OBJECTIVESTo construct the cancellous bone explant model and a method of culturing these bone tissues in vitro, and to investigate the effect of mechanical load on growth of cancellous bone tissue in vitro.

METHODSCancellous bone were extracted from rabbit femoral head and cut into 1-mm-thick and 8-mm-diameter slices under sterile conditions. HE staining and scanning electron microscopy were employed to identify the histomorphology of the model after being cultured with a new dynamic load and circulating perfusion bioreactor system for 0, 3, 5, and 7 days, respectively. We built a three-dimensional model using microCT and analyzed the loading effects using finite element analysis. The model was subjected to mechanical load of 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 με respectively for 30 minutes per day. After 5 days of continuous stimuli, the activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) were detected. Apoptosis was analyzed by DNA ladder detection and caspase-3/8/9 activity detection.

RESULTSAfter being cultured for 3, 5, and 7 days, the bone explant model grew well. HE staining showed the apparent nucleus in cells at the each indicated time, and electron microscope revealed the living cells in the bone tissue. The activities of AKP and TRAP in the bone explant model under mechanical load of 3000 and 4000 με were significantly lower than those in the unstressed bone tissues (all P<0.05). DNA ladders were seen in the bone tissue under 3000 and 4000 με mechanical load. Moreover, there was significant enhancement in the activities of caspase-3/8/9 in the mechanical stress group of 3000 and 4000 με(all P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe cancellous bone explant model extracted from the rabbit femoral head could be alive at least for 7 days in the dynamic load and circulating perfusion bioreactor system, however, pathological mechanical load could affect the bone tissue growth by apoptosis in vitro. The differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts might be inhibited after the model is stimulated by mechanical load of 3000 and 4000 με.

Acid Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Bone Development ; Caspases ; metabolism ; Finite Element Analysis ; Isoenzymes ; metabolism ; Male ; Rabbits ; Stress, Mechanical ; Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase ; X-Ray Microtomography

OBJECTIVE: The study was carried out on time limit of ACP and sperm positive-detected in mixed spot. METHODS: 600 vaginal swabs from living body after sexual intercourse were tested by routine and three-blindness methods. RESULTS: The longest time limit of ACP which was positively detected is 255 h, average time limit is 52 h, 41.3% of those samples was ACP-detected in positive degree (++). The longest time limit of sperm positively detected is 132 h, average time limit is 29 h. The number of sperms observed in 34.3% of those samples with positive result, is from 6 to 10/HP. CONCLUSION This study is helpful to forensic identification of sex cases.
Acid Phosphatase/analysis* ; Coitus ; Female ; Forensic Medicine ; Humans ; Male ; Spermatozoa ; Time Factors ; Vaginal Smears

The present study is the first report on the isolation of Penicillium menonorum from rhizosphere soil in Korea and its identification based on morphological characteristics and internal transcribed spacer gene sequence. The fungal isolate was named KNU-3 and was found to exhibit plant growth-promoting (PGP) activity through indole acetic acid (IAA) and siderophore production, as well as P solubilization. KNU-3 produced 9.7 mg/L IAA and solubilized 408 mg of Ca3PO4/L, and inoculation with the isolate significantly (p < 0.05) increased the dry biomass of cucumber roots (57%) and shoots (52%). Chlorophyll, starch, protein, and P contents were increased by 16%, 45%, 22%, and 14%, respectively, compared to plants grown in uninoculated soil. The fungus also increased soil dehydrogenase (30%) and acid phosphatase (19%) activities. These results demonstrate that the isolate KNU-3 has potential PGP attributes, and therefore it can be considered as a new fungus to enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth. Moreover, the discovery of PGP ability and traits of this fungus will open new aspects of research and investigations. In this study, plant growth promotion by P. menonorum KNU-3 is reported for the first time in Korea after its original description.
Acetic Acid ; Acid Phosphatase ; Biomass ; Chlorophyll ; Fertility ; Fungi* ; Korea ; Oxidoreductases ; Penicillium* ; Plants ; Rhizosphere ; Sequence Analysis ; Soil ; Starch

OBJECTIVETo investigate and analyze the results of the determination of sperm concentration, fructose concentration, alpha-glucosidase and acid phosphatase (ACP) activities in the seminal plasma from different hospitals in the city of Nanjing, so as to provide a basis for the external quality control (EQC) of semen analysis within Jiangsu Province or even the whole country.

