Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in young men of reproductive age and its incidence is increasing globally. With the currently successful treatment and 95% survival rate, there is a need for deeper understanding of testicular cancer-related infertility. Most patients with testicular cancer experience semen abnormalities prior to cancer therapy. However, the exact mechanism of the effect of testicular cancer on sperm anomalies is not known. Mitochondria are organelles that play a crucial role in both tumorigenesis and spermatogenesis and their malfunction may be an important factor resulting in sperm abnormalities in testicular cancer patients. Within the scope of this review, we will discuss current knowledge of testicular cancer-related alterations in the ATP production pathway, a possible pathophysiological switch from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis, as well as the role of oxidative stress promoting sperm dysfunction. In this regard, the review provides a summary of the impact of testicular cancer on sperm quality as a possible consequence of impaired mitochondrial function including the energy metabolic pathways that are known to be altered in the sperm of testicular cancer patients.
The Cow's Milk-related Symptom Score (CoMiSS) is an awareness tool for evaluating cow's milk-related symptoms. Previous studies have focused on providing CoMiSS values for healthy and symptomatic infants aged 0-6 months. However, there is a notable gap in the literature concerning CoMiSS values for infants older than 6 months. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine CoMiSS values in presumed healthy infants who have completed 6 months and are up to 12 months old, hereafter referred to as 6 to 12 months old. Physicians from six European countries prospectively determined CoMiSS values in infants attending well-child clinics. Exclusion criteria included preterm delivery, acute or chronic disease, and the consumption of a therapeutic formula, dietary supplements (except vitamins), or medication. The following information was collected: gestational age, gender, age, type of feed (breast milk or infant formula), and complementary feeding. Descriptive statistics were summarized with mean and standard deviation for normally distributed continuous variables, median and IQR for non-normally distributed variables, and differences in CoMiSS values were analyzed with appropriate tests. Data from 609 infants were obtained. The overall median (Q1-Q3) CoMiSS values were 3 (1-5). Significant differences were found across age groups (p < 0.001), but not across groups based on gender (p = 0.551) or feeding type (p = 0.880). Conclusions: This study provided CoMiSS values in presumed healthy infants aged 6-12 months. Additional studies should be conducted to establish the use of CoMiSS to assess cow's milk-related symptoms in infants 6 months and older. What is Known: • The Cow's Milk-related Symptom Score (CoMiSS) is an awareness tool for evaluating symptoms related to cow's milk. • CoMiSS values for presumed healthy infants aged 0-6 months infants are already available. What is New: • CoMiSS values in European infants aged 6-12 months are provided. • These CoMiSS values differed across various age groups but not across groups based on gender or feeding type.
- MeSH
- alergeny MeSH
- alergie na mléko * diagnóza MeSH
- kojenec MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mateřské mléko MeSH
- mléko * MeSH
- náhražky mateřského mléka MeSH
- novorozenec MeSH
- průřezové studie MeSH
- skot MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- kojenec MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- novorozenec MeSH
- skot MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
As an important source of human food, milk can be a carrier of human pathogenic bacteria, including tuberculous and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), in its raw and unpasteurized state. In this research, 175 raw milk samples and 175 traditional cheese samples were collected from traditional dairy stores in 22 regions of Tehran in a 9- month period from August 2019 to May 2020. Samples were prepared and transferred to a specialized laboratory, where they were inoculated in Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) medium containing glycerol or sodium pyruvate, as well as Herrold's egg-yolk with and without Mycobactin J. to determine the sample's identity of samples. The recommended 16S rRNA (1436 bp) and hsp65 (644 bp) gene fragments from the positive isolates identified in Ziehl-Neelsen (Z-N) staining were amplified and sequenced using PCR and compared with the sequences of the gene fragments of reference strains available in the global GenBank database. No mycobacterial species were isolated from traditional cheese samples in microbial culture. In case of raw milk samples, a total of four bacteria were collected, all of which were found in the genetic differential testing to be NTM, including n = 1 Mycobacterium heraklionense, n = 2 Mycolicibacterium fortuitum, and n = 1 Mycobacterium thermoresistibile. The analysis of the results obtained by isolate sequencing using the 16S rRNA gene showed higher discriminatory power and percentage similarities in the identification of the isolates than the hsp65 gene.
