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BackgroundThis is the first study to investigate spermatozoal cell death-inducing DNA fragmentation factor-α-like effector A (CIDEA) gene expression and DNA fragmentations in the spermatozoa of men diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (MS) who have normal seminograms with unexplained infertility, and to correlate these parameters with seminal glucose concentration.MethodsThis study included 120 participants: 75 male subjects with MS (38 fertile and 37 infertile), and a control group of 45 fertile males without MS. HOMA-IR, semen analysis, and biochemical measurement of seminal plasma insulin and glucose levels were carried out. Spermatozoal insulin gene and CIDEA gene expressions were performed by the RT-PCR method. The percentage of spermatozoal DNA fragmentation was also estimated.ResultsThe spermatozoal insulin and CIDEA gene expression, as well as the DNA fragmentation, were significantly higher in the infertile MS group than in the fertile MS group, and significantly higher in both the MS groups than in the control group. Seminal glucose concentration showed significant positive correlations with seminal insulin level, spermatozoa insulin, CIDEA gene expression, and DNA fragmentation. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between spermatozoa CIDEA gene expression and DNA fragmentation.ConclusionsIt can be concluded that MS may affect male fertility at the molecular level, through its possible inducing effect of spermatozoa CIDEA and insulin gene expression, DNA fragmentation, and increased seminal glucose.

Introduction:Hair loss is a common and distressing problem that can affect both males and females of all ages. Chronic telogen effluvium (CTE) is idiopathic diffuse scalp hair shedding of at least 6 months duration. Hair loss can be one of the symptoms of metal toxicity. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are highly toxic metals that can cause acute and chronic health problems in human. The aim of the present study is to determine if there is a relationship between these metals and CTE in women and if CTE is also associated with changes in zinc (Zn) or iron (Fe) blood levels.Materials and Methods:Pb, Cd, Fe and Zn total blood levels were determined in 40 female patients fulfilling the criteria of CTH and compared with total blood levels of same elements in 30 well-matched healthy women.Results:Quantitative analysis of total blood Fe, Zn, Pb and Cd revealed that there were no significant differences between patients and controls regarding Fe, Zn, and Pb. Yet, Cd level was significantly higher in patients than controls. In addition, Cd level showed significant positive correlation with the patient's body weight.Conclusion:Estimation of blood Pb and Cd levels can be important in cases of CTE as Cd toxicity can be the underlying hidden cause of such idiopathic condition.

Vitiligo is acquired depigmentation due to multiple factors. Vitamin D in skin, through its receptors (VDR), regulates cell growth, differentiation, immune response and exerts both stimulatory and protective effects on melanocytes. The gene sequence encoding VDR has polymorphic forms such as ApaI and TaqI that may affect vitamin D actions. Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy became the mainstay of vitiligo treatment because of its efficacy and little side effects. The current work aimed at evaluating the possible association between VDR gene polymorphisms (TaqI and ApaI) and susceptibility of vitiligo and if they could be predictors of response to NB-UVB phototherapy in Egyptian vitiligo patients. 100 vitiligo patients indicated for NB-UVB phototherapy and 100 healthy age and sex matched controls were included. All participants were subjected to history taking, general and dermatological examinations, and VDR ApaI and TaqI gene polymorphisms analysis by PCR–RFLP. The patients received NB-UVB 3times per week for 6 months then revaluated. There was significant increase in Aa genotype of ApaI polymorphism in patients associated with significant increase in vitiligo activity. 66% of patient showed variable degrees of response to NB-UVB. The responders significantly had AA genotype of ApaI polymorphism. TaqI polymorphism showed nonsignificant effects on vitiligo susceptibility and response to NB-UVB. A allele of ApaI was significant independent predictor of NB-UVB phototherapy responders. VDR gene polymorphism (ApaI) may share in vitiligo pathogenesis and response to NB-UVB. Knowing the genetic background of the patient helps individualization of treatment to get better results.