Kenneth A. Ginsburg

Bio: Kenneth A. Ginsburg is an academic researcher from Wayne State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Sperm & Luteal phase. The author has an hindex of 16, co-authored 34 publications receiving 806 citations. Previous affiliations of Kenneth A. Ginsburg include University of Michigan.

Vaginal-Associated Immunity in Women with Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: Evidence for Vaginal Th1-Type Responses following Intravaginal Challenge with Candida Antigen

Abstract: Studies from women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) and from an animal model of experimental vaginitis suggest that deficiencies in immune function should be examined at the local rather than systemic level. Evidence of vaginal cell-mediated immunity (CMI) was evaluated for the first time in cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) fluid from RVVC patients. Results showed that although constitutive Th1- and Th2-type cytokine expression was detectable in CVL fluid from normal women, and differences in cytokines were observed in RVVC patients, limitations in experimental design of such de novo analyses urged caution in interpretation. Alternatively, attempts were made to establish conditions in control subjects whereby vaginal immunity could be detected after intravaginal challenge with Candida antigen. Preliminary results showed that Th1-type cytokines (interleukin-2 and -12, interferon-gamma) and histamine were increased 16-18 h after intravaginal introduction of Candida skin test antigen. Intravaginal antigenic challenge represents a novel approach for studying Candida-specific vaginal CMI.

Dopamine as a prolactin (PRL) inhibitor.

Abstract: Dopamine is a small and relatively simple molecule that fulfills diverse functions. Within the brain, it acts as a classical neurotransmitter whose attenuation or overactivity can result in disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia. Major advances in the cloning and characterization of biosynthetic enzymes, transporters, and receptors have increased our knowledge regarding the metabolism, release, reuptake, and mechanism of action of dopamine. Dopamine reaches the pituitary via hypophysial portal blood from several hypothalamic nerve tracts that are regulated by PRL itself, estrogens, and several neuropeptides and neurotransmitters. Dopamine binds to type-2 dopamine receptors that are functionally linked to membrane channels and G proteins and suppresses the high intrinsic secretory activity of the pituitary lactotrophs. In addition to inhibiting PRL release by controlling calcium fluxes, dopamine activates several interacting intracellular signaling pathways and suppresses PRL gene expression and lactotroph proliferation. Thus, PRL homeostasis should be viewed in the context of a fine balance between the action of dopamine as an inhibitor and the many hypothalamic, systemic, and local factors acting as stimulators, none of which has yet emerged as a primary PRL releasing factor. The generation of transgenic animals with overexpressed or mutated genes expanded our understanding of dopamine-PRL interactions and the physiological consequences of their perturbations. PRL release in humans, which differs in many respects from that in laboratory animals, is affected by several drugs used in clinical practice. Hyperprolactinemia is a major neuroendocrine-related cause of reproductive disturbances in both men and women. The treatment of hyperprolactinemia has greatly benefited from the generation of progressively more effective and selective dopaminergic drugs. (Endocrine Reviews 22: 724–763, 2001)

Candida glabrata: review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical disease with comparison to C. albicans

Abstract: Until recently, Candida glabrata was considered a relatively nonpathogenic commensal fungal organism of human mucosal tissues. However, with the increased use of immunosuppressive agents, mucosal and systemic infections caused by C. glabrata have increased significantly, especially in the human immunodeficiency virus-infected population. A major obstacle in C. glabrata infections is their innate resistance to azole antimycotic therapy, which is very effective in treating infections caused by other Candida species. Candida glabrata, formerly known as Torulopsis glabrata, contrasts with other Candida species in its nondimorphic blastoconidial morphology and haploid genome. C. glabrata currently ranks second or third as the causative agent of superficial (oral, esophageal, vaginal, or urinary) or systemic candidal infections, which are often nosocomial. Currently, however, there are few recognized virulence factors of C. glabrata and little is known about the host defense mechanisms that protect against infection. Two established animal models (systemic and vaginal) have been established to study treatment, pathogenesis, and immunity. Treatment of C. glabrata infections can include azoles but often requires amphotericin B or flucytosine. This review summarizes all known clinical and experimental information about C. glabrata infections with comparisons to C. albicans as a means of contrasting the two species commonly observed and emphasizing the many recognized differences.

Ovarian Aging: Mechanisms and Clinical Consequences

Abstract: Menopause is the final step in the process referred to as ovarian ageing. The age related decrease in follicle numbers dictates the onset of cycle irregularity and the final cessation of menses. The parallel decay in oocyte quality contributes to the gradual decline in fertility and the final occurrence of natural sterility. Endocrine changes mainly relate to the decline in the negative feedback from ovarian factors at the hypothalamo-pituitary unit. The declining cohort of antral follicles with age first results in graduallyelevatedFSHlevels,followedbysubsequentstagesofovertcycleirregularity.Thegradualdecline in the size of the antral follicle cohort is best represented by decreasing levels of anti-Mullerian hormone. The variability of ovarian ageing among women is evident from the large variation in age at menopause. The identificationofwomenwhohaveseverelydecreasedovarianreservefortheirageisclinicallyrelevant.Ovarian reserve tests have appeared to be fairly accurate in predicting response to ovarian stimulation in the assisted reproductive technology (ART) setting. The capacity to predict the chances for spontaneous pregnancy or pregnancy after ART appears very limited. As menopause and the preceding decline in oocyte quality seem to have a fixed time interval, tests that predict the age at menopause may be useful to assess individual reproductive lifespan. Especially genetic studies, both addressing candidate gene and genome wide association, have identified several interesting loci of small genetic variation that may determine fetal follicle pool development and subsequent wastage of his pool over time. Improved knowledge of the ovarian ageing mechanisms may ultimately provide tools for prediction of menopause and manipulation of the early steps of folliculogenesis for the purpose of contraception and fertility lifespan extension. (Endocrine Reviews 30: 465–493, 2009)