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Introduction: The human pre-implantation embryo metabolism is still widely unknown. Mass spectrometry is a very sensitive proteomic method to detect the entire spectrum of molecules in samples below 1 μL. Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption Ionisation – Time Of Flight (SELDI – TOF) mass spectrometry is a further advanced method to reduce overlapping signals from different substances. Material and Methods: A total of 22 different pre-implantation embryo supernatants (10 μL each) from 16 different single-cultured embryos were analyzed. From 6 embryos, supernatants were obtained both at day 3 and 5. Embryo stage was defined by microscopy. Different stages including arrested embryos, 4- or 8-cell stage, early and expanded blastocysts were investigated. SELDI combines a chip-based separation technology with mass spectrometry. All samples were fractioned by applying six different pH milieus and then exposed to chips with six differently coated surfaces. All fractions were analyzed on a mass spectrometer type ProteinChip System, Series 4000 (Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc.). Results: By comparing the protein profiles of the analyzed embryos the implemented bioinformatic software was able to classify blinded samples correctly into groups of embryos as defined by microscopy. The use of IMAC-chips (copper-coated) and CM10-chips (cation-exchange) led to highest resolution of peaks. Although the masses of numerous molecules in culture media are assessed by this method, the exact definition of substances needs application of further techniques. Conclusions: These first SELDI mass spectrometric analyses of embryo culture media demonstrate the capability of discriminating different stages of human pre-implantation embryos by their protein expression profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 46 patients showing mild or moderate hirsutism, and 49 age-matched regularly menstruating women without symptoms the following hormone and protein serum levels were measured: Total testosterone (T), free testosterone (fT), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), androstendione (ASN), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index (FAI) as expressed by the T/SHBG ratio, cortisol, Prolactin (PRL), LH/FSH ratio, 3 alpha-androstanediol glucuronide (ALG), basal and poststimulated 17-hydroxyprogesteron (17OH-P) and (in some cases) basal and poststimulated 11-deoxycortisol (S). The study was designed for exploring the diagnostic significance of these parameters and evaluating the extent to which they contribute in establishing the source of hyperandrogenism. The mean values of all but one (PRL) of the hormone and protein levels varied significantly from the controls, T, DHEAS, FAI and ALG showing the greatest differences. Most frequently elevations of T, DHEAS, and FAI values were established, the levels of which exhibited a highly significant correlation. In 96% of the hirsute women the elevation of 1 to 3 of these parameters was demonstrated. FAI was shown to be associated with a higher diagnostic accuracy than did SHBG or fT. In 9/43 patients increased values of ALG were found, which as an important metabolite of dihydrotestosterone reflects peripheral androgen activity, particularly of the skin. In every case these abnormal values were combined with elevated levels of other androgens (T, DHEAS, ASN). It is concluded from these limited data that an isolated elevation of ALG due to primary accentuation in 5 alpha-reductase is a rare or even non-existing occurrence.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Following an hymenal incision in a thirtheen years old patient a haemostaseological examination was done. A hyperfibrinolysis was supposed. In spite of a good clinical recovery values remained pathological, so we had to suspect a dysfibrinogenaemie. Only a rapid examination of all attainable family members was able to secure the diagnosis: Dysfibrinogenaemie. Dysfibrinogenaemia is not a to rare case, that such a diagnostic problem may arise in every department.

Two hundred seventy-three infertile women with disturbances of the menstrual cycle were treated with clomiphene citrate a level of 50 or 100 mg daily for 5 days, or even--in cases of therapeutic failure--of 150 or 200 mg daily. According to the experiences of other authors the results indicate that conception can be obtained in a rate between 35 and 40%. The frequent occurence of additional factors diminishing fertility, however, reduces this relatively favorable pregnancy rate to a level of 30% under the conditions of practice. Patients with ovulatory failures, secondary amenorrhoe associated with sufficient endogenic estrogen secretion, and luteal insufficiencies respond most favorably to clomiphene citrate. If the preovulatory cervical mucus reaction is missed, the additional application of an estrogen preparation, in cases of repeated luteal phase defects the combination of clomiphene with HCG is recommended.

In 29 patients suffering from adenocarcinom of the corpus uteri, who had been treated with high doses of norethisterone acetate (NEA) alone or in combination with irradiation, we performed a study in order to find out whether NEA will produce a clinically measurable and noteworthy modification of glucose tolerance. -- For this purpose, the glucose assimilation coefficient (k value), apart from its first determination, will be determined 6 weeks later under current therapy. The comparison of both values shows a statistically significant decrease of the k value after 6 weeks in all patients whose first value was k less than or equal to 1. For the patients with a first value of k greater than 1 a significant development was not detectable. The alteration of the k value under NEA therapy in patients with a primarily decreased value (n = 11; in 5 of them diabetes known) was accompanied merely by 2 diabetics with changes in the day profile of such an extent that a correction of therapy was necessary.