Avik Bhattacharyya

Human sperm DNA integrity in normal and abnormal semen samples and its correlation with sperm characteristics.

Reports indicate an increase in the incidence of DNA fragmentation in male factor infertility and its role in the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). However, reports are conflicting between the relationships of sperm DNA integrity with conventional semen parameters. We examined the relationship between conventional sperm parameters and DNA integrity using acridine orange (AO) test. The study included 373 patients and 28 fertile volunteers. DNA normality was compared with semen parameters between the patient and donor populations. Significant correlations were noted between DNA normality and sperm concentration (r = 0.18, P = 0.000), motility (r = 0.21, P = 0.0001), rapid motility (0.19, P = 0.000), normal morphology by World Health Organization (r = 0.15, P = 0.019) and head defects (r = −0.15, P = 0.023). A significant difference was noted in AO levels between donors and patients with asthenozoospermia (P = 0.002) and oligoasthenozoospermia (P = 0.001). A significant difference in DNA integrity was noted in samples having <30% and >30% normal morphology. A wide range of % DNA normality was observed in the patient group. Sperm assessment for DNA status using AO is reliable and shows good correlation with sperm count, motility and morphology. Assessment of sperm DNA status with AO staining may be helpful prior to ART.

Studies on the Coagulational Characteristics of Human Ejaculates

Summary:  To study coagulation of human ejaculates, fresh semen samples were classified into coagulated (CG), fully‐gelified (FG), partly‐gelified (PG) and liquid (LQ) groups. The groups were identified physically, morphologically and biochemically. Physically and biochemically, there was no essential difference between the CG and FG ejaculates, but they differed markedly from those of the PG and LQ samples. Coagulation did not occur in ejaculates showing decreased vesicular activities. PG and LQ ejaculates demonstrated significantly higher prostatic activities from those of the CG and FG samples.

CASA‐based sperm kinematics of environmental risk factor‐exposed human semen samples designated as normozoospermic in conventional analysis

This study was conducted after an initial epidemiological survey of patients in and around Calcutta, India, concerning their lifestyle history, degree of risk exposure and semen analysis based on conventional WHO criteria. It was found that a large group of exposed patients were showing normozoospermic semen parameters in conventional semen analysis. Hence, a selected group of subjects, designated as normozoospermic in routine analysis, but under risk factor exposure, were selected for a repeat computer aided semen analysis (CASA) and were compared with a control group. The parameters considered among CASA results were: curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight‐line velocity, average path velocity (VAP), straightness index (STR), lateral head displacement (ALH) and beat cross frequency. The results depict a significant decline in the mean values of VCL (P = 0.029) and STR (P = 0.007) in the tobacco‐exposed group when compared with the unexposed group. On the other hand, there was a significant decline in the mean values of VCL (P = 0.014) and ALH (P = 0.040) in the heavy metal‐exposed group when compared with the unexposed group. The other parameters did not show significant change in either group. Semen samples that had been designated normozoospermic in conventional analysis were seen to be influenced by risk factors at the level of sperm motion kinetics.

Some Preliminary Observations on the Liquefaction of Human Semen

Summary:  Liquefaction of human semen in vitro was studied by scanning electron microscopy, determinations of total protein, free amino acid and phosphate and by correlation analysis. During liquefaction of the coagulum, its fibers were transformed into globular bodies that fused to form the homogeneous liquefied semen. It was found that the parts of the ejaculate taking more time to liquefy possessed higher concentration of protein than those of the parts liquefied earlier, a relation also appeared to exist with the whole ejaculates. Release rate of phosphate during macroscopic lysis and free reducing sugar level of ejaculates demonstrated significant negative correlations with liquefaction time which could be shortened using reductants.

Aminopeptidase in human seminal plasma.

Summary:  Aminopeptidase of seminal plasma was studied in normozoospermic, oligozoospermic, obstructive and non‐obstructive azoospermic men. Significantly higher activity was observed in non‐obstructive azoospermic patients than that of other three groups. L‐Alanine β‐naphthylamide hydrochloride was found to have highest hydrolysis rate in comparison to various other aminoacyl β‐naphthylamide hydrochlorides which were used for determining substrate specificity. 50% inhibitions of the enzyme activity by EDTA and 1,10‐phenanthroline were obtained at 5.77 × 10−3 M and 3.13 × 10−6 M concentrations respectively. A single band for aminopeptidase in the activity — gel electrophoresis was obtained for all the categories of seminal plasma and the enzyme exhibited the characteristics of metalloprotein.

Surgical Management of Cystic Duct Stump Stone or Gall Bladder Remnant Stone

Retained calculi in the cystic duct or gall bladder remnant can present as a post-cholecystectomy problem. Increased suspicion is necessary to diagnose this condition in a symptomatic post-cholecystectomy patient. Ultrasonography usually detects this condition, but magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is the test of choice for diagnosis as well as for surgical planning. Laparoscopic re-excision of the stump in most cases is feasible and safe. It is increasingly becoming the treatment of choice.

Groove pancreatitis presenting as recurrent acute pancreatitis

A middle aged male presented with recurrent acute pancreatitis without any feature of extrahepatic biliary obstruction. Evaluation revealed mass in groove area with duodenal lumen compromise without any features of chronic pancreatitis. He underwent classical Whipple′s operation with the suspicion of periampullary tumor but histopathology was suggestive of groove pancreatitis ruling out malignancy. This case is first case to report recurrent acute pancreatitis as presentation of groove pancreatitis.

Giant mucinous cystic neoplasms of pancreas and liver with unusual adipose tissue component: a case report

Simultaneous occurrence of pancreatic and hepatic mucinous cystic neoplasms is very rarely reported in the literature. We present a case with extensive fatty component of the pancreatic tumour arising from the head of the pancreas and attaining a huge size before being treated by Whipples pancreatoduodenectomy and subsequently by a right hepatectomy for the hepatic tumour.