Increased levels of redox-active iron in follicular fluid: a possible cause of free radical-mediated infertility in beta-thalassemia major

Article Abstract:

The infertility experienced by women with beta-thalassemia major may be a result of damage from oxygen free radicals associated with excess iron in the reproductive organs. Beta-thalassemia major causes severe anemia and a hyperactive spleen. Researchers measured levels of ferritin, iron, copper, and redox-active iron ions in three ovum-containing follicles from a patient with beta-thalassemia major and compared them to levels in follicles from nine normal patients. Follicle fluid from the beta-thalassemia patient showed increased levels of total iron, ferritin, and redox-active iron ions. Such increases may predispose a patient to damage to the ovaries caused by oxygen free radicals. Even though this patient had received iron-reducing treatments since childhood, oxygen free radical damage still occurred.

Author: Reubinoff, Benjamin E., Har-El, Ronit, Kitrossky, Nahum, Friedler, Shevach, Levi, Ruth, Lewin, Aby, Chevion, Mordechai
Causes of, Complications and side effects, Physiological aspects, Infertility, Free radicals (Chemistry), Free radicals, Thalassemia

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Measurement of obstetric conjugate by ultrasonic tomography and its significance

Article Abstract:

Ultrasound can be used to measure the obstetric conjugate. The obstetric conjugate is the distance from the pregnant woman's pubic bone to her sacrum, which is the end of the spine. The smaller this distance is, the harder it will be for the baby to go through the birth canal. X-rays can measure this distance, but they could harm the baby. Researchers used ultrasound to measure the distance in 209 pregnant women. Half of the 12 women with an obstetric conjugate less than five inches had to have a cesarean, compared to only 7% of those with a larger obstetric conjugate.

Author: Katanozaka, Mari, Yoshinaga, Mitsuhiro, Fuchiwaki, Kazuo, Nagata, Yukihiro
Usage, Ultrasound imaging, Diagnosis, Measurement, Medical examination, Pregnant women, Dystocia, Pelvimetry

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