“
“The effects of aluminum (Al) exposure on reproductive functions of male rats were investigated. Forty male Wistar rats (4 weeks old) weighing 75-95 g were randomly divided into four groups and orally exposed to 0 (control group GC), 64.18 (low-dose group GL), 128.36 (middle-dose group GM), and 256.72 (high-dose group GH) mg/kg aluminum trichloride in drinking water for 120 days. The levels of testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined

by radioimmunoassay. The androgen receptor (AR) expressions in testes were detected selleck chemical respectively by immunohistochemistry and time quantitative PCR. Results showed that the levels of T and LH in GM and GH were lower than those in GC (P < 0.05), but there were no significant changes in FSH level in all Al-treated groups (P > 0.05). selleck chemicals AR protein expressions in GM and GH were lower than those in GC (P < 0.05), and

there was a dose-response relationship between Al-exposure doses and AR protein expressions. The levels of AR mRNA expressions were lower in all Al-treated groups than those of GC (P < 0.05). The results indicate that Al can cause endocrinal disorders and interfere with AR expression, which suppresses development and functional maintenance of the testes.”
“Background and Aim: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a general population in Taiwan.\n\nMethods: A validated symptom questionnaire, the Chinese GERD questionnaire, was utilized to determine the prevalence of GERD within a community in Taiwan. A cut-off value for GERD diagnosis was a total score >= 12. Additionally,

demographic data, including sex, age, body mass index, and consumption of tobacco and alcohol, were recorded, and a logistic regression analysis was conducted to search the independent risk factors for the development of GERD in a general population.\n\nResults: In total, 1238 residents were recruited for this study. The monthly frequencies of heartburn, epigastric acidic discomfort, and acid regurgitation were 4.4%, 3.7%, and 2.9%, respectively. PXD101 The GERD prevalence was 25% in the community. The multivariate analysis showed that female sex and age of 40-49 years and 50-59 years were independent risk factors related to the development of GERD, with odd ratios of 1.71, 3.65, and 2.41, respectively (95% confidence intervals: 1.26-2.34, 1.62-8.21, and 1.11-2.54, respectively).\n\nConclusions: GERD has become a common disorder in the general population in Taiwan. Female sex and age of 40-49 years and 50-59 years are risk factors for the development of GERD within a community.”
“McArdle disease (MD) is a metabolic myopathy due to myophosphorylase deficiency.