glycogen and Genital-Diseases--Female

Chlamydia trachomatis can synthesize glycogen at various stages in its developmental cycle. The glycogen content of female genital epithelial cells was detected by anthrone, and the results were compared with those from PCR. A total of 320 cervical samples were examined. Of 92 specimens that were positive by PCR, 78 were positive and 14 were negative by the glycogen assay. Of 228 specimens that were negative by PCR, 220 were negative and 8 were positive by the glycogen assay. The sensitivity and specificity of the glycogen assay obtained from these data were 84.8% (78 of 92) and 96.5% (220 of 228), respectively. Use of the glycogen assay to detect the glycogen content in genital epithelial cells may be helpful in the diagnosis of C. trachomatis infection. This is an easy, fast, and inexpensive assay and can be done in less-sophisticated labs.

Topics: Cervix Uteri; Chlamydia Infections; Chlamydia trachomatis; Female; Genital Diseases, Female; Glycogen; Humans; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sensitivity and Specificity

Toxic effects of beryllium salts on the reproductive organs of cyclic adult female albino rats have been studied. An attempt was made to overcome these effects using an Ayurvedic medicine Liv-52 (Himalaya Drug Co., Bombay). Liv-52-primed rats (1 mL/rat/day for 15 days) were exposed to beryllium nitrate intravenously and were sacrificed at different time intervals. At autopsy ovary, uterus, cervix, and vagina were processed for biochemical and histopathologic examination. Histoarchitecture of the ovary, uterus, cervix, and vagina revealed severe necrotic changes with beryllium nitrate treatment. Tissue glycogen content and the activity of alkaline phosphatase were inhibited significantly after beryllium treatment. Total and esterified cholesterol levels increased significantly in these organs when exposed to beryllium salts. However, a significant improvement was observed in the biochemical parameters and histoarchitecture of these organs when beryllium was injected into Liv-52-primed animals.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Beryllium; Cervix Uteri; Cholesterol; Drug Combinations; Estrus; Female; Genital Diseases, Female; Genitalia, Female; Glycogen; Ovary; Plant Extracts; Proteins; Rats; Uterus; Vagina

Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Aminosalicylic Acids; Endometrium; Female; Genital Diseases, Female; Glycogen; Humans; Precancerous Conditions; Pregnancy; Staining and Labeling; Uterine Neoplasms

Topics: Acid-Base Equilibrium; Ammonium Chloride; Blood Transfusion; Female; Gastrointestinal Agents; Gastrointestinal Motility; Genital Diseases, Female; Glucocorticoids; Glycogen; Humans; Hysterectomy; Liver; Methods; Natriuresis; Nitrogen; Norepinephrine; Postoperative Care; Potassium; Sodium; Vagina; Vitamin B Complex; Water-Electrolyte Balance

Topics: Blood Stains; Epithelial Cells; Female; Forensic Medicine; Genital Diseases, Female; Glycogen; Humans; Menstruation; Uterus