METHODSEight samples of quality control products for low and high concentrations sperm count, fructose, alpha-glucosidase and ACP determination were prepared and divided, each detected for the sperm concentration, fructose, alpha-glucosidase and ACP activity, and the coefficient variances (CVs) were calculated. The products were then distributed to 11 hospitals in the city, and the results were collected and analyzed. In addition, the total relative errors (REs) for each product was calculated based on the results after dividing as reference values.

RESULTSThe CVs from the 8 samples after dividing were 3.83% - 11.16%. Collected from the 11 hospitals attending EQC were 11 reports of the results of sperm concentration, and 5 the results of fructose, alpha-glucosidase and ACP in seminal plasma. Among the results from different laboratories, those of fructose determination showed the minimal difference (CVs: 8.99% and 3.95% for low and high concentrations, respectively) , next came alpha-glucosidase (CVs: 16.66% and 18.41% for low and high activities, respectively), and ACP determination showed the maximal difference (CVs: 54.12% and 65.58% for low and high activities, respectively). Moreover, the same trend was observed in RE values, as shown in the total REs, which were 11.99% (low concentration) and 20.31% (high concentration) for the determination of fructose in seminal plasma, 22.92% and 27.26% for alpha-glucosidase, 7.34% and 318.35% for ACP in different laboratories, and the maximal RE value was detected in the result of the high-activity ACP sample. Of the 11 hospitals, 6 determined sperm concentration with the computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system, and the other 5 with the modified hemocytometer. RE values (148.47% and 187.59% for low and high concentration samples, respectively) and sperm concentrations ([62.74 +/- 16.63] x 10(6)/ml and [163.32 +/- 36.24] x 10(6)/ml) counted with the hemocytometer were significantly higher than those with the CASA system (REs 13.97% and 10.48%; sperm concentrations [24.88 +/- 4.16] x 10(6)/ml and [54.24 +/-23.06] x 10(6)/ml ).

CONCLUSIONThe methods of seminal alpha-glucosidase and fructose determination were relatively stable in current andrology laboratories, and the variance range could be accepted. However, the method of seminal ACP determination might be unadaptable to clinical application, and needs to be further improved. Hemocytometer, which significantly overestimated sperm concentration, could not be applied to the assay of sperm concentration.

Acid Phosphatase ; analysis ; China ; Humans ; Male ; Quality Control ; Semen ; enzymology ; Sperm Count ; standards ; Sperm Motility ; alpha-Glucosidases ; analysis

We analyzed the risk factors to the survival in 80 patients with advanced prostatic cancer who were managed in Seoul National University Hospital from 1979 to 1987. Variables were age, weight loss, hemoglobin, serum acid and alkaline phosphatase, pain, extent of metastasis on bone scan, Gleason`s sum metastatic site and treatment regimens. Univariate analysis using Logrank test and multivariate analysis of Cox`s proportional hazards regression model was performed. Median follow-up was 56 months (11-112) and median survival was 29 months in overall patients. The l, 3 and 5-year survival rate was 75%, 40%, and 17% respectively. In univariate analyses anemia, weight loss, Gleason`s sum, serum acid phosphatase, extent of metastasis on bone scan influenced the survival significantly(P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified anemia and weight loss as the most important factor, followed by Gleason`s sum and the serum acid phosphatase level. serum acid phosphatase level. Based on these prognostic factors we divided the patients into 2 groups: the low and high risk group, with median survival of 44 and 15 months, 3 year survival rate of 64% and 4%, respectively. These prognostic factors and grouping may be useful for anticipating the fate of individual patient and the biologic behavior of the tumor. The effective management could be planned according to these criteria.
Acid Phosphatase ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; Anemia ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Prostatic Neoplasms* ; Risk Factors ; Seoul ; Survival Rate ; Weight Loss

Human seminal plasma is rich in potential biological markers for male infertility and male reproductive system diseases, which have an application value in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility. The methods for the detection of semen biochemical markers have been developed from the manual, semi-automatic to the present automatic means. The automatic detection of semen biochemical markers is known for its advantages of simple reagent composition and small amount of reagents for each test, simple setting of parameters, whole automatic procedure with few errors, short detection time contributive to batch detection and reduction of manpower cost, simple calibration and quality control procedure to ensure accurate and reliable results, output of results in the order of the samples in favor of clinical diagnosis and treatment, and open reagents applicable to various automatic biochemistry analyzers. At present, the automatic method is applied in the detection of such semen biochemical markers as seminal plasma total and neutral alpha-glucosidase, acid phosphatase, fructose, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, zinc, citric acid, uric acid, superoxide dismutase and carnitine, sperm acrosin and lactate dehydrogenase C4, and semen free elastase, which can be used to evaluate the secretory functions of the epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate, sperm acrosome and energy metabolism function, seminal plasma antioxidative function, and infection or silent infection in the male genital tract.
Acid Phosphatase ; analysis ; Biomarkers ; analysis ; Carnitine ; analysis ; Citric Acid ; analysis ; Epididymis ; metabolism ; Fructose ; analysis ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; diagnosis ; Isoenzymes ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; Male ; Prostate ; metabolism ; Semen ; chemistry ; Seminal Vesicles ; Spermatozoa ; chemistry ; alpha-Glucosidases ; analysis ; gamma-Glutamyltransferase ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo detect the changes of biochemical markers in the semen of premature ejaculation patients and investigate the correlation of the markers with premature ejaculation.

METHODSFifty-six premature ejaculation patients and 60 males with normal sexual behavior were enrolled in this experiment. Acid phosphatase, alpha- glucosidase and fructose were assayed by the methods of glucose oxidase, disodium phenyl phosphate and disodium phenyl phosphate respectively.

RESULTSThe contents of acid phosphatase, alpha-glucosidase and fructose were (36.37 +/- 31.33) U/ml, (39.97 +/- 22. 09) U/ml and (3.40 +/- 1.92) mg/ml in the premature ejaculation patients and (54. 27 +/- 20. 96) U/ml, (55.71 +/- 16.19) U/ml and (2.55 +/- 1.12) mg/ml in the normal control, respectively, with significant differences in the former two markers between the two groups. The rate of the abnormal content of both acid phosphatase and alpha- glucosidase was 31% and 13% (P < 0.05) , while that of the normal content of the three markers was 10% and 33% in premature ejaculation group and the control, respectively (P < 0. 05 ).

CONCLUSIONThe abnormality of both acid phosphatase and alpha-glucosidase is one of the causes of premature ejaculation. Because acid phosphatase and alpha- glucosidase reflect the functions of the prostate and epididymis, we should pay attention to the status of these two organs in the treatment of premature ejaculation.

Acid Phosphatase ; analysis ; Adult ; Biomarkers ; analysis ; Ejaculation ; physiology ; Fructose ; analysis ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Semen ; chemistry ; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; alpha-Glucosidases ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the correlation of the level of free L-carnitine with accessory gland markers and its clinical significance.

METHODSSemen samples from 30 fertile men and 222 infertile patients were collected by masturbation. The measurement of the semen quality was carried out by computer-assisted semen analysis system. The seminal plasma components of free L-carnitine, alpha-glucosidase, fructose and acid phosphatase were determined. The results obtained were statistically calculated with an SPSS 12.0 program to evaluate the difference between the control group and the infertile one and the correlation of the free L-carnitine levels with the seminal plasma components of alpha-glucosidase, fructose and acid phosphatase.

RESULTSThe concentration of free L-carnitine (P < 0.01) and the activity of alpha-glucosidase (P < 0.05) were significantly reduced in the infertile group as compared with the control, with no significant difference in the concentration of fructose and the activity of acid phosphatase between the two groups. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between seminal plasma free L-carnitine level and alpha-glucosidase activity (r = 0.504, P < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONThe determination of free L-carnitine level in seminal plasma is a useful test in the evaluation of epididymal function, which may serve as a guidance for the clinical treatment of male infertility as well as for the study on the mechanisms of male reproduction.

Acid Phosphatase ; analysis ; metabolism ; Adult ; Carnitine ; analysis ; metabolism ; Case-Control Studies ; Fructose ; analysis ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Male ; Semen ; chemistry ; alpha-Glucosidases ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo investigate osthole effect on femoral tissue resorption activity of rat in vitro.

METHODSSix SD rats weighted (80 ± 5) g were used to isolate and culture femoral tissue (diaphyses and metaphysis) in vitro. The cultured tissue were devided into control group, estradiol group and osthole group. The femoral tissue was treated with final concentration of 1 x 10(-5) mol/L osthole and 1 x 10(-8) mol/L estradiol culture in vitro at 48 hours after cultured. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (StrACP) activity, glucose and Lactic acid content, StrACP, MCSF (Macrophage colony stimulating factor) and CTSK (Cathepsin K) mRNA was detected by Real-Time RT-PCR were detected.

RESULTSConcetration of Alkaline phosphatase activity were 2226 and 2498 in 1 x 10(-5) mol/L osthole and 1 x 10(-8) mol/L estradiol respectively. As compared with control group, the activity of StrACP of 1 x 10(-5) mol/L osthole and 1 x 10(-8) mol/L estradiol were inhibited at 6, 9, 12 days (P < 0.05); under treatment of in l x 10(-5) mol/L osthole, the content of Lactic acid were increased and the content of glucose were decreased at 3, 6, 9 days (P < 0.05); StrACP, MCSF and CTSK mRNA expression level were inhibited at 6, 9 days (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONOsthole can inhibit bone resorption and raise the level of nutrition metabolism of femurs tissue.

Acid Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Bone Resorption ; prevention & control ; Coumarins ; pharmacology ; Estradiol ; pharmacology ; Femur ; drug effects ; Glucose ; analysis ; Lactic Acid ; analysis ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo explore the pathophysiological and biomechanical features of skeletal muscular injury for providing a rational basis for its treatment, prevention and rehabilitation.

METHODSIn 70 adult rabbits, the left tibialis anterior (TA) muscle was stretched to injury, while the right TA muscle served as control. Histological, enzymohistochemical and biomechanical changes were observed on days 0, 1, 2, 3, and 7 after injury. Cytochrome oxidase (CCO), acid phosphatase (ACP), ATPase, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), NADH-diaphorase (NADHD), glutamatedehydrogenase (GDH), alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (alpha-GPD) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. The examined biomechanical parameters included maximal contractile force, ultimate load, length, energy absorption, tangent stiffness, and rupture site.

RESULTSPartial or complete rupture of TA muscle occurred near the muscle-tendon junction. There was an intense inflammatory reaction on day 1 and 2 after injury. Endomysium fibrosis and myotube formation were observed on day 3, and developed further on day 7. The activity of cell oxidases (CCO, ATPase, MDH, alpha-GPD, SDH, NADHD and GDH) showed a significant drop from day 0 to 2, and resumed with different levels on day 3. The increment of enzymatic activities continued on day 7 and the levels of NADHD and alpha-GPD reached to the levels of control muscle. Maximal contractile force was 70.17%+/-3.82% of controls immediately after injury, 54.82%+/-3.09% at 1 day, 66.41%+/-4.36% at 2 days, 78.39%+/-4.90% at 3 days and 93.64%+/-5.02% at 7 days. Ultimate load was 85.78%+/-7.54% of controls at the moment of injury, 61.44%+/-5.91% at 1 day, 49.17%+/-4.26% at 2 days, 64.43%+/-5.02% at 3 days, and 76.71%+/-6.46% at 7 days.

CONCLUSIONSEndomysium fibrosis and scar formation at the injured site are responsible for frequent recurrence of skeletal muscle injury. Recovery of tensile load slower than that of maximal contractile force may be another cause. Whether the injured muscle returns to normal exercise is mainly determined by the tensility on which the muscle-tendon can bear rather than the maximal contractile force.

Acid Phosphatase ; analysis ; Adenosine Triphosphatases ; analysis ; Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Dihydrolipoamide Dehydrogenase ; analysis ; Electron Transport Complex IV ; analysis ; Glutamate Dehydrogenase ; analysis ; Glycerolphosphate Dehydrogenase ; analysis ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; analysis ; Malate Dehydrogenase ; analysis ; Muscle, Skeletal ; injuries ; pathology ; physiology ; Rabbits ; Succinate Dehydrogenase ; analysis