- MeSH
- atypické mykobakteriální infekce * mikrobiologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mléko mikrobiologie MeSH
- netuberkulózní mykobakterie genetika MeSH
- RNA ribozomální 16S genetika MeSH
- sýr * mikrobiologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Írán MeSH
Following the COVID-19 infection, the sternum dislocation and wound dehiscence resulted in an infection complicating the recovery of an immunosuppressed patient after bilateral lung transplantation. Anaerobic culture (96 h) of milky cloudy wound secretion resulted in the growth of pinpoint haemolytic colonies identified as Metamycoplasma hominis (formerly Mycoplasma hominis). The search for the endogenous source of the infection found the bacterium exclusively in the patient's sputum, making a possible link to donor lung M. hominis colonization. Unfortunately, the donor samples were no longer available. The wound infection was successfully treated with 17 days of clindamycin despite the continuous PCR detection of M. hominis in the sputum after the end of the treatment.
- MeSH
- antibakteriální látky terapeutické užití MeSH
- COVID-19 diagnóza MeSH
- hostitel s imunodeficiencí MeSH
- infekce chirurgické rány * mikrobiologie farmakoterapie diagnóza MeSH
- klindamycin terapeutické užití MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- Mycoplasma hominis * genetika izolace a purifikace MeSH
- mykoplazmové infekce * mikrobiologie diagnóza farmakoterapie MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 genetika izolace a purifikace MeSH
- sputum mikrobiologie MeSH
- transplantace plic * škodlivé účinky MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- kazuistiky MeSH
BACKGROUND: Bile salts of hepatic and microbial origin mediate interorgan cross talk in the gut-liver axis. Here, we assessed whether the newly discovered class of microbial bile salt conjugates (MBSCs) activate the main host bile salt receptors (Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 [TGR5] and farnesoid X receptor [FXR]) and enter the human systemic and enterohepatic circulation. METHODS: N-amidates of (chenodeoxy) cholic acid and leucine, tyrosine, and phenylalanine were synthesized. Receptor activation was studied in cell-free and cell-based assays. MBSCs were quantified in mesenteric and portal blood and bile of patients undergoing pancreatic surgery. RESULTS: MBSCs were activating ligands of TGR5 as evidenced by recruitment of Gsα protein, activation of a cAMP-driven reporter, and diminution of lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine release from macrophages. Intestine-enriched and liver-enriched FXR isoforms were both activated by MBSCs, provided that a bile salt importer was present. The affinity of MBSCs for TGR5 and FXR was not superior to host-derived bile salt conjugates. Individual MBSCs were generally not detected (ie, < 2.5 nmol/L) in human mesenteric or portal blood, but Leu-variant and Phe-variant were readily measurable in bile, where MBSCs comprised up to 213 ppm of biliary bile salts. CONCLUSIONS: MBSCs activate the cell surface receptor TGR5 and the transcription factor FXR and are substrates for intestinal (apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter) and hepatic (Na+ taurocholate co-transporting protein) transporters. Their entry into the human circulation is, however, nonsubstantial. Given low systemic levels and a surplus of other equipotent bile salt species, the studied MBSCs are unlikely to have an impact on enterohepatic TGR5/FXR signaling in humans. The origin and function of biliary MBSCs remain to be determined.
- MeSH
- játra metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- receptory cytoplazmatické a nukleární * metabolismus MeSH
- receptory spřažené s G-proteiny * metabolismus MeSH
- transkripční faktory MeSH
- žluč chemie MeSH
- žlučové kyseliny a soli * farmakologie metabolismus MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Často se přehlíží nepostradatelná úloha oligosacharidů obsažených v mateřském mléce pro správný vývoj novorozence. Mateřské mléko obsahuje více než 200 dosud identifikovaných struktur oligosacharidů s rozmanitými vlastnostmi. Prospěšné funkce oligosacharidů jsou reprezentovány jejich prebiotickým efektem, antiadhezivním a antimikrobiálním účinkem či vlivem na vývoj nervové soustavy a imunity dítěte. Cílem práce bylo sumarizovat a zmapovat poznatky budoucích matek pomocí dotazníkového šetření o prospěšnosti kojení, mateřského mléka, a především jeho oligosacharidů. Tento dotazník obsahoval celkem 15 otázek a rovněž informační pasáže, které edukovaly respondentky v rámci této problematiky. Dotazník vyplnilo 861 respondentek a při následném zpracování získaných informací bylo zjištěno s jakými informacemi maminky disponují před nástupem laktace či v jejím průběhu.
Human milk is a vital source of over 200 oligosaccharide structures contributing significantly to newborn development. Despite their essential role, these oligosaccharides often go unnoticed. Human milk oligosaccharides offer several benefits, including prebiotic, antiadhesive, and antimicrobial properties. They also play a crucial role in developing of a child's nervous system and immunity. The aim of the study was to summarize and map the knowledge of prospective mothers through a questionnaire survey on the benefits of breastfeeding, breast milk, and especially its oligosaccharides. The survey included 15 questions with educational passages. Eight hundred sixty-one female respondents provided several valuable insights into breast milk oligosaccharides' benefits before the onset of lactation or during it.
- MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- kojení MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mateřské mléko * MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- oligosacharidy * MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- těhotné ženy MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
BACKGROUND: Whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) have become standard methods in human clinical diagnostics as well as in population genomics (POPGEN). Blood-derived genomic DNA (gDNA) is routinely used in the clinical environment. Conversely, many POPGEN studies and commercial tests benefit from easy saliva sampling. Here, we evaluated the quality of variant call sets and the level of genotype concordance of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and small insertions and deletions (indels) for WES and WGS using paired blood- and saliva-derived gDNA isolates employing genomic reference-based validated protocols. METHODS: The genomic reference standard Coriell NA12878 was repeatedly analyzed using optimized WES and WGS protocols, and data calls were compared with the truth dataset published by the Genome in a Bottle Consortium. gDNA was extracted from the paired blood and saliva samples of 10 participants and processed using the same protocols. A comparison of paired blood-saliva call sets was performed in the context of WGS and WES genomic reference-based technical validation results. RESULTS: The quality pattern of called variants obtained from genomic-reference-based technical replicates correlates with data calls of paired blood-saliva-derived samples in all levels of tested examinations despite a higher rate of non-human contamination found in the saliva samples. The F1 score of 10 blood-to-saliva-derived comparisons ranged between 0.8030-0.9998 for SNVs and between 0.8883-0.9991 for small-indels in the case of the WGS protocol, and between 0.8643-0.999 for SNVs and between 0.7781-1.000 for small-indels in the case of the WES protocol. CONCLUSION: Saliva may be considered an equivalent material to blood for genetic analysis for both WGS and WES under strict protocol conditions. The accuracy of sequencing metrics and variant-detection accuracy is not affected by choosing saliva as the gDNA source instead of blood but much more significantly by the genomic context, variant types, and the sequencing technology used.
- MeSH
- DNA genetika MeSH
- exom MeSH
- genom lidský MeSH
- genomika MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- metagenomika * MeSH
- sekvenování celého genomu MeSH
- sekvenování exomu MeSH
- sliny * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
The quandary known as the Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) paradox is found at the juncture of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and 'andrological ignorance' - a term coined to denote the undervalued treatment and comprehension of male infertility. The prevalent use of ICSI as a solution for severe male infertility, despite its potential to propagate genetically defective sperm, consequently posing a threat to progeny health, illuminates this paradox. We posit that the meteoric rise in Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies holds the potential for a transformative shift in addressing male infertility, specifically by mitigating the limitations engendered by 'andrological ignorance.' We advocate for the urgent need to transcend andrological ignorance, envisaging AI as a cornerstone in the precise diagnosis and treatment of the root causes of male infertility. This approach also incorporates the identification of potential genetic defects in descendants, the establishment of knowledge platforms dedicated to male reproductive health, and the optimization of therapeutic outcomes. Our hypothesis suggests that the assimilation of AI could streamline ICSI implementation, leading to an overall enhancement in the realm of male fertility treatments. However, it is essential to conduct further investigations to substantiate the efficacy of AI applications in a clinical setting. This article emphasizes the significance of harnessing AI technologies to optimize patient outcomes in the fast-paced domain of reproductive medicine, thereby fostering the well-being of upcoming generations.
- MeSH
- asistovaná reprodukce MeSH
- intracytoplazmatické injekce spermie * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužská infertilita * diagnóza genetika terapie MeSH
- sperma MeSH
- umělá inteligence MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- dopisy MeSH
Exposure to bisphenols has been found to have adverse effects on male reproductive function in animals. Human exposure to bisphenols is widespread. Bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues, including bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol AF (BPAF) are utilized in various consumer products such as food contact materials and dental resins. The effects of these compounds on male fertility and spermatogenesis are unclear and findings from human studies are inconsistent. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the influence of BPA, BPS, BPF, BPAF (BPs) measured in semen on number of spermatozoa, total motility, progressive motility, morphology, and DNA fragmentation. We also examined the association of bisphenols (BPs) exposure with patients' occupation. A total of 358 patients aged 17-62 years with BMI 18-42 were included in the study from 2019 to 2021. BPs were extracted using solvent extraction followed by preconcentration step and determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MSMS). Bisphenols were detected in 343 from 349 analysed samples (98.3% of all the samples). In 6 samples, the concentration of all BPs was under the limit of detection and in 20 samples under the limit of quantification. We did not find a statistically significant relationship between occupation and BPs. However, we observed significant correlations between the concentration of BPA and a lower motility and normal morphology. For BPS, a significant correlation with a lower ejaculate volume and a lower total sperm count was found. BPF and BPAF were detected only in 14.3% and 23.9% of samples, respectively. For BPF and BPAF, no significant correlations with spermiogram parameters were observed. Our results show that BPs are widespread in the male population (more than 90% of analysed samples), independently of an occupation and in case of BPA and BPS having a negative impact on spermiogram parameters.
- MeSH
- benzhydrylové sloučeniny * toxicita analýza MeSH
- fenoly * MeSH
- fluorokarbony * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- průřezové studie MeSH
- sperma * MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
The fertilizing spermatozoa induce a Ca2+ oscillatory pattern, the universal hallmark of oocyte activation, in all sexually reproducing animals. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) bypass the physiological pathway; however, while a normal Ca2+ release pattern occurs in some species, particularly humans, artificial activation is compulsory for ICSI-fertilized oocytes to develop in most farm animals. Unlike the normal oscillatory pattern, most artificial activation protocols induce a single Ca2+ spike, undermining proper ICSI-derived embryo development in these species. Curiously, diploid parthenogenetic embryos activated by the same treatments develop normally at high frequencies and implant upon transfer in the uterus. We hypothesized that, at least in ruminant embryos, the oscillatory calcium waves late in the first cell cycle target preferentially the paternal pronucleus and are fundamentally important for paternal nuclear remodeling. We believe that Ca2+ signaling is central to full totipotency deployment of the paternal genome. Research in this area could highlight the asymmetry between the parental genome reprogramming timing/mechanisms in early development and impact ARTs like ICSI and cloning.
- MeSH
- cytoplazma metabolismus MeSH
- fertilizace MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- oocyty metabolismus MeSH
- sperma * metabolismus MeSH
- spermie metabolismus MeSH
- vápník * metabolismus MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH