tryptophan degradation, which are both indications of altered tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthesis, are reduced. Moreover, flow cytometry approaches indicated increased sperm caspase-3 activity, a sign of apoptosis. The present study clearly shows the negative effects of smoking on semen quality. Especially for idiopathic cases, metabolomic profiling can help to shed light on male sub- or infertility.

Actual aspects of sepsis and septic shock

He review presents an analysis of up-to-date views on sepsis and septic shock. Results of consenting conferences are given with classification of sepsis in adults and children. Mortality indexes are presented in patients’ group with sepsis. Basic pathogenesis links are examined i.e. bacteriemia, microbe toxemia, endo(auto)toxicosis, systemic destructive vasculitis, growing hypercoagulation transforming into coagulopathia, consumption trombocytopenia with trombohemorrhagic syndrome and severe immunesuppression. Pathogenesis of septic shock is divided into processes developing in various organs and tissues as well as into intracellular ones: such as oxidative stress and mitochondrial insufficiency. The role of pathogen-associated molecular images - patterns is portrayed in the development of generalized acyclic infection process. A scheme of up-to-date septic shock therapy is presented. An important role of nitrogen oxide in the development of stabile hypotonia resistant to vasopressin therapy is proven. The potency of nitrogen oxide to produce free-radical peroxinitrite inducing lipids peroxide oxidation in membranes is reflected. Its ability to react with non-hem iron- and zink- containing proteins is mentioned. Key factors contributing to activation of genes responsible for inducible nitrogen oxide synthase operation are revealed. Extremely severe sepsis and septic shock are believed to be the most serious problem of contemporary medicine thus necessitating to produce new medicines affecting the most drug-resistant links of its pathogenesis. In many a countries trials are continuing to introduce new medicines like nitrogen oxide synthase inhibitors for the treatment of patients with septic shock.

Gene similarity between hepatitis C virus and human proteins: A blood transfusion problem

Introduction Hepatitis C is a post-transfusion hepatitis which causes serious problems in blood transfusion. Blood testing requires highly sensitive and specific assays with high predictive value. Genomic characteristics of hepatitis C virus According to recommendations of International Association for the study of Liver Diseases etiological diagnosis of hepatitis is based on highly sensitive third generation assays: epitopes in the NS5 region comprising noncoding sequence UTR with 324-341 well conserved pair of homologous basis in 92% HCV genomes, therefore appropriate for virus RNA detection. Development of assays for hepatitis virus The first generation of immunoenzyme tests (IET) were based on detection of antibodies on antigen c 100-3, which is a part of the NS4 region of HCV genome. The second generation of tests with two recombinant proteins - c22-3 and c200, achieved higher sensitivity of assays. The third generation included epitopes from NS5 region, and removed the antigen c100-3. Development of autoimmunity Autoimmunity is a pathophysiological mechanism that's leads to chronic inflammatory diseases. Autoimunity is characterized by loss of tolerance towards self-antigens. Viral hepatitis C is associated with development of autoimmune phenomena. Molecular mimicry Molecular mimicry, as a mechanism of autoimmunity, was investigated to establish cross-Reactive immune reactions between HCV antigen and human nitrogen-oxide synthase, Tyrosine kinase Lck, and hepatic growth factor activator. Cross reactivity between HCV proteins and human proteins HCV capsid proteins initiate the autoimmune process in the liver because of cross reaction of antibodies with human Gor protein 19-27, which causes autoimmune chronic hepatitis. However, analysis of human protein from protein basis Swissprot shows homology between NS5 region and 3 human protein nitrogen oxide synthases, tyrosine kinase-Lck, proto-oncogene and hepatic growth factor activator. According to protein data analysis and competitive in vitro experiments, it was concluded that presence of auto-antibodies is probably the consequence of cross reactive immune response. Conclusion Homology of amino acid sequences in the NS5 region of the HCV genome with nitrogen-oxide synthase, tyrosine kinase-Lck, and hepatic growth factor activator, causes auto-immune phenomena in HC, and can be a model for researching autoimmunity and human virus-induced autoimmune diseases.