Evaluation of Serum Testosterone, Progesterone, Seminal Antisperm Antibody, and Fructose Levels among Jordanian Males with a History of Infertility.

Due to the biochemical complexity of seminal fluid, we attempt to study the possible correlation between fructose, which is secreted under the effect of androgen hormone, and autoimmunity, which might play a role in varicocele associated infertility, in reducing sperm motility. Seminal fructose, antisperm antibodies (ASAs) and blood steroids hormones (testosterone and progesterone) levels were measured in 66 infertile males with varicocele and 84 without varicocele referred for fertility treatment. Seminal analysis was performed with biochemical measurements of seminal fructose and mixed agglutination reaction (MAR) for ASA.

Effects of dietary extra-virgin olive oil on behaviour and brain biochemical parameters in ageing rats.

The aim of the present study was to verify whether extra-virgin olive oil, a dietary component naturally containing phenolic antioxidants, has the potential to protect the brain from the deleterious effects of ageing. To accomplish this goal, we used male rats fed a high-energy diet containing either maize oil, or extra-virgin olive oil with high or low phenol content (720 or 10 mg total phenols/kg oil, corresponding to a daily dose of 4 or 0.05 mg total phenols/kg body weight, respectively) from age 12 months to senescence.

Methyl gallate is a natural constituent of maple (Genus Acer) leaves.

Methyl gallate was found in ethanolic extracts of red maple (Acer rubrum L.), silver maple (A. saccharinum L.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor is an ozone sensor in human skin.

Ozone, one of the main components of photochemical smog, represents an important source of environmental oxidative stress to which the skin is exposed, especially during smoggy and ozone-alert days. However, very little is known about the effects of ozone exposure on human skin. Here, we used normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) to determine the effects of attainable levels of ozone exposure on the family of cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms, which plays a determinant role in the biotransformation of many environmental pollutants.

Dietary extra-virgin olive oil rich in phenolic antioxidants and the aging process: long-term effects in the rat.

The aim of the present work was to verify whether extra-virgin olive oil, a food naturally containing phenolic antioxidants, has the potential to protect from the pro-aging effects of a high-calorie diet. Male rats were fed from age 12 months to senescence a high-calorie diet containing either corn oil (CO), or extra-virgin olive oil with high (H-EVOO) or low (L-EVOO) amounts of phenols. The prolonged high fat intake led to obesity, liver lipid degeneration and insulin resistance, which were not counteracted by high phenol intake.

Protective effect of pomegranate-derived products on UVB-mediated damage in human reconstituted skin.

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly its UVB (290-320 nm) component, is the primary cause of many adverse biological effects including photoageing and skin cancer. UVB radiation causes DNA damage, protein oxidation and induces matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Photochemoprevention via the use of botanical antioxidants in affording protection to human skin against UVB damage is receiving increasing attention.

Preconcentration and separation of iron, zinc, cadmium and mercury, from waste water using Nile blue a grafted polyurethane foam.

The present work describes a novel method for the incorporation of Nile blue A into polyurethane foam matrix. This foam material was found to be very suitable for the extraction of metal ions from aqueous solutions. The characterization of Nile blue A grafted foam and the effect of halide concentration, pH, shaking time, extraction isotherm and capacity have been investigated.

Silicon-mediated accumulation of flavonoid phytoalexins in cucumber.

ABSTRACT The controversial role of silicon in plant disease resistance, described mostly as a passive mechanical protection, has been addressed. Conclusive evidence is presented that silicon is involved in the increased resistance of cucumber to powdery mildew by enhancing the antifungal activity of infected leaves. This antifungal activity was attributable to the presence of low-molecular-weight metabolites.

A novel dietary flavonoid fisetin inhibits androgen receptor signaling and tumor growth in athymic nude mice.

Androgen receptor (AR)-mediated signaling plays an important role in the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa). Hormonal therapies, mainly with combinations of antiandrogens and androgen deprivation, are the mainstay treatment for advanced disease. However, emergence of androgen resistance largely due to inefficient antihormone action limits their therapeutic usefulness.

Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway by delphinidin, an anthocyanidin in pigmented fruits and vegetables.

Inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have generated considerable hope for cancer treatment, specifically for lung and breast cancers. Therefore, identification of a natural, nontoxic agent(s) as an inhibitor of EGFR is of considerable importance. Delphinidin, an anthocyanidin present in pigmented fruits and vegetables, possesses potent antioxidant and antiproliferative properties.

Lupeol inhibits growth of highly aggressive human metastatic melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo by inducing apoptosis.

Purpose: Poor prognosis of metastatic melanoma mandates the development of novel strategies for its treatment and prevention. In this study, the effect of lupeol, a diet-based triterpene, was determined on the growth and tumorigenicity of human melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo.

Experimental Design: Normal human melanocytes, and human metastatic (451Lu) and nonmetastatic (WM35) cells were treated with lupeol; its effect on growth, proliferation, and apoptosis were evaluated.

The changing pattern of consanguinity in a selected region of the Israeli Arab community.

The prevalence of consanguinity within the Israeli Arab community is relatively high, and is associated with high rates of inherited disorders that lead to a high frequency of morbidity and mortality. Data on consanguinity between couples were recorded during two periods (1980-1985 and 2000-2004) in relation to socioeconomic status of 4 selected villages. Two of the villages (A and B) are known to have high socioeconomic status, and the other two (C and D) are known to have low socioeconomic status.

Inhibition of UVB-mediated oxidative stress and markers of photoaging in immortalized HaCaT keratinocytes by pomegranate polyphenol extract POMx.

In recent years there has been an increase in use of botanicals with antioxidant properties as skin photoprotective agents. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit possesses strong antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties.

Prevalence and Clinical Features of Blastocystis hominis Infection among Patients in Sebha, Libya.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and seasonal variation, and to assess the clinical manifestations and treatment of blastocystosis in Libyan patients.

Methods: Three thousand six hundred and forty five stool samples were screened for Blastocystis hominis using normal saline and iodine solution preparations. The clinical features of 108 patients were described, in whom B.

Leptin levels in Arabs with primary hyperthyroidism.

Background: The aim of this report was to study leptin status in hyperthyroid men and women (prior to and after medical treatment) and in matched controls in Arabs.

Subjects And Methods: Twenty-nine hyperthyroid patients (19 women and 10 men) and 32 controls (20 women and 12 men) matched for age, ethnic status and body mass index (BMI) were studied. The patients were studied at the time of diagnosis and six months after antithyroid treatment with carbimazole-titrating dose, which rendered them euthyroid.

Delphinidin, an anthocyanidin in pigmented fruits and vegetables, protects human HaCaT keratinocytes and mouse skin against UVB-mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Solar UV radiation, in particular its UVB component, is the primary cause of many adverse biological effects, the most damaging of which is skin cancer. Here, we assessed the photochemopreventive effect of delphinidin, a major anthocyanidin present in many pigmented fruits and vegetables, on UVB-mediated responses in human immortalized HaCaT keratinocytes and SKH-1 hairless mouse skin. We found that pretreatment of cells with delphinidin (1-20 microM for 24 hours) protected against UVB (15-30 mJ/cm2, 24 hours)-mediated (i) decrease in cell viability and (ii) induction of apoptosis.

Sustained production of the labile pheromone component, (Z,Z)-6,9-heneicosadien-11-one, from a stable precursor for monitoring the whitemarked tussock moth.

The principal sex pheromone component of the whitemarked tussock moth (WMTM), Orgyia leucostigma, was recently identified as (Z,Z)-6,9-heneicosadien-11-one (Z6Z9-11-one-21Hy). However, it is thermally unstable and quickly degrades under field conditions so that baited traps are effective for only one night. We have developed a solution to this problem that combines two techniques: (1) the use of a stable pheromone precursor, (Z,Z)-6,9-heneicosadien-11-one ethylene ketal, which is hydrolyzed to the dienone by an acidic aqueous solution (2% p-toluenesulfonic acid in 35% aqueous sorbitol), and (2) use of a small, off-the-shelf, autonomous pump (the Med-e-Cell Infu-disktrade mark) to deliver the precursor continuously to a suitable substrate where it is converted rapidly into the attractive dienone pheromone component.

Steroidogenic alterations and adrenal androgen excess in PCOS.

Background: This cross-sectional study was undertaken to improve our understanding of the steroidogenic alterations leading to adrenal hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: Two-hundred and thirty-four women with clinical and biochemical features suggestive of PCOS underwent metabolic and hormonal evaluation. We used the androstenedione/DHEAS ratio as a surrogate for the level of ovarian 3betaHSD activity.

Effects of treatment of hyperthyroidism on glucose homeostasis, insulin secretion, and markers of bone turnover.

Objective: To study glucose and bone metabolism in hyperthyroidism, assess their changes after treatment, and investigate their interrelationships.

Methods: Thirty patients with hyperthyroidism matched with 32 normal control subjects were studied. After a 10- to 12-hour overnight fast, blood samples were collected for measurement of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and intact proinsulin levels as well as for measurement of bone markers: serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin, and procollagen type I C-terminal peptide (PICP) as markers of bone formation and serum C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) as a marker of bone resorption.

Ovarian steroids modulate neuroendocrine dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Objective: Neuroendocrine dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was addressed by studying the steroid hormone changes in women with PCOS with either high or normal LH levels leading to inferences regarding the primacy of elevated LH in the pathophysiology of PCOS.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed in an academic clinical facility involving 234 women with PCOS. Patients were divided into two groups based on an LH/FSH ratio < or >1 and hormonal and metabolic studies were performed in both groups.

Antioxidant polyphenols in almond and its coproducts.

Antioxidant efficacy of defatted almond whole seed, brown skin, and green shell cover extracts was evaluated by monitoring inhibition of human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, inhibition of DNA scission, and metal ion chelation activities. The total phenolic contents of ethanolic extracts of brown skin and green shell cover of almond were 10 and 9 times higher than that of the whole seed, respectively. Brown skin extract at 50 ppm effectively inhibited copper-induced oxidation of human LDL cholesterol compared to whole seed and green shell cover extracts, which reached the same level of efficacy at 200 ppm.

Irregular cycles and steroid hormones in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Background: This cross-sectional study was undertaken to evaluate the factors that relate to menstrual status (oligo-amenorrhoea versus eumenorrhoea) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: A total of 234 women with clinical and biochemical features suggestive of PCOS underwent metabolic and hormonal evaluation. A forward stepwise logistic regression model was created based on the results to determine variables related to ovulatory status.

Impairment of sodium pump and Na/H exchanger in erythrocytes from non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus patients: effect of tea catechins.

Background: Tea catechins (EGCG, EGC, ECG and EC) possess many important biological properties. We evaluated the effect of tea catechins on erythrocyte membrane Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and sodium/hydrogen exchanger (NHE) activity in normal (control) and NIDDM subjects.

Methods: Erythrocyte membrane Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and NHE activity were determined in normal and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients.

Protective role of tea catechins against oxidation-induced damage of type 2 diabetic erythrocytes.

1. Oxidative stress is recognized as a major contributing factor for the development of late complications of diabetes. 2.

A flavanone and two phenolic acids from Chrysanthemum morifolium with phytotoxic and insect growth regulating activity.

Leaves of Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. Ramat were extracted sequentially with hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The methanol fraction, when incorporated into artificial diet was found to reduce the growth of cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni Hubner) larvae at concentrations between 500 and 5000 ppm of diet.