Monochorionic-triamniotic triplet pregnancy following artificial reproductive technology: Report of a rare case in Taiwan.

Objective: Monochorionic-triamniotic (MCTA) triplet pregnancies following artificial reproductive technologies are uncommon. We report a case in which one of two transferred embryos differentiated into an MCTA triplet. This study aimed to investigate the potential factors contributing to MCTA triplet pregnancy.

Androgen excess down-regulates connexin43 in a human granulosa cell line.

By use of a cell model, we found that high levels of androgen reduce connexin43 expression and impair gap junction intercellular communication between human granulosa cells through the androgen receptors. High levels of androgen may impair folliculogenesis and in turn lead to ovulatory dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome patients.

Carnosic acid reduces cytokine-induced adhesion molecules expression and monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells.

Background: Expression of cell adhesion molecules on the endothelium and the attachment of monocytes to endothelium may play a major role in the early atherogenic process.

Aim Of The Study: We investigated the effects of carnosic acid on the adhesion of U937 cells to IL-1beta-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), as well as on the expression of adhesion molecules.

Results: Our data showed that pretreatment with 10 and 20 micromol/l carnosic acid significantly reduced the number of U937 cells adhering to IL-1beta-treated HUVECs.