Publications by authors named "Nicolaos Plachouras"
The irreversible transformation of androgens into oestrogens is catalysed by cytochrome P450 aromatase. In the present study, we explored the contribution of the (TTTA)(n) polymorphism in the aromatase gene (CYP19) to sperm concentration and motility. Ninety normozoospermic and 60 oligospermic men were examined during infertility examinations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFParaoxonase (PON) is a high-density lipoprotein-associated enzyme that prevents low-density lipoprotein oxidation. PON proteins, localized in the seminiferous tubules and in spermatozoa, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of male infertility. In the present study, we sought to explore the contribution of the PON gene variants to sperm parameters.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe role of estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha) and estrogen receptor beta (ER beta) gene polymorphisms on semen quality is the aim of our study. One hundred fourteen men were examined in the In Vitro Fertilization Unit of Ioannina Medical School, and it was found that 85 men had normal sperm count and 29 were oligozoospermic. The genotype analysis, on DNA extracted from spermatozoa, revealed that in men with oligozoospermia (sperm concentration <20 x 10(6) spermatozoa/mL), those with ER alpha 397T/C and 397C/C genotypes had higher sperm motility whereas those with 397T/T genotype had lower sperm motility (P = .
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Sepsis is extremely rare after invasive prenatal diagnosis.
Case: A patient, who had undergone amniocentesis at 15 weeks, cordocentesis at 20 weeks, and repeat cordocentesis 24 hours before presentation, was admitted at 21 weeks gestation with vaginal bleeding, rupture of membranes, and intrauterine demise. Although clinical and laboratory findings were unremarkable at presentation, she rapidly developed septic syndrome with disseminated intravascular coagulation and eventually multiple organ failure.