The potential contribution and role of a blood platelets in autoimmune thyroid diseases.

The blood platelets are multifunctional blood cells which are involved in the initiation of atheroma, endothelial dysfunction, and modulation of inflammatory and immune responses in the pathophysiology of many diseases. Because of their multifaceted pro-inflammatory activity, platelets may be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease. The aim of this study was to assess the level of activation and response ability of platelets in AITDs.

[The role of gender in the pathogenesis and development of autoimmune diseases].

Autoimmune diseases occur with greater frequency in women than in men, suggesting that the mechanism of pathogenesis is conditioned by gender. So far not defined clearly factors responsible for the development and course of these diseases depending on sex. However, it was found there is a clear sexual dimorphism of the immune system, which may determine the process of autoimmunity.

The utility of the gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) test in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterised by increased frequency of hypothalamic GnRH pulses leading to a relative increase in LH synthesis by the pituitary. As GnRH stimulation can reveal a relative LH excess, we have endeavoured to assess whether GnRH test might be useful in the diagnosis of PCOS.

Material And Methods: The study involved 185 subjects: a PCOS group, n = 151, all with oligo- or amenorrhoea, aged (mean ± SD) 24.

New onset Addison's disease presenting as prolonged hyperemesis in early pregnancy.

Unlabelled: A 32-year-old Caucasian was admitted at 14 weeks of gestation with hypotension and weight loss. Family members noted that she appeared "tired" prior to pregnancy Past medical history included primary hypothyroidism treated with thyroxine (100 microg/day). She had a healthy daughter aged 2.

Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 and their inhibitors in women with glucose intolerance in pregnancy and normal controls.

Aim: Matrix metalloprotenases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes active in inflammatory states. We have examined MMP-9, MMP-2, and their respective tissue inhibitors: TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in sera of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and various degrees of insulin resistance (IR) in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Methods: Fasting serum levels of MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were measured in 26th-28th week of gestation in 51 women divided according to their response to a 50-g glucose challenge test (GCT) and a 75-g OGTT: controls (n = 20): both tests normal; the GDM group (n = 16) both tests abnormal; the intermediate group (IG; n = 15) abnormal GCT and normal OGTT.

Gelatinase A (MM-2), gelatinase B (MMP-9) and their inhibitors (TIMP 1, TIMP-2) in serum of women with endometriosis: Significant correlation between MMP-2, MMP-9 and their inhibitors without difference in levels of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in relation to the severity of endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a highly prevalent gynecological condition, where the formation of endometriotic foci is linked with locally increased activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that raised serum levels of MMPs might reflect the severity of endometriosis. We compared serum levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9, and of their tissue inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, in infertile women, matched for age and body mass index, with either mild (stage I, END-I; n = 15) or severe endometriosis (stage IV, END-IV; n = 22).

Visfatin levels do not change after the oral glucose tolerance test and after a dexamethasone-induced increase in insulin resistance in humans.

Unlabelled: INTRODUCTION, MATERIAL AND METHODS: Visfatin is a cytokine, mainly expressed in visceral fat, that exerts insulin-mimicking effects in rodents through activation of an insulin receptor, although the binding-site is distinct from that of insulin. However, the mechanisms that regulate visfatin synthesis are still not fully understood. In particular, it is not clear whether short-term glucose-induced hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia as well as a glucocorticoid-induced increase in insulin resistance are reflected in appreciable alterations in serum visfatin levels in humans.

[Comparison of assessing the patency of the Fallopian tubes during laparoscopy and during hysterosalpingography on television in infertile women with endometriosis].

Objectives: Sterility become nowadays not only medical, but as well socio-economic problem. One of its major causes is endometriosis. Recurrent adnexitis--one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis might be the cause of fallopian tubes occlusion.

[The implantation of bipolar coagulation to remove endometriosis foci].

The paper compares the results of bipolar coagulation bey means of ERBE ICC 300 diatermy coagulator and WISAP endocoagulator. The results of both types of coagulation were assessed with reference to the changes occurring on peritoneum ligamenti sacro-uterini, Douglas pouch and ovary. The best results of endometriosis foci coagulation were obtained with bipolar ball at 20-30 W; no side effects or feelings of malaise were observed in patients just after the operation or over a longer period of convalescence.

[Intraoperative phlebography in the diagnosis of varicocele].

We studied 42 infertile men, who had been surgically treated with modified Palomo method, with intraoperative phlebography of single or multiple testicular veins. We evaluated the efficacy of the performed procedure as well as the presence of other ways of recoil outflow and the connections between the venous vessels of the right testis. In 42 cases surgically treated men with varicocele only in 4 cases the varicocele have been observed additionally on the right side.

[Influence of intratesticular injections of tamoxifen on spermatogenesis and testosterone secretion in the rat].

Three groups of adult Wistar rats were injected every second day with: 5 or 10 or 20 micrograms of tamoxifen (Tx) to the right testis. Left testis was injected with the same volume of solvent. Control group received the solvent for Tx.

[Tamoxifen and spermatogenesis in rats subjected to effects of estradiol].

During 14 subsequent days male Wistar rats received subcutaneously 50 micrograms of EB and different doses of tamoxifen intratesticularly. Action of EB was examined by comparison with the group, which received the solvent for EB only. EB caused the reduction in the mean testis weight, degenerative changes of germinal cells and decrease of blood testosterone level to undetectable values.

[Evaluation of semen quality after freezing at the temperature of liquid nitrogen using a modification of two different methods].

Spermatozoon survival rate was analysed after freezing at the temperature of liquid nitrogen (-196 degrees C) with the application of three different cryoprotector substances, vitelline and non-vitelline. A modified method, based on the use of sperm cells of small diameter, was introduced in freezing semen. The best results were achieved while using non-vitelline, multi-ionic cryoprotector.

[Cooperation of the physician--gynecology and psychology in treating infertility].

The paper gives an overview of basic principles of cooperation between gynaecologists in infertility treatment. The authors experience in dealing with patients requesting donor insemination is presented. The outline of psychological consultation in such cases is given.

[X-ray diagnosis of the female reproductive organs using the authors' method].

The authors describe their own method of the dynamic hysterosalpingography using the self-constructed hydraulic hystero-infusing pump. The diagnostic procedure's remote control system allows to avoid superfluous of radiation.

[Does treatment with antiestrogens in men with oligozoospermia influence the course of pregnancy in infertile married women].

Study aimed at obtaining answer to the question if antiestrogenic treatment (tamoxifen or clomiphene) of men having oligozoospermia has an impact on the pregnancy course. The pregnancy courses were live analysed of 34 healthy women, who had been treated with the artificial insemination by husband, having received tamoxifen or clomiphene. No important distinction in the pregnancy courses were found.