Immunology of THymectomy And childhood CArdiac transplant (ITHACA): protocol for a UK-wide prospective observational cohort study to identify immunological risk factors of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) in thymectomised children.

Introduction: Paediatric heart transplant patients are disproportionately affected by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) compared with other childhood solid organ recipients. The drivers for this disparity remain poorly understood. A potential risk factor within this cohort is the routine surgical removal of the thymus-a gland critical for the normal development of T-lymphocyte-mediated antiviral immunity-in early life, which does not occur in other solid organ transplant recipients.

A Review on the Impact of Oxidative Stress and Medicinal Plants on Leydig Cells.

Leydig cells are essential for steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. An imbalance in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the cellular antioxidant level brings about oxidative stress. Oxidative stress (OS) results in the dysfunction of Leydig cells, thereby impairing steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and ultimately, male infertility.

Transplantation for congenital heart disease is associated with an increased risk of Epstein-Barr virus-related post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in children.

Background: Children undergoing heart transplant are at higher risk of developing post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) than other solid organ recipients. The factors driving that risk are unclear. This study investigated risk factors for PTLD in children transplanted at 1 of 2 United Kingdom pediatric cardiac transplantation centers.

Androgenic effect of aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera on Leydig TM3 cells in vitro.

Moringa oleifera (MO) is an excellent source of dietary antioxidant. MO is used traditionally to enhance libido and as an aphrodisiac in the treatment of sexual dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the direct effect of aqueous leaf extract of MO on Leydig cell in vitro.

The role of infections and leukocytes in male infertility.

Declining birth rates are one of the problems facing society today. Male counterparts are responsible for about half of the infertility cases, and genitourinary tract infections may play a contributing role in approximately 15% of male infertility cases. Leukocytospermia is an established indicator of infection in the male urogenital tract, although other microorganisms such as bacteria and virus may also be contributors to the etiology of male infertility.