Higher clusterin immunolabeling and sperm DNA damage levels in hypertensive men compared with controls.

Background: Clusterin, a heterodimeric glycoprotein found at several sites in the human male reproductive tract, could be a marker of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa, while TUNEL positivity indicates DNA fragmentation. Metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus and obesity may compromise sperm quality and fertility of men; however, little evidence specifically links hypertension with the impairment of male reproductive function.

Methods: By flow cytometric, immunofluorescence (TUNEL assay and clusterin immunolabeling) and immunohistochemical (peroxidase-streptavidin method) analyses, we have compared both clusterin- and TUNEL labeling in ejaculated spermatozoa from healthy normotensive donors and hypertensive subjects with the purpose to reveal possible differences between the two conditions.

[Secondary cardiovascular prevention after acute coronary syndrome in clinical practice].

Secondary prevention after acute coronary syndromes should be aimed at reducing the risk of further adverse cardiovascular events, thereby improving quality of life, and lengthening survival. Despite compelling evidence from large randomized controlled trials, secondary prevention is not fully implemented in most cases after hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome. The Lazio Region (Italy) has about 5.

[High prevalence of thyroid disfunction in primary hyperaldosteronism].

Primary hyperaldosteronism is associated with other endocrinology pathologies, like pheochromocytoma, Cushing's syndrome, hyperprolactinemia, primary hyperparathyroidism and a type of multiple endocrine neoplasia. Furthermore, association between hyperaldosteronism and thyroid diseases were already pointed out. Aim of the study was to value the prevalence of some thyroid diseases in a series of patients with primary hyperaldosteronism.