Human sperm created, claim scientists

Scientists have claimed to have created human sperm, which they say could lead to new treatment for male infertility.

The sperm was grown in a laboratory in Newcastle, England, from embryonic stem cells. Led by Professor Karim Nayernia, the researchers developed a method of growing early-stage sperm from human embryonic stem cells by using retinoic acid, a vitamin A derivative.

They found that about 20 per cent of the cells produced early-stage sperm cells or spermatagonia and, after further culture, they could see a number of cells continue to split and divide.

The breakthrough, they said came when some cells continued to grow, elongating and growing a tail that caused them to move, and forming recognizable sperm cells.

Professor Nayernia of Newcastle University and the North East England Stem Cell Institute (Nesci) described the cells as “fully mature, functional” sperm, which he called In Vitro Derived (IVD) sperm.

‘Important development’

He said:

“This is an important development as it will allow researchers to study in detail how sperm forms and lead to a better understanding of infertility in men – why it happens and what is causing it.

“This understanding could help us develop new ways to help couples suffering infertility so they can have a child which is genetically their own.

“It will also allow scientists to study how cells involved in reproduction are affected by toxins, for example why young boys with leukaemia who undergo chemotherapy can become infertile for life and possibly lead us to a solution.”

The scientist, who created mice sperm six years ago, using similar techniques, said he used four criteria to determine whether the cells he produced were sperm.

They were: the presence of proteins specific to sperm, one of which is located in the tail and very important for activating egg division; chromosome analysis, which showed that the sperm produced contained 23 chromosomes or half of the chromosome set- this is specific to sperm cells; the shape of the sperm, which has a tail and a head; and finally the movement of the sperm – “we could clearly see the movement of the sperm using the tail”.

But his findings, published in the academic journal stem cell and development, were met by a barrage of criticism from other scientists, who said further research was needed to determine the authenticity of his claims.

Dr. Allan Pacey of the University of Sheffield, England, said: “As a sperm biologist of 20 years experience, I am unconvinced from the data presented in this paper that the cells….. Produced by Professor Nayernia’s group can be accurately called ‘spermotozoa’”.

After watching a video clip of the cells, he said that while they possessed “some of the distinctive genetic features and molecular markers seen in sperm,” there were other characteristics of human sperm that were not described in the paper, while the footage “did not have sufficient resolution” for him to properly assess how the sperm was moving, another indicative factor of sperm behaviour.

Professor Azim Surani, a specialist in physiology and reproduction at the University of Cambridge, observed that the cells should be tested to find out how they developed inside an animal egg.

“These sperm-like cells made in a dish from embryonic stem cells are a long way from being authentic sperm cells,” he said.

Professor Robin Lovell Badge from the U.K.’s Medical Research Council Institute of Medical Research said, “The findings need much better evidence that such in-vitro derived sperm are normal.” But he added that any progress by the team “will be very important for research” and “ultimately, although definitely not yet, fertility treatments”.

Professor Nayernia responded by saying that his research paper was clearly labeled a “proof of principle,” which concluded that it was in its early stages and further research was needed.

He added that his findings would not lead to human beings being produced “in a dish,” but were rather “a way of investigating why some people are infertile and the reasons behind it.”

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Ovarian cancer and it effects

Ovarian cancer is a kind of cancer that affects in the ovaries. Around 90 per cent of ovarian cancers begin on the outer covering of the ovary. This is referred as epithelial ovarian cancer. Ovaries are reproductive glands that found only in women over age 50, but it can also affect younger ones because they may have a family history of ovarian cancer. So women are more likely to suffer from this complication of cancer.

No one knows the exact causes of ovarian cancer. It is also the most common cancer in the women all over the world. Women with ovarian cancer have no signs of symptoms until the cancer has spread extensively. But ovarian cancer is hard to detect early and treat in its early stages. Hundreds of women die of the disease each year.

The early symptoms of ovarian cancer can include abdominal bloating, vomiting, abnormal periods, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss or gain, pelvic pain, gas, nausea, lower abdominal pain, loss of appetite, constipation and fatigue. These symptoms can also be well present in other common illnesses. It is important that the women experience any unusual or persistent symptoms, should contact the health care provider for further tests.

Ovarian cancer is commonly known as ‘the silent killer’ because it frequently causes non-specific symptoms and signs. Thus ends the treatment with poor and delay diagnosis. There are number of different types of treatment are used to treat ovarian cancer. The treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy. The treatment depends on the stage and severity of the disease, the type and size of the tumor, age and general health. Then the specialists will decide which treatment is suitable for their patients.

The patients should gather the informations about advantages and disadvantages of the treatment, or any significant risks and side effects of the treatment and how the treatment is likely to affect them for general well-being. It is because some cancer treatments are complex.

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Treatment for food poisoning

Food poisoning is more common to humans. It occurs because of the consumption of food with the presence of bacteria, parasites, viruses, toxins or chemicals. It occurs at any stages of both men and women. The symptoms of this severe illness include vomiting, diarrhea, headache and adnominal cramping. Most of the people recover on their own from food poisoning. But some of the patients have severe discus and require hospitalization for further treatment. It is a serious illness that may lead to death. So it is essential to visit physician if anyone experience food poisoning.

There are several treatments to give up food poisoning. (First, one should concentrate on healthy food habits for being healthy and wealthy). The treatment can vary from person to person because it depends on the type of contaminant and the amount eaten. The patient may also experience fever, chills, bloody stools, and dehydration. It is important to prepare food clean and hygiene for food handless. They must wash their hands before and after cooking. This type of approach may reduce the risks of food poisoning.

Food poisoning can be treated at home when the patient is not affected seriously. They are not supposed to eat solid food and encourage drinking plenty of fluids. It is also best to avoid alcoholic, caffeinated and sugary drinks. It is reliable to recommended doctor for children with food poisoning. They can also always treat under doctor care. This can also damage immune system and nervous system and may encourage some diseases.

Medically it can be treated well under antibiotic treatment and aggressive dehydration. Anti-vomiting and diarrhea medications may also be given to the patients of food poisoning. Antibiotic are rare treatment for food prisoners. In some issues, antibiotic treatments can worsen the bad condition. Aggressive treatment is more essential to mushroom poisoning or eating foods contaminated with pesticides. These can be very serious and must require intensive care in the hospital.

Food poisoning can be prevented under the shopping of healthy items. One should concentrate on cooking raw meat, poultry and other food items. It is because that food particle may contain bacteria. It cannot be seen, smelled of tasted, which may present on any food. It is safe to store food in refuge sates and should check out the temperature of every food particles. It is fine to use cooked leftovers within four days. Safe cooking and safe storage of foods may reduce food poisoning of people.